2010 Mercedes-Benz S Class

Mercedes has officially unveiled the facelifted 2010 Mercedes S-Class less than 24 hours after we first published pictures from a leaked brochure.

From the front the facelifted model boasts a more pronounced grille, a revised bumper with chrome inserts in the air intakes, as well as LED daytime driving lights, indicators and marker lights for the S 400 HYBRID and S 600 (They are part of a package on the other S-Class models). Out back the changes are less noticeable as the only modifications are the addition of new LED taillights and a revised exhaust system that is integrated into the rear bumper.

Despite the minor makeover, the big news is the launch of the S 400 HYBRID which boasts a fuel economy rating of 7.9L/100km and emits just 186 grams of CO2 per kilometer. Set to become the world’s first production vehicle to combine a hybrid powertrain with a lithium-ion battery, the S 400 HYBRID uses a 3.5-liter petrol engine that produces 205 kW (279 hp) and an electric motor that cranks out 15 kW (20 hp).