Mercedes Benz S300 BlueTec HYBRID & S400 HYBRID Long version
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/8/7/26875647/__6405633.jpg)
The latest Mercedes S-Class has blown away its luxury rivals, but despite taking giant steps forward in terms of interior quality and technology, fuel efficiency hasn't been quite so remarkable.
That's all about to change, though, with the arrival of this new S300 Bluetec Hybrid model. It uses the same combination of diesel-electric power as the E300 Hybrid – which pairs a 2.1-litre diesel engine with a small electric motor built into the seven-speed automatic gearbox – for a combined output of 229bhp. Mercedes has pulled out all the stops for its impressive first attempt in the S Class. Unlike all other brands hybrids on sale in Thailand, the new Mercedes Benz S 300 BlueTec HYBRID Exclusive relies on a turbo diesel engine rather than the petrol engines that are traditionally used in hybrids. A first time for a small diesel in the S class.
Although the battery pack in the boot adds an additional 60kg (pushing the overall weight to more than two tonnes), the S300 emits just 120g/km and returns a claimed average economy of 61.4mpg, making it by far the most efficient four-door limousine on the market.
Like many hybrids, the new S300 has something of a split personality. At low speeds and around town the 27bhp electric motor does the work, while the four-cylinder diesel unit remains firmly off. Cruising almost silently along like this is really satisfying, and fits in nicely with the rest of the S-Class's refined character.
Refinement is good at motorway speeds, too, but the 2.1-litre diesel engine is not particularly hushed, and the undignified clatter it makes during start-up and under hard acceleration spoils the otherwise relaxing driving experience. At most times though it is difficult to notice that it is a diesel from inside of the car, because Mercedes have done an excellent job in keeping the diesel sound out. For those who can't live the diesel clatter , there is the faster Mercedes Benz S 400 HYBRID with its smooth petrol V6. In Thailand the S400 comes at a higher cost than the S300 because of its higher taxed power output and higher AMG Premium spec level.
With the diesel engine fired up, the performance is close to that of the S350 V6 diesel model. With plenty of torque available from low revs, this new diesel-hybrid engine does an excellent job of powering the S-Class along at a decent pace, building speed quickly and smoothly.
The sprint from 0-62mph takes just 7.6 seconds and the switch from electric to hybrid power is achieved in an impressively quick and near-seamless fashion.
For a car this big and heavy, handling is also impressive. The S300 rides with all the suppleness of any S-Class, with the standard adaptive air suspension cushioning you from all but the biggest bumps in the road.
The steering is light, but gets gradually heavier when cornering at higher speeds, and it's also precise enough to give the driver enough confidence to place this big car accurately on the road.
Apart from the gruff engine, other intrusive noises are all kept to an absolute minimum, and road and wind noise are barely audible in the cabin, even at quite high speeds.
What is the 2014 S300 BlueTec Hybrid like inside? Utterly peerless. The S300 introduces several new features to the luxurious cabin, with the smartphone-style 'touchpad' from the C-Class fitted to the centre console. It allows you to pinch to zoom, and swipe left and right through the various menus of the COMAND infotainment system. It's not as intuitive as expected - it's still easier to use the rotary dial to control the system - but it will now be fitted as standard to every version of the S-Class.
The S300 hybrid also has an energy flow meter to measure how the power is being shuffled between its two power sources. The display shows how much charge there is left in the batteries, which provides a visual cue to help maintain pure electric driving without the diesel engine cutting in suddenly.
The AMG Line trim comes with an extensive standard kit list which besides exterior updates, includes AGB wheels, Burmester® upgraded surround sound system, Panoramic sliding sunroof. DVD Changer, Individual Entertainment system gives passengers in the rear their very personal entertainment programme. Two 25.4-cm displays and wireless headphones provide brilliant picture and sound quality.
