Though it won't be appearing at this week's 2009 New York Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz decided to drop the details on its updated 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class anyway. The automaker's flagship sedan arrives later this year with a revised exterior, a hybrid option, and numerous technological upgrades.
The new S400 Hybrid (check our our first drive of the European model) receives power from a 3.5L V-6 mated to a seven-speed automatic and an electric motor with a lithium-ion battery. Output is 295 hp and 284 lb.-ft. of torque, with the electric motor contributing 20 hp and 118 lb.-ft. With a start-stop system and regenerative braking, Mercedes claims that the hybrid returns 29 mpg combined. As a bonus, the hybrid system resides in the engine bay and doesn't compromise trunk or interior space.
For those less green-inclined, the 382-horse S550 remains an available with optional 4Matic all-wheel drive along with the 510-hp V-12-powered S600. High-performance AMG variants still include the 518-hp S63 and twin-turbo, 604-hp S65. For more details click here.