Mercedes S400 hybrid

These are the first shots that prove the German carmaker is serious about launching a hybrid version of its range-topper.

Badged the S 400, this S-Class will be powered by a 275-bhp V6 plus an electric engine driven by lithium batteries and regenerative braking. Together with the four-cylinder S 300 Bluetec Hybrid that Mercedes displayed last year and a more potent V8-powered S 500 Hybrid the Germans are believed to develop to compete against Lexus’ LS 600h, Mercedes will soon have the cleanest range of luxury cars possible at the moment. Then it’s up to the customers whether or not the hybrids from Stuttgart will become a success...