This extended wheelbase version has a vast amount of room for any rear passengers to stretch out in, with two individual lounge style seats. The car we tested was fitted with the Executive seat the rear-seat passenger behind the front-passenger seat can enjoy even long journeys in absolute relaxation. The seat can recline into a comfortable lying positing at the push of a button. The combination of legrest and footrest creates a comfortable bed.In conjunction with the Chauffeur package the reclined position of the outer rear seat behind the front passenger can be further extended if there are breaks in the journey. The head restraint for the front passenger seat can be removed and the seat back folded completely down, in this way extending the reclining seat to the front.
A cushionbag improves occupant protection when the backrest is reclined far. In the event of a frontal collision it deploys under the seat cushion and thus counteracts submarining under the seat belt..
Up front, the mix of tactile, high quality materials with a vast array of technology makes the S-Class feel years ahead of its closest rivals. All the switchgear feels robust and substantial, and visibility is good, although the thick pillars do create the occasional blind spot when pulling out of tight junctions.
The thinking of the diesel is to improve on the already impressive low diesel fuel use by adopting an electric motor. This new hybrid Benz will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds and only use 4.7 l of petrol for each 100 km driven. This is the Mercedes S300 BlueTec Hybrid, one of two hybrid versions of the new S-class on sale in Thailand. The other, the S400 Hybrid, mates a petrol-fed 3.5-litre V6 to an electric motor for V8-chasing performance, but this S300 is more innovative as it’s powered by a small four-cylinder diesel engine. The e-motor also adds 184lb ft of extra torque. The S300 BlueTec Hybrid & S400 Hybrid only comes in long-wheelbase guise.
Can you tell it’s a little four-cylinder diesel under the bonnet?
Sometimes. Press the starter button when there’s enough charge in the lithium-ion batteries and you'll glide in silent EV mode out of your driveway, along your road and get up a decent head of speed before the engine fires into life, by which point there’s some ambient wind and tyre and road noise to dampen its effect. But if the batteries are depleted and the engine starts from cold at a standstill (or with a door or window open) then it’s a loud little runt – or at least seems so because the S-class is so refined and quiet than any sudden introduction of noise feels intrusive.
It doesn't have the ultimate grunt of the S400, the diesel engine and e-motor combining to give more of a polite nudge in the back than the six-cylinder’s kick. A display in the digital dials reveals when the motor is providing boost.
Yet beyond that you rarely think about what’s powering this S-class. What'll impress your (back seat) passengers is the silence when the S-class first wafts away from a gala awards ceremony in electric mode, the superb integration between the diesel engine, seven-speed gearbox and e-motor, and the serene ride, overall refinement (it’s nigh-on as quiet as a Rolls-Royce Phantom) and ambience (this is a Mercedes interior that feels genuinely special).
What are the downsides then? The electric module is incorporated into the gearbox and fits under the bonnet, but the batteries go into the boot, and that means a big plastic shroud eats into luggage space.
It’s no Porsche Panamera behind the wheel either. Granted that’s never been part of the S-class’s remit.
That, and although the interior is spectacular, its also a expensive car.
Conclusion:
How often do owner’s thrash their limos? Almost never, which is why the luxury-focused S-class is always a hit, and the latest iteration has put a genuine step between it and rivals from Audi and BMW. And although the hybrid powertrain might be a boardroom boast for some owners, its EV mode ups the impression of refinement while the smaller engine genuinely improves fuel consumption.
Mercedes' hybrid S-class offers up impressive – and potentially attainable – economy figures but its four-cylinder diesel engine might not be refined enough for some in a car of its calibre. Those seeking a refined frugal S-class
with the unique abilities of a hybrid system appeal should instead opt for the faster S400 Hybrid L. It couples a serene petrol V6 with the same hybrid system, maintaining the S-class's tranquil luxury with ease, with the sportier AMG look.
