Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S400 Hybrid Sedan Review & Ratings

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid is one of the most luxurious Hybrid cars on the market currently and manages to do it without compromising much in performance. The gas powered 3.5 liter V6 engine has 295 horsepower, torque of 284 pounds per foot at 2400 rpm and manages to power this luxury sedan from 0 to 60 in just over 7 seconds, one of the fastest hybrids around. It achieves a very respectable and electronically limited top speed of 130mph. The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid Luxury Sedan itself generates the electricity for the battery that assists the engine to conserve fuel. Oddly for a car with a large Hybrid badge on the trunk lid and BlueEfficiency markings on the front, the S400 Hybrid is not able to run purely off battery power alone. With the assistance of the battery, it increases the fuel efficiency to 19 miles per gallon in cities and 25 miles per gallon for highway travel which gives the Mercedes-Benz S400 Luxury Sedan a very respectable range from the 23.8 gallon tank.

On the inside of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid luxury sedan, the level of comfort is as you would expect from an S Class Mercedes Benz with all leather interior, 14 way adjustable seats complete with heating, memory and massage. There is plenty of room throughout the S400 Hybrid even in the trunk as the lithium ion battery is somewhat surprisingly located under the hood. In the rear, the right side passenger is even able to adjust the front passenger seat from behind to increase leg room as required and the optional entertainment package offers individual screens and remote controls for the rear passengers.

Driving is where the only real issues occur. Overall the Mercedes-Benz S400 Luxury Sedan drives very well with a smooth, firm and fairly quiet ride. The engine has a feature that automatically cuts the engine when the car is stationary and starts it again when the accelerator is pressed to conserve fuel. Where this can become a bit of a problem is parking where the engine will turn on and off as you maneuver the car. Additionally since the S400's Hybrid battery is charged by the brake it can also feel a little heavy although it has no effect on the actual braking performance of the S400 Hybrid which is very effective.