2011 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid

Two new luxury hybrid competitors are available this year, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 (Base MSRP: $102,300 to $106,200) and 2012 Porsche Panamera S Hybrid (Base MSRP: $95,000).

Whereas hybrid powertrains usually are an expensive upgrade from gasoline engines, the S400 Hybrid is actually the cheapest Mercedes-Benz S-Class available, and it costs more than $20,000 less than the 2011 Lexus LS 600h L (Base MSRP: $111,350), while delivering better fuel economy.

Forthcoming diesel S-Class could/should deliver even better fuel economy

The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid carries over essentially unchanged from last year's car. For complete details and reviewer feedback, see our report on the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid. In late summer 2011, the Mercedes-Benz S350 Bluetec, which is powered by a six-cylinder diesel engine, should arrive. This model will likely achieve as good or better mileage than the S400 Hybrid, so it's worth keeping an eye on if fuel efficiency is of paramount importance.

Fuel economy is good for a large luxury sedan, and on par with other ultra-luxury hybrids, but unimpressive when compared to other cheaper hybrids. The Environmental Protection Agency rates the S400 Hybrid at 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway/21 mpg combined.

Safety scores not available

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has crash-tested the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (hybrid or otherwise) as of this writing. Standard safety equipment includes a comprehensive assortment of airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability control Features like lane-departure warning systems, night vision assist and a driver fatigue warning system are also available as options.