Test drives: CarBuyer AutoBytel Kelley Blue Book TestDriveNow Autocar
That's all about to change, though, with the arrival of this new S300 Bluetec Hybrid model. It uses the same combination of diesel-electric power as the E300 Hybrid – which pairs a 2.1-litre diesel engine with a small electric motor built into the seven-speed automatic gearbox – for a combined output of 229bhp. Mercedes has pulled out all the stops for its impressive first attempt in the S Class. Unlike all other brands hybrids on sale in Thailand, the new Mercedes Benz S 300 BlueTec HYBRID Exclusive relies on a turbo diesel engine rather than the petrol engines that are traditionally used in hybrids. A first time for a small diesel in the S class.
Although the battery pack in the boot adds an additional 60kg (pushing the overall weight to more than two tonnes), the S300 emits just 120g/km and returns a claimed average economy of 61.4mpg, making it by far the most efficient four-door limousine on the market.
Like many hybrids, the new S300 has something of a split personality. At low speeds and around town the 27bhp electric motor does the work, while the four-cylinder diesel unit remains firmly off. Cruising almost silently along like this is really satisfying, and fits in nicely with the rest of the S-Class's refined character.
Refinement is good at motorway speeds, too, but the 2.1-litre diesel engine is not particularly hushed, and the undignified clatter it makes during start-up and under hard acceleration spoils the otherwise relaxing driving experience. At most times though it is difficult to notice that it is a diesel from inside of the car, because Mercedes have done an excellent job in keeping the diesel sound out. For those who can't live the diesel clatter , there is the faster Mercedes Benz S 400 HYBRID with its smooth petrol V6. In Thailand the S400 comes at a higher cost than the S300 because of its higher taxed power output and higher AMG Premium spec level.
With the diesel engine fired up, the performance is close to that of the S350 V6 diesel model. With plenty of torque available from low revs, this new diesel-hybrid engine does an excellent job of powering the S-Class along at a decent pace, building speed quickly and smoothly.
The sprint from 0-62mph takes just 7.6 seconds and the switch from electric to hybrid power is achieved in an impressively quick and near-seamless fashion.
For a car this big and heavy, handling is also impressive. The S300 rides with all the suppleness of any S-Class, with the standard adaptive air suspension cushioning you from all but the biggest bumps in the road.
The steering is light, but gets gradually heavier when cornering at higher speeds, and it's also precise enough to give the driver enough confidence to place this big car accurately on the road.
Apart from the gruff engine, other intrusive noises are all kept to an absolute minimum, and road and wind noise are barely audible in the cabin, even at quite high speeds.
What is the 2014 S300 BlueTec Hybrid like inside? Utterly peerless. The S300 introduces several new features to the luxurious cabin, with the smartphone-style 'touchpad' from the C-Class fitted to the centre console. It allows you to pinch to zoom, and swipe left and right through the various menus of the COMAND infotainment system. It's not as intuitive as expected - it's still easier to use the rotary dial to control the system - but it will now be fitted as standard to every version of the S-Class.
The S300 hybrid also has an energy flow meter to measure how the power is being shuffled between its two power sources. The display shows how much charge there is left in the batteries, which provides a visual cue to help maintain pure electric driving without the diesel engine cutting in suddenly.
The AMG Line trim comes with an extensive standard kit list which besides exterior updates, includes AGB wheels, Burmester® upgraded surround sound system, Panoramic sliding sunroof. DVD Changer, Individual Entertainment system gives passengers in the rear their very personal entertainment programme. Two 25.4-cm displays and wireless headphones provide brilliant picture and sound quality.
This extended wheelbase version has a vast amount of room for any rear passengers to stretch out in, with two individual lounge style seats. The car we tested was fitted with the Executive seat the rear-seat passenger behind the front-passenger seat can enjoy even long journeys in absolute relaxation. The seat can recline into a comfortable lying positing at the push of a button. The combination of legrest and footrest creates a comfortable bed.In conjunction with the Chauffeur package the reclined position of the outer rear seat behind the front passenger can be further extended if there are breaks in the journey. The head restraint for the front passenger seat can be removed and the seat back folded completely down, in this way extending the reclining seat to the front.
A cushionbag improves occupant protection when the backrest is reclined far. In the event of a frontal collision it deploys under the seat cushion and thus counteracts submarining under the seat belt..
