The 2010 edition of the Geneva show wrapped up midway through this past March, and one message was clear when all was said and done: hybrids and any variation on the theme is the here and now. It's gotten to the point where if you don't got one, you'll either get the orca-eye or the frown. Hell! Even Ferrari is on the bandwagon! If that don't say something about the trend, then I don't know my arse from my elbow.
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| The S400 HYBRID 2010 is a leaner and cleaner alternative to regular V8-powered luxury liners. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
Toyota can be credited with having brought the technology to the mainstream. Where fifteen years ago, introducing a “hybrid” car was risky, the overwhelming acceptance in North America of the hybrid has paved the way for every other carmaker to lay claim to some form or variation on what is clearly more than a fad.
Flagship hybrid
Mercedes, having the means to do basically what they want, did the simple and perhaps logical thing: take their highly desirable flagship car, the S-Class, and create their own hybrid, essentially putting their foot in the door. Although using the very popular E-Class as a basis for a Hybrid would seem to be a more logical approach, it is difficult to fault the S-Class, and the fact that it is the technology poster-child for Mercedes. That, and also the existence of the Lexus LS 600h L hybrid and
BMW ActiveHybrid 7.
The S-Class' exterior design is polarizing but like or dislike, its sheer presence and poise is enough to have people nod, and for all to agree that it looks expensive, so it's all good. Even if the S400 Hybrid is the least expensive of the S-Class range at $105,900, it's far from being a low-end car. Eighteen-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps and spotless fit and finish make it indistinguishable from the S450 and S550. In fact, only the badging sets it apart visually.
Same goes for the cabin where everyone you know will gladly take a number to spend five minutes in any seat except the driver's 'cause they know that's your spot. Acclimatizing oneself with the location of certain controls can take a short while, but once the simplified COMAND knob and buttons are mastered, you really do feel like this car is fit for a king. Said seats are large, fully bolstered and adjustable and cajole occupants like a baby in its mother's arms.
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| The Merc rides forward with the help of the stables' much-used 3.5L V6. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
