The environmentally friendly hybrid drive technology in the S 400 HYBRID combines the power of an efficient petrol engine with the strengths of an electric motor. The result is a drive system that sets new benchmarks where efficiency and environmental compatibility are concerned.

The hybrid module, a disc-shaped electric motor, works as both starter and alternator when the 3.5-litre petrol engine is running the combustion process. When the vehicle brakes, kinetic energy is channelled to the lithium ion high voltage battery through the regenerative braking system.

The high-performance engine control unit aligns the drive system perfectly to the type of driving to be done. Whether using the car for urban, country or motorway driving, or for manoeuvring in small spaces - fuel consumption and emissions are always kept to the lowest possible level.

The boost function makes it possible to use the power from both engines for short periods of acceleration. The driver is given running information on energy flow when accelerating, on generated energy and on the charging level in a separate display in the instrument cluster.

Automatically switching off the engine when stationary, for example in tailbacks or at traffic lights, lowers fuel consumption and emissions and saves fuel costs. The ECO start/stop function operates particularly effectively, quickly and quietly.

The S-Class also leads the way where environmental compatibility is concerned - from development and production, to vehicle operation and through to recycling at the end of a long service life.

The use of materials with very good recycling characteristics and low emissions in their manufacture, processing and deployment is already a high priority for us today.

In accordance with ISO 22628, materials recycling for the new S-Class stands at some 85 percent; and at 95 percent for the materials installed in the vehicle.

What's more, there is increasing use of components containing a high proportion of renewable raw materials or recycled sub-components in the manufacturing process.

BlueTEC is the name of the technology developed by Mercedes-Benz to provide effective cleaning and aftertreatment of exhaust gases produced from diesel drive systems. The diesel engine in the S 350 BlueTEC, with its multi-stage exhaust system, is truly impressive for its outstanding performance figures set against low consumption; and where emissions are concerned, it represents the cutting edge of technology.

The reactive material AdBlue® is used to help clean up emissions. The fluid is injected into the exhaust system. Reacting with the heat from the exhaust fumes, ammonia is formed, which reduces the nitric oxides in the downstream SCR catalytic converter by 80 percent. What remains is essentially water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2) – the final products of complete combustion.

The models already comply with the requirements of the Euro 6 emissions standard, which become mandatory in 2014; and nitric oxide emissions can be reduced by up to 90 percent.