Up front, the mix of tactile, high quality materials with a vast array of technology makes the S-Class feel years ahead of its closest rivals. All the switchgear feels robust and substantial, and visibility is good, although the thick pillars do create the occasional blind spot when pulling out of tight junctions.
The thinking of the diesel is to improve on the already impressive low diesel fuel use by adopting an electric motor. This new hybrid Benz will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.6 seconds and only use 4.7 l of petrol for each 100 km driven. This is the Mercedes S300 BlueTec Hybrid, one of two hybrid versions of the new S-class on sale in Thailand. The other, the S400 Hybrid, mates a petrol-fed 3.5-litre V6 to an electric motor for V8-chasing performance, but this S300 is more innovative as it’s powered by a small four-cylinder diesel engine. The e-motor also adds 184lb ft of extra torque. The S300 BlueTec Hybrid & S400 Hybrid only comes in long-wheelbase guise.
Can you tell it’s a little four-cylinder diesel under the bonnet?
Sometimes. Press the starter button when there’s enough charge in the lithium-ion batteries and you'll glide in silent EV mode out of your driveway, along your road and get up a decent head of speed before the engine fires into life, by which point there’s some ambient wind and tyre and road noise to dampen its effect. But if the batteries are depleted and the engine starts from cold at a standstill (or with a door or window open) then it’s a loud little runt – or at least seems so because the S-class is so refined and quiet than any sudden introduction of noise feels intrusive.
It doesn't have the ultimate grunt of the S400, the diesel engine and e-motor combining to give more of a polite nudge in the back than the six-cylinder’s kick. A display in the digital dials reveals when the motor is providing boost.
Yet beyond that you rarely think about what’s powering this S-class. What'll impress your (back seat) passengers is the silence when the S-class first wafts away from a gala awards ceremony in electric mode, the superb integration between the diesel engine, seven-speed gearbox and e-motor, and the serene ride, overall refinement (it’s nigh-on as quiet as a Rolls-Royce Phantom) and ambience (this is a Mercedes interior that feels genuinely special).
What are the downsides then? The electric module is incorporated into the gearbox and fits under the bonnet, but the batteries go into the boot, and that means a big plastic shroud eats into luggage space.
It’s no Porsche Panamera behind the wheel either. Granted that’s never been part of the S-class’s remit.
That, and although the interior is spectacular, its also a expensive car.
Conclusion:
How often do owner’s thrash their limos? Almost never, which is why the luxury-focused S-class is always a hit, and the latest iteration has put a genuine step between it and rivals from Audi and BMW. And although the hybrid powertrain might be a boardroom boast for some owners, its EV mode ups the impression of refinement while the smaller engine genuinely improves fuel consumption.
Mercedes' hybrid S-class offers up impressive – and potentially attainable – economy figures but its four-cylinder diesel engine might not be refined enough for some in a car of its calibre. Those seeking a refined frugal S-class
with the unique abilities of a hybrid system appeal should instead opt for the faster S400 Hybrid L. It couples a serene petrol V6 with the same hybrid system, maintaining the S-class's tranquil luxury with ease, with the sportier AMG look.
Test drives: CarBuyer AutoBytel Kelley Blue Book TestDriveNow Autocar
In German: Test drive with no one less but the chief engineer of the S-Class himself, Dr. Hermann Joseph Storp, at the steering wheel of the then most fuel-efficient luxury car in the world: the Mercedes-Benz S 300 BlueTEC HYBRID (W222) - now only excelled by the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID. Design
The Integral Safety Concept from Mercedes-Benz divides vehicle safety into four phases:
Virtually no other area inspires the Mercedes-Benz engineers to produce such consistently impressive results as much as research into new safety technologies. The first important safety milestone was reached back in the 1950s with the development of the passenger safety cell, invented by Béla Barényi. Today it is just one of many components of the Integral Safety Concept which edges Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever closer to our vision of accident-free driving.
