Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz S40 Hybrid? Compare it to a ActiveHybrid 750i first!

The ActiveHybrid 750i Overview

The first indication that BMW’s new hybrids take a different approach to efficiency and performance is in the name: ActiveHybrid. Conventional thinking about hybrids is that they are the automotive equivalent to sensible shoes: responsible, efficient, and a bit … boring. While BMW’s definition would certainly include the first two descriptions, the new ActiveHybrid 750i and 750Li set new performance standards not merely as hybrids, but as luxury cars.

With 450 horsepower backed by a whopping 515 lb-ft. of torque, these two luxury hybrids provide all the performance expected of a BMW flagship. With 0-60 mph acceleration in under 5 seconds, these twin-turbocharged sedans provide exactly the response, handling and performance people have come to expect from the Ultimate Driving Machines. The fact that they do so while providing up to 15 percent better mileage than their conventional counterparts underscores the responsible part of the definition.

And as BMWs they still provide the overall balance of handling, braking and engine performance that has always placed the 7 Series cars among the most desirable ultra-luxury automobiles in the world. Lavishly equipped, the long and short-wheelbase ActiveHybrid 750i and 750Li sedans include full Nappa leather interior, head-up display, active ventilated seating, Comfort Access, Soft Close doors, iDrive with navigation, 20-way adjustable front seats and 4-zone climate control. Available features include Surround View cameras, Rear Entertainment System, Active Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure Warning. All in all, these are likely the most sumptuously equipped hybrids in the world. The fact that they also provide an ecologically sensible side makes them just that much more impressive.

 

The Mercedes-Benz S40 Hybrid Overview

While Mercedes-Benz has announced its intention of building high-performance hybrids in the future, the current S400 Hybrid certainly doesn’t qualify. By emphasizing efficiency over performance, M-B has created an entry-level S-Class that trades everyday performance for a 3 mpg improvement in the EPA Combined rating over its V-8 S550 stablemate.

Unlike its BMW and Lexus competition, Mercedes also has slotted its hybrid offering as the entry-level model in its lineup. The 2010 S400 Hybrid boasts a 275-hp, 3.5-liter Atkinson-cycle V-6, combined with a 20-hp, 120-volt AC motor sandwiched into a 7-speed automatic. Total power for the mild-hybrid system is 295 horsepower and 284 lb-ft. of torque, neither of which approaches the output of BMW’s ActiveHybrid 750i. Mercedes claims V-8 performance with V-6 fuel economy, but the 7.2 second 0-ADD60 mph time trails the S550’s performance by almost 2 seconds.

As the entry-level S-Class, the $88,825 S400 hybrid includes 14-way power seats, 6-disc CD-changer, full leather interior, navigation with 40GB hard drive and COMAND system, Bluetooth™, rear sunshades, and Airmatic Suspension. Mercedes-Benz’s new optional Split-View display allows driver and front passenger to watch two different images on the 8-inch front screen. Added options include active ventilation for the front and rear seats, wood/leather steering wheel with shift-paddles, power trunk lid and a choice of 18-, 19- or 20-inch wheels. Technology options on the S400 Hybrid include Night View, Adaptive high beams, rear view camera, Distronic active cruise control, plus Lane Keeping and Blind Spot Assist. In addition, the available Parktronic also can scan an available parking space and notify the driver if the car will fit.

 

BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz


 

What BMW offers…

  • BMW’s twin-turbo V-8 ActiveHybrid produces 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque.
  • The ActiveHybrid 750i is vastly quicker to 0-60 mph, at 4.7 seconds.
  • Despite its performance advantage, the ActiveHybrid 750i offers EPA City and Highway ratings of 17 City and 26 Highway, nearly identical to the those achieved by the S400.
  • The ActiveHybrid 750i includes a long list of standard features such as Comfort Access, Soft Close doors with electronic trunk closer, and head-up display.
  • The 750i front seats are 20-way adjustable, with standard heat & Active Ventilation and active support.
  • BMW includes far larger disc brakes: 14.7-inch front with 14.5-inch rear.
  • The 7 Series’ Adaptive Drive Control includes Active Roll Stabilization and four driver-selectable suspension settings: Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport+.
  • Side View Camera places a pair of wide-angle cameras ahead of the front wheels that give an accurate view of approaching traffic on busy cross streets.
  • BMW’s Head-up Display places a customized, virtual instrument panel directly in the driver’s line of sight.
  • The 7 Series includes standard Park Distance Control, with visual and auditory warnings of nearby obstacles.
  • BMW offers Blind Spot Detection and Lane Change Warning as driver conveniences.
  • 4-Zone Climate Control is standard equipment on the ActiveHybrid 7.
  • The 750i offers a Luxury Rear Seating Package with 14-way adjustable seats with active ventilation. And the 750Li offers massaging rear seats as an additional option.
  • BMW’s iDrive offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 10.2-inch color monitor, and quick-access buttons.
  • iDrive also provides eight enhanced Programmable Memory Keys for the ultimate in convenience.
  • With BMW’s hard-drive based navigation, the Active Hybrid 7 adds Real Time Traffic Info, latest-generation iDrive, MyInfo and BMW Search.
  • The 750i and 750Li come standard with run-flat tires.
  • BMW includes a 4 year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty, plus a 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty


What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

  • M-B’s 3.5-liter V-6 hybrid combination produces significantly less horsepower (295) and torque (284 lb-ft).
  • The Mercedes requires a lackluster 7.2 seconds to reach 60 mph.
  • The S400 Hybrid trades efficiency for performance, yet nearly scores the same EPA fuel economy figures as the ActiveHybrid 7, 17 City and 26 Highway.
  • The S400 Hybrid lacks significant standard features on the ActiveHybrid 750i, including Comfort Access, Soft Close, head-up display, and active ventilated front seats.
  • The standard S-Class seats are only 14-way adjustable, and active support and ventilation is optional.
  • Mercedes disc brakes are much smaller, with 13.2-inch fronts paired with 11.8-inch rear.
  • The S-Class Adaptive Damping System offers adjustable damping but only two settings, Comfort and Sport, and nothing like BMW’s ARS.
  • Like BMW, Mercedes offers an optional rear-view camera feature, but has nothing like the 7 Series’ side view camera.
  • Mercedes-Benz offers nothing like BMW’s Head-up Display.
  • Mercedes’ Parktronic system is part of a $2030 package on the S-Class.
  • Mercedes S-Class offers a Blind Spot Detection system, but no Lane Departure Warning.
  • 4-Zone climate control is only available as part of a $2990 Rear Seat Package.
  • Mercedes S-Class Rear Seat Package includes only 8-way adjustable seats and active heat/ventilation. What’s more, M-B does not offer a rear seat massage option.
  • Mercedes COMAND system features only an 8-inch display and its access isn’t as intuitive as iDrive, with no direct-access buttons.
  • The S-Class COMAND system also has nothing like BMW’s Programmable Memory Keys.
  • The S-Class includes a hard-drive-based system, but has only a 20 GB memory and only a 4 GB Music Collection.
  • Mercedes doesn’t offer run-flat tires.
  • 4 year/50,000-mile, but no maintenance included
  • 4 year/50,000 miles corrosion warranty does not match the 12 year/unlimited coverage with BMW


Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

“The 7 Hybrid is a magnificent engineering achievement. It not only attains the "impossible" standards we now demand,

but is also a good bit faster, quieter and easier to live with than the basic internal combustion only model.” – Automobile

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*BMW Vehicle shown is European model

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Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.

We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.

Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.

In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.