2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid (photos)

The S-class is Mercedes-Benz's flagship sedan, the pinnacle of luxury. Since its 2007 model update, it has sported V-8 and V-12 engines. But upcoming European CO2 regulations caused Mercedes-Benz to explore a lower emission model, hence the S400 Hybrid.

The S-class has picked up some minor styling updates since the 2007 model, such as greater use of LEDs. Note the LED parking lights across the lower intakes.

The power plant, based on a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, uses a mild hybrid system comprised of a 20 horsepower motor and a lithium ion battery pack. The S400 Hybrid represents the first use of lithium ion battery chemistry in a major production hybrid vehicle.

The S-class fits four in extreme comfort, and easily carries five occupants. Rear seat passengers will find plenty of leg room, no matter how far back the front seats are set.

Our car came with this AMG wheel package, which doesn't make a whole lot of sense for the hybrid, and adds almost 6 grand to the price.

The ride quality, on the S400 Hybrid's air suspension, is exceptional. A button takes the car from Comfort to Sport modes, the latter tightening up the suspension and counteracting body roll.

The trunk capacity of the S400 Hybrid is undiminished, as the battery pack is packaged into the engine compartment.

Mercedes-Benz does an excellent job keeping the dashboard simple and clean, even hiding the six-disc CD changer behind a panel.

At slow speeds, the steering feel is over-powered and light, suiting the luxury character of the car. But at high speeds, the steering communicates more road feel.

Drivers can view a variety of information in the center of the speedometer, including trip, music, navigation, and this hybrid power flow graphic.

The adaptive cruise control works exceptionally well, even bringing the car to a full stop when the car ahead comes to a halt. The driver doesn't need to touch the pedals in stop and go traffic.

The speedometer is not a physical gauge, merely an animation, and gets replaced by this view when night vision is activated. The speed indicator is shown along the bottom of the display.

The Mercedes-Benz COMAND interface uses this big metal knob to control screen inputs. Buttons around the knob offer quick access to navigation, audio, and seat adjustment.

Mercedes-Benz added new 3D maps, rendering buildings in city centers, to its navigation system.

The navigation system shows traffic information, including flow and incidents. With a destination programmed, it will dynamically route around bad traffic.

Mercedes-Benz includes Zagat restaurant ratings in the navigation system's points of interest database.

The audio system includes HD radio, delivering high quality audio from broadcast sources. The stereo also has iPod integration, satellite radio, and onboard hard drive storage.

The iPod integration lets you search for music by album, artist, and genre.

The Harman Kardon Logic 7 audio system sounds spectacular, delivering excellent music reproduction from its 600-watt amp and 15 speakers.

The rear-seat entertainment package includes screens behind each headrest, and wireless headphones.

A rearview camera includes distance lines, but they don't show trajectory.

A blind-spot detection system shows this red icon in the side view mirror when a car is in the lane next to the S400 Hybrid.