Phase 1: safe driving
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill-Start Assist, priming, brake drying and HOLD function
Adaptive LED brake light, flashing
ATTENTION ASSIST
ESP® Dynamic Curve Assist
Headlamp Assist
LED Intelligent Light System
Phase 2: in critical situations
Mercedes-Benz stands for automotive safety. That's why our vehicles can support their passengers even in critical driving situations, so that every journey is as safe as it can possibly be.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Acceleration skid control (ASR)
PRE-SAFE® system
Phase 3: in an accident
Cars from Mercedes-Benz have a host of safety systems to prevent accidents. Should the worst come to the worst, however, a number of different safety measures are activated to give the best possible protection for all the vehicle occupants.
Airbags for driver and front passenger with adaptive levels for the front passenger airbag
Active bonnet with pedestrian protection
Sidebags for driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis airbag)
Rear sidebags, left and right
Windowbags
Phase 4: after an accident
To reduce consequential damage after an accident and support the work of the rescue services, a number of different actions are initiated, depending on the type and severity of the accident:
Safety Equipment
Active Bonnet – pedestrian safety measure
Adaptive brake lights
Airbags – driver and front passenger
Airbags – front and rear sidebags
Airbags – windowbags
Alarm system with immobiliser and interior protection (MBSS3)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)
Attention Assist
Monitors steering behaviour and can help alert to long journey fatigue
Automatic child seat recognition sensor
Works in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz child seats fitted with transponder
Automatically dimming rear-view mirror and driver’s exterior mirror
Brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering
Brake pad wear indicator – front brakes
Collision Prevention Assist
Crosswind Assist
Electric parking brake
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist
First-aid kit
Front passenger seat with Pre-Safe® positioning function
Head restraints, rear (3) – electrically lowering
Headlamp Assist – automatic headlamp activation
ISOFIX child seat fixing points in rear (two outer seats)
Locking wheel bolts
Pre-Safe® anticipatory safety system
Pre-Safe® Impulse
Rain-sensing wipers – two-stage
Rear seat belt status indicator
Remote central locking
Seat belts, rear – three-point (3)
Seat belt pre-tensioners, belt force limiters and automatic belt height adjustment – front and outer rear seats
Traffic Sign Assist
Speed Limit Assist with wrong-way warning function and display of speed limit in instrument cluster
Tyre pressure loss warning system
Comfort and safety have now been fused. You can see it and feel it in the new S-Class. Experience a new dimension in driving.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill-Start Assist, priming, brake drying and HOLD function
Active Parking Assist
ATTENTION ASSIST
ESP® Dynamic Curve Assist
Headlamp Assist
LED Intelligent Light System
PRE-SAFE® impulse
PRE-SAFE® rear package
PRE-SAFE® system
High-tech for multifunctional travelling - the rear seat of the new S-Class.
Work or relax - both are possible in the back of the new S-Class. Unique systems ensure that passengers can travel in uncompromising comfort. The vehicle can glide like a flying carpet along the roads, and the individually fragranced room air of the AIR BALANCE package will fill passengers with a sense of perfect well-being. The interior of the new S-Class is an executive floor on tour.
AIR-BALANCE package
Ambient lighting
Chauffeur package
EASY ADJUST luxury head restraints for driver and front passenger
Executive seat on the front-passenger side with leg support
KEYLESS GO package
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control for the rear
Memory package for driver and front passenger
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Climate-controlled seats for driver and front passenger
Seat Comfort package for driver and front passenger
Sun Protection package
Power front seats
The Integral Safety Concept from Mercedes-Benz divides vehicle safety into four phases:
Virtually no other area inspires the Mercedes-Benz engineers to produce such consistently impressive results as much as research into new safety technologies. The first important safety milestone was reached back in the 1950s with the development of the passenger safety cell, invented by Béla Barényi. Today it is just one of many components of the Integral Safety Concept which edges Mercedes-Benz vehicles ever closer to our vision of accident-free driving.
