# Mercedes S400 E400 Delivers Luxury and Efficiency - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/mercedes-s400-e400-delivers-luxury-and-efficiency/ - Published: 2014-04-18T02:20:54-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Mercedes S400 E400 Hybrids Loved By Celebs and Customers All Over While the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID were not the first gasoline- electric hybrids on the market, they introduced several important innovations. As a result, both models stood apart in the luxury hybrid segment. For example, Mercedes-Benz became the first automaker to bring a production luxury hybrid with a lithium-ion battery to market. Consequently, the company delivered a more efficient approach to hybrid technology. The S400 HYBRID also offered immediate value. In fact, it launched at a lower price than a similarly equipped gasoline- powered S550 Sedan. Meanwhile, both hybrid models improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions without sacrificing safety, comfort, or performance. Therefore, the S400 HYBRID and [E400](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/10/2017-formula-e-broadens-partnership-with-eurosport-across-europe/) HYBRID helped establish a new benchmark for luxury hybrids. The S400 HYBRID paired a lithium-ion battery with a 20-horsepower electric motor and a 3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine producing 275 horsepower. Together, the system earned EPA ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Those numbers were respectable for a full-size luxury sedan at the time. However, they no longer impress by today’s standards. Even so, Mercedes-Benz deserves credit for its sustainable interior design. Both the S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID featured premium materials, outstanding craftsmanship, and thoughtful attention to efficiency. As a result, the cabins reflected the brand’s commitment to luxury while embracing a more sustainable future. ### Celebrities seem to Love This Mercedes S400 Hybrid Electric Car! As the official vehicle of the Palm Springs International Film Festival back in 2011, Benz provided environmentally friendly luxury vehicles for Hollywood’s elite, including the S400 and E400 celebrated models. Dinner was held by Mercedes for celebrity presenters and honorees. That’s such as: Amy Adams Mark Wahlberg Natalie Portman Colin Firth Carey Mulligan Helen Mirren Taylor Hackford Aaron Eckhart Oliver Stone James Franco Amy Ryan Rashida Jones and Jesse Eisenberg (The Social Network) Ben Affleck Robert Duvall, director David O Russell (The Fighter) Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan) and songwriter Diane Warren (Burlesque) The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID also served as the official transportation for a variety of exclusive events and VIP gatherings. As a result, guests experienced the sedan’s quiet ride, premium comfort, and advanced hybrid technology firsthand. Many of these events featured the S400 HYBRID as the preferred luxury vehicle. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz also showcased E-Class hybrid variants to demonstrate the brand’s growing commitment to fuel-efficient luxury. Consequently, both models reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s vision that sustainability and first-class refinement could travel together. ## What’s So Cool?! The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID also served as the official transportation for a variety of exclusive events and VIP gatherings. As a result, guests experienced the sedan’s quiet ride, premium comfort, and advanced hybrid technology firsthand, often noticing how seamlessly the vehicle operates in real-world conditions. For example, when the S400 HYBRID is stopped at a traffic light, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. However, essential systems such as the air conditioning compressor and power steering pump continue to function electrically, ensuring that comfort and control are fully maintained at all times. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the gasoline engine restarts automatically and immediately works together with the electric motor, delivering smooth and seamless performance without interruption. ### Luxury Many of these events featured the S400 HYBRID as the preferred luxury vehicle, highlighting its ability to combine efficiency with traditional Mercedes-Benz refinement. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz also showcased E-Class hybrid variants to demonstrate the brand’s growing commitment to fuel-efficient luxury. The E400 Hybrid, in particular, shares similar intelligent hybrid behavior, reinforcing the consistency of Mercedes- Benz engineering across model lines. Consequently, both the S400 HYBRID and E400 Hybrid reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s vision that sustainability, innovation, and first- class refinement could travel together, showcasing what many consider top-tier hybrid technology in the luxury automotive segment. ### Low Emissions The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID also served as the official transportation for a variety of exclusive events and VIP gatherings. As a result, guests experienced the sedan’s quiet ride, premium comfort, and advanced hybrid technology firsthand, often noticing how seamlessly the vehicle operates in real-world conditions. For example, when the S400 HYBRID is stopped at a traffic light, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. However, essential systems such as the air conditioning compressor and power steering pump continue to function electrically, ensuring that comfort and control are fully maintained at all times. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the gasoline engine restarts automatically and immediately works together with the electric motor, delivering smooth and seamless performance without interruption. ### Technology Many of these events featured the S400 HYBRID as the preferred luxury vehicle, highlighting its ability to combine efficiency with traditional Mercedes-Benz refinement. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz also showcased E-Class hybrid variants to demonstrate the brand’s growing commitment to fuel-efficient luxury. The E400 Hybrid, in particular, shares similar intelligent hybrid behavior, reinforcing the consistency of Mercedes- Benz engineering across model lines. Consequently, both the S400 HYBRID and E400 Hybrid reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s vision that sustainability, innovation, and first- class refinement could travel together, showcasing what many consider top-tier hybrid technology in the luxury automotive segment. Beyond their presence at high-profile events, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID also stand out for their remarkable fuel efficiency and Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification. In fact, despite their size and luxury positioning, these hybrid models often outperform many smaller cars in a number of practical dimensions, including efficiency, emissions output, and long-distance comfort. At the same time, in the core virtues that define a Mercedes-Benz—from safety engineering to interior luxury and ride stability—they measure up in every way expected of the brand’s flagship standards. Further enhancing their appeal, these hybrids incorporate impactful fuel-saving and emissions-reduction innovations that also bring a range of additional environmental benefits, such as reduced overall fuel consumption and lower urban air quality impact during stop-and-go driving. Their ability to operate intelligently between electric and gasoline power not only improves efficiency but also reduces unnecessary engine strain, contributing to long-term sustainability. For these reasons, many drivers and industry observers consider the [Mercedes S400 HYBRID](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/green-sundance-a-sustainable-experience-at-the-film-festival/) and E400 HYBRID to be leaders in both sustainability and style, successfully merging environmental responsibility with the comfort, prestige, and performance expected from Mercedes-Benz. ## Regenerative Braking ![Eco start stop](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ image4.jpg?w=780&quality=52&ssl=1) During braking, the electric motor acts as a generator. As a result, it captures kinetic energy and stores it in the lithium-ion battery. Meanwhile, the conventional braking system provides additional stopping power during harder stops. The system then reuses the recovered energy to assist the electric motor. Consequently, Mercedes- Benz improves efficiency without changing the driving experience. This regenerative braking system became a key feature of the S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID. The S400 HYBRID carried EPA ratings of 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. While those figures were modest, they still improved on comparable luxury sedans of the era. Meanwhile, the E400 HYBRID delivered up to an EPA-estimated 30 mpg on the highway, making it the more efficient choice. Therefore, the S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID offered buyers a balance of luxury, performance, and improved fuel economy. The appeal extended beyond efficiency. For example, actor Robert Downey Jr. owned a Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID. His ownership highlighted the model’s blend of luxury, technology, and environmental awareness. As a result, the S400 HYBRID attracted drivers who wanted premium comfort while reducing their environmental impact. ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/the-green-living- guy-6a6a63aa448f7.png?w=780&quality=50&ssl=1 "image") Try The Eucalyptus wood trim. It’s Fabul!! LOL. no it really is cool!! For a touch of luxury, the Mercedes S400 E400 can be equipped with exclusive natural finishes. ## Eucalyptus Trim in Mercedes S400 E400 While I was reading the interior information, I was glad to see the sustainability measures for the wood interior. Instead of TREE WOOD, they use hand-polished dark brown Eucalyptus wood trim. That’s on the console, dash and doors. This is lending the S400 and E400 HYBRID cockpit a further air of SUSTAINABILITY.  Clearly, this is a highlight in the Mercedes S400 E400 series. ### Real Reporting According to [Ashley Strickland on Social Yell:](https://web.archive.org/web/20090831010617/http://news.socialyell.com:80/354/social-responsibility/eucalyptus-and-neem-make-for-super-sustainable-trees/) The Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID also served as the official transportation for a variety of exclusive events and VIP gatherings. As a result, guests experienced the sedan’s quiet ride, premium comfort, and advanced hybrid technology firsthand, often noticing how seamlessly the vehicle operates in real-world conditions. For example, when the S400 HYBRID is stopped at a traffic light, the gasoline engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. ### Tech Mix However, essential systems such as the air conditioning compressor and power steering pump continue to function electrically. That’s ensuring that comfort and control are fully maintained at all times. