2010 Mercedes Benz S600 and S400 Hybrid revealed

The Mercedes Benz S-Class has recently launched a new minutely-changed version for 2010. It has also launched two new models, namely the S600 and the S400 Hybrid. It is said to have improved technology for better safety, comfort and drive.

An absolutely unique combination of ultra-modern assistance and protection systems is available for the 2010 S-Class. Mercedes-Benz uses cameras in these systems – these are able to look well ahead, monitor the car’s surroundings and interpret typically critical situations. One example is the optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist. This system recognizes oncoming or leading vehicles and then controls the headlamps to ensure the best possible beam range without dazzling other drivers on the road.

Night View Assist PLUS is equipped with a special pedestrian detection function: as soon as the system detects pedestrians ahead of the car, they are highlighted on the display to make it easier for the driver to see them.

Lane Keeping Assist is another system that “looks ahead” for even safer driving. The system’s computer is able to recognize lane markings by evaluating the contrasting images of the road surface and the markings. If the vehicle leaves the lane unintentionally, the driver is warned by short vibrations of the steering wheel.

With the driver drowsiness monitor, ATTENTION ASSIST, the 2010 S-Class has very sensitive monitors for the attention level of its driver and can warn them in time when they becomes drowsy. This innovative technology continuously monitors more than 70 different parameters. Once the high-resolution steering angle sensor recognizes the steering behavior that typically indicates the onset of drowsiness, a warning signal is sounded and “ATTENTION ASSIST. Time for a break!” appears in the instrument cluster.

Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control. Both systems assist the driver during emergency braking. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognize the immediate danger of a rear-end collision, the PRE-SAFE Brake is able to intervene and brake the vehicle independently.

The new electro-hydraulic Direct-Steer system has given the 2010 S-Class better driving dynamics and agility, where the ratio varies with the steering angle.

Mercedes-Benz developers have also added a crosswind stabilization function to Active Body Control (ABC) suspension. For this purpose ABC uses the yaw rates and lateral acceleration sensors of the Electronic Stability Program ESP to vary the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts, depending on the direction and intensity of the crosswind. This enables the effects of crosswinds to be compensated, or reduced to a minimum in the case of strong gusts.

The new Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID is based on a V6 version of the S-Class and features an extensively modified drive train. This encompasses a further development of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine, an additional magneto-electric motor, the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission specially configured for the hybrid module, the necessary operating and control electronics, the transformer and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery.

The new hybrid model combines low fuel consumption and a high level of environmental compatibility with superior performance: the internal combustion engine and the hybrid module develop a combined output of 295 hp, and a combined maximum torque of 385 Nm. The electric motor contributes 20 hp and 160 Nm to the powertrain. The modified 3.5-litre gasoline engine develops 275 hp on its own.

The compact hybrid module combines the hybrid functions of an automatic start-stop system and energy recuperation. In several respects this means that the S400 HYBRID sets a new standard in its class, making it the world’s most economical luxury sedan with a gasoline engine. The combined fuel economy for the S400 HYBRID is a 30-percent increase over the S500.

During braking the electric motor acts as a generator and is able to recover kinetic energy by a process known as recuperation. During this process the electric motor works together seamlessly with the engine brake of the internal combustion engine and the conventional wheel brakes. The recuperated energy is stored by a compact but efficient lithium-ion battery in the engine compartment and retrieved when required.

The design is characterized by the more pronounced arrow-shape of the radiator grille, plus a new front bumper with a discreet light-catching contour and a chrome strip below the cooling air intakes. Exhaust tailpipes of all S-Class variants are visibly integrated into the rear bumper. The headlamps incorporate bi-xenon technology and LED indicators on the lower edge of the headlamp as standard.

The top model is still the S600 with the 517 hp 5.5-litre V12 biturbo unit, good for 0-100 kph in 4.6 seconds. The 525 hp S63 AMG and the 612 hp S65 AMG complete the line-up.

Expect the GCC-spec 2010 Mercedes Benz S-Class to be on sale in Dubai and the UAE within this year. To check for the latest prices and specs, check out the Mercedes Benz S-Class buyer guide.