We know Mercedes is working on a mild touch-up to the S-Class. Here’s the latest spy shot, this time of a hot-rod-with-etiquette AMG version. Although the S-Class isn’t currently showing its age, BMW has its new 7-Series, so Mercedes doesn’t want the sun to settle on its flagship car.
The engine lineup isn’t expected to change, but the design is supposed to take cues from the Ocean Drive concept. This S63 AMG should arrive with new bumpers similar to SL65 Black Series, new side mirrors, LED daylights, quad exhaust pipes and cross-driller brakes.
All of this should be confirmed by September when the car will be shown at the Frankfurt Auto Show.
We have high expectations when we get behind the wheel of a car that costs $100,000. If a sedan costs as much as a house, or at least a good down payment, then it has to be a cut above. In fact, if a sedan costs four or five times more than a regular sedan shouldn’t we expect it to be at least four or five times greater in every way?
At this price point we expect no compromises. We want to be pampered in luxury while not losing any feel of the road. We want to look smart arriving at social occasions, but not be so flashy that we get nervous parking on the street. Mercedes has specialized in this type of car for over fifty years. Our expectations are high.
There’s an updated S-Class on the way for 2010, but as you can see from this spy shot, the cosmetic change is expected to be minimal. New bumpers, new LED side lamps, and facia design inspired by the Ocean Drive Concept.
Although the engines won’t change aside from the addition of a hybrid model, there could possibly be more under the skin. We haven’t heard any firm rumors yet, but the S-Class is Mercedes’ test bed for new technology. So hopefully this one will have an few fun new toys.
Expect the 2010 S-Class to be in showrooms in time to be rich people’s presents next Christmas.
Carlsson, the automobile manufacturer based in Merzig specializes in improving Mercedes Benz versions, astound with a fresh high-rate RS-design package for the S-class in either genuine carbon, a material which is primarily employed in the Formula 1 or in polyurethane. The individualistic overall package offers the S-class long version, the V221, an even more athletic and haunting appearance. Employing the RS-concept and the most valuable material, ensures an unparalleled individuality and distinctiveness of the Carlsson S-class.
The expanded carbon package for the S-class is composed of well chosen parts. The incorporated front apron and the front spoiler lips highly improve the overall athletic profile. Furthermore, the front view is obvious for its fashionable round Carlsson insignia for the front engine cover and distinctive grill insert. A set of particularly curved side skirts complete with stainless steel grill inserts gives the sides of the Mercedes an even faster and tougher appearance.
Lorinser, the well known German tuner, presented their latest work, the new Mercedes S-Class W221. The upgraded model features new springs, a TUV approved lowering kit and an air suspension for the standard one or an elector hydraulic steel ABC suspension at choice. The body kit has also been updated and it received a new front bumper, front fenders, new side skirts as well as a new set of alloy wheels featuring the Lorinser multi-spoke design.
As you may know already, the Mercedes S-Class is the flagship sedan from the German manufacturer and usually this type of vehicles don’t need tuning kits. Despite this, the latest tuning kit for the S-Class was unveiled today by Prior Design.
The new tuning program dubbed the “Warrior” consists in a new front bumper, new front fenders inspired by Lorinser, side sills, a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust system and a new set of 20 inch alloy wheels showing the same design as the Project Kahn wheels.
The first hybrid model from Mercedes, the S400 BlueHYBRID will go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2009 and on the US market on the fall of the same year. It will be followed by two other vehicles: E-class hybrid will debut when the new generation goes on sale in 2010 and the C-Class hybrid will be the last one to come. An electric version of the Smart ForTwo will also be available.
"We have decided on hybridization on all of our cars in the future and so far we have had a lot of questions and excitement, but I don’t know how that will translate into a take rate," Zetsche said at the Paris auto show.
Mercedes also will build 1,000 electric Smart ForTwo cars in the coming year for pre-production trials in Europe and