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the gasoline engine restarts automatically and immediately works together with the electric motor. Then it’s delivering smooth and seamless performance without interruption. ### Sustainability and Responsibility In a broader sense, this emphasis on sustainability and responsible material works. It’s use is also reflected in other industries. Businesses like REI are now selling products made from eucalyptus wood. That’s highlighting how fast-growing trees can provide a strong, durable hardwood. Essentially a wood that has been harvested sustainably. Located in regions such as Vietnam for years. In line with eco-friendly standards, some of these practices mirror what you’ll find in premium vehicles. So like Mercedes S400 and E400 models. All where efficiency and environmental responsibility are integrated. Essentially into advanced engineering rather than treated as separate goals. Many of these events featured the S400 HYBRID as the preferred luxury vehicle, highlighting its ability to combine efficiency with traditional Mercedes-Benz refinement. In some cases, Mercedes-Benz also showcased E-Class hybrid variants to demonstrate the brand’s growing commitment to fuel-efficient luxury. The E400 Hybrid, in particular, shares similar intelligent hybrid behavior, reinforcing the consistency of Mercedes- Benz engineering across model lines. Consequently, both the S400 HYBRID and E400 Hybrid reinforced Mercedes-Benz’s vision that sustainability, innovation, and first- class refinement could travel together, showcasing what many consider top-tier hybrid technology in the luxury automotive segment. ### High Profile Events Beyond their presence at high-profile events, the Mercedes-Benz S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID also stand out for their remarkable fuel efficiency and Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle certification. In fact, despite their size and luxury positioning, these hybrid models often outperform many smaller cars in a number of practical dimensions, including efficiency, emissions output, and long-distance comfort. At the same time, in the core virtues that define a Mercedes-Benz—from safety engineering to interior luxury and ride stability—they measure up in every way expected of the brand’s flagship standards. ### Mercedes S400 E400 Sustainable Appeal  Further enhancing their appeal, these hybrids incorporate impactful fuel-saving and emissions-reduction innovations that also bring a range of additional environmental benefits, such as reduced overall fuel consumption and lower urban air quality impact during stop-and-go driving. Their ability to operate intelligently between electric and gasoline power not only improves efficiency but also reduces unnecessary engine strain, contributing to long-term sustainability. For these reasons, many drivers and industry observers consider the Mercedes S400 HYBRID and E400 HYBRID to be leaders in both sustainability and style, successfully merging environmental responsibility with the comfort, prestige, and performance expected from Mercedes-Benz. ![Car dashboard with wood trim, air vents, and glove compartment with a lock for the Mercedes S400 E400](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/ 2026/07/the-green-living-guy-6a6a63d4ba363.png?w=780&quality=50&ssl=1 "Luxury car interior wood dashboard trim") This is also true for the neem tree, which is said to grow quickly and have pest- reducing/resistant qualities. Such attributes complement the sustainable luxury ethos found in the Mercedes S400 E400 range. ### Benefits of Eucalyptus in the Mercedes S400 E400 Eucalyptus trees have a multitude of benefits, besides just producing beautiful furniture. Interestingly, choosing such materials aligns with the green vision of Mercedes S400 E400 interiors. The trees are fast-growing and can be chopped off at the root so they can grow back. This renewable approach is in harmony with values championed by manufacturers of the Mercedes S400 E400 hybrids. They are also a great cash crop in their native environments and the oil can be used as a natural insecticide or in cleaning products. In the same vein, green practices are increasingly relevant to luxury carmakers like Mercedes S400 E400. Eucalyptus trees have also proved well in swamp draining in areas with risk of malaria. Environmental awareness, much like seen with the Mercedes S400 E400, is boosted by such benefits. ![The compact Lithium-Ion battery is a production-car first](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy. com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/image5.jpg?w=780&ssl=1) The compact Lithium-Ion battery is a production-car first They are even said to reduce erosion and provide windbreaks where they are planted and their cellulose can be extracted for use in [biofuels. ](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/biofuels%20a%20sustainable%20solution%20for%20a%20greener%20future/) This philosophy supports advanced technology, just as embraced by Mercedes S400 E400 engineering teams. One downside is that eucalyptus tends to be an invasive plant where they aren’t wanted (water drainage) and the oil in the trees is so flammable that trees have been known to explode! And it is wise to leave them alone concerning natural habitats, like in parts of Australia, because koalas depend on the leaves for food. Nevertheless, environmental considerations are important for companies designing vehicles such as the Mercedes S400 E400 line. ### Conclusion The Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid and E400 prove that luxury no longer has to come at the expense of efficiency. Both models deliver refined performance, premium comfort, and advanced technology while reducing fuel consumption compared to traditional luxury sedans. Mercedes-Benz showed early on that electrification and downsized turbocharged engines could enhance the driving experience instead of diminishing it. Today, these vehicles stand as important milestones in the evolution of sustainable luxury. This is helping pave the way for the plug-in hybrids and fully electric Mercedes-Benz models to follow. As automakers continue shifting toward electrification, the S400 Hybrid and E400 remain reminders. Essentially that innovation often starts with small but meaningful improvements. Drivers can enjoy first-class comfort. All the while lowering fuel use and emissions. That balance remains one of the strongest arguments for greener transportation. ([The National](https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/motoring/road-test-2014-mercedes-benz-s400-l-1.566371?utm_source=chatgpt.com)) ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)