The class factor

On Bahrain roads, having fellow drivers give way to you while changing lanes or exit at junctions is almost unheard of. That is, of course, if you aren't driving around in a Mercedes-Benz S Class, luxury segment car.

Many people dream of either driving or owning a brilliantly crafted European car once in their lifetime ... and I got mine on a rainy, quite day in Bahrain not too long ago.

What made things even better was that it wasn't just the S Class 350 that GulfWeekly got to test drive, but also the island's first luxury hybrid entry, the S Class 400.

By definition, a hybrid vehicle is one that utilises both an electrical motor and a petrol or diesel-powered engine which works in tandem to lower fuel consumption.

The new S 400 hybrid is proclaimed to be one of the world's first series production cars to feature a hybrid drive system with a lithium-ion battery.

Dr Ulf Ausprung, general manager of Al Haddad Motors, distributors of the car in Bahrain, said: "With this new vehicle, Mercedes-Benz is emphatically underlining its claim to leadership in design, comfort, innovation and environmental compatibility."

The car combines an improved V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module making its fuel consumption of 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres correspond to carbon dioxide emissions of 186 grams per kilometre.

It features 299 hp, with maximum torque of 385 newton metres and can accelerate to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds through its seven-speed automatic gearbox and has a top speed of around 250 km/h.

An ECO start/stop function automatically switches the engine off when the S-Class comes to a stop at, for example, traffic lights or in traffic queues.

During deceleration, kinetic energy is recuperated via a disc-shaped electric motor fitted between the gearbox and the engine and stored by the compact lithium-ion battery housed in the engine compartment and not in the boot taking up valuable luggage space. This energy is used when required, for example when accelerating.

A unique option is that the driver is able to monitor the status of the hybrid drive system visually. It features a centrally positioned display showing the energy flow during boost and recuperation phases, as well as battery charge status.

The brand had received two cars for sale in Bahrain, one of which has already been sold.

Dr Ulf said: "Next year we plan to bring between 10 to 15 hybrids.

"We expect to attract technology savvy customers and early adopters of new innovations who understand the need to conserve energy and the socially responsible requirement to reduce emissions and fuel consumption to increase the lifespan of the country's resources.

"In the GCC, there have been various green initiatives and the mindset is now in the direction of alternative propulsion systems.

"We are proud that Daimler is the first one in the high-luxury segment to launch a hybrid in Bahrain."

The two models of the S Class 400 are priced from BD41,000 to BD44,000.