Phase 1: safe driving
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill-Start Assist, priming, brake drying and HOLD function
Adaptive LED brake light, flashing
ATTENTION ASSIST
ESP® Dynamic Curve Assist
Headlamp Assist
LED Intelligent Light System
Phase 2: in critical situations
Mercedes-Benz stands for automotive safety. That's why our vehicles can support their passengers even in critical driving situations, so that every journey is as safe as it can possibly be.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
Acceleration skid control (ASR)
PRE-SAFE® system
Phase 3: in an accident
Cars from Mercedes-Benz have a host of safety systems to prevent accidents. Should the worst come to the worst, however, a number of different safety measures are activated to give the best possible protection for all the vehicle occupants.
Airbags for driver and front passenger with adaptive levels for the front passenger airbag
Active bonnet with pedestrian protection
Sidebags for driver and front passenger (combined thorax/pelvis airbag)
Rear sidebags, left and right
Windowbags
Phase 4: after an accident
To reduce consequential damage after an accident and support the work of the rescue services, a number of different actions are initiated, depending on the type and severity of the accident:
- Best possible protection: the engine can be turned off automatically and the fuel supply can be cut off.
- Eye-catching lighting: hazard and emergency interior lights can activate automatically to lower the risk of accidents and help locate the car.
- Better rescue possibilities: Crash joints between the wing and the door can make opening the doors after a frontal collision easier. The doors can also be automatically unlocked to give emergency services access to the occupants.
Safety Equipment
Active Bonnet – pedestrian safety measure
Adaptive brake lights
Airbags – driver and front passenger
Airbags – front and rear sidebags
Airbags – windowbags
Alarm system with immobiliser and interior protection (MBSS3)
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Brake Assist (BAS)
Attention Assist
Monitors steering behaviour and can help alert to long journey fatigue
Automatic child seat recognition sensor
Works in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz child seats fitted with transponder
Automatically dimming rear-view mirror and driver’s exterior mirror
Brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering
Brake pad wear indicator – front brakes
Collision Prevention Assist
Crosswind Assist
Electric parking brake
Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR)
ESP® Curve Dynamic Assist
First-aid kit
Front passenger seat with Pre-Safe® positioning function
Head restraints, rear (3) – electrically lowering
Headlamp Assist – automatic headlamp activation
ISOFIX child seat fixing points in rear (two outer seats)
Locking wheel bolts
Pre-Safe® anticipatory safety system
Pre-Safe® Impulse
Rain-sensing wipers – two-stage
Rear seat belt status indicator
Remote central locking
Seat belts, rear – three-point (3)
Seat belt pre-tensioners, belt force limiters and automatic belt height adjustment – front and outer rear seats
Traffic Sign Assist
Speed Limit Assist with wrong-way warning function and display of speed limit in instrument cluster
Tyre pressure loss warning system
Comfort and safety have now been fused. You can see it and feel it in the new S-Class. Experience a new dimension in driving.
ADAPTIVE BRAKE with Hill-Start Assist, priming, brake drying and HOLD function
Active Parking Assist
ATTENTION ASSIST
ESP® Dynamic Curve Assist
Headlamp Assist
LED Intelligent Light System
PRE-SAFE® impulse
PRE-SAFE® rear package
PRE-SAFE® system
High-tech for multifunctional travelling - the rear seat of the new S-Class.
Work or relax - both are possible in the back of the new S-Class. Unique systems ensure that passengers can travel in uncompromising comfort. The vehicle can glide like a flying carpet along the roads, and the individually fragranced room air of the AIR BALANCE package will fill passengers with a sense of perfect well-being. The interior of the new S-Class is an executive floor on tour.
AIR-BALANCE package
Ambient lighting
Chauffeur package
EASY ADJUST luxury head restraints for driver and front passenger
Executive seat on the front-passenger side with leg support
KEYLESS GO package
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control
THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control for the rear
Memory package for driver and front passenger
Panoramic sliding sunroof
Climate-controlled seats for driver and front passenger
Seat Comfort package for driver and front passenger
Sun Protection package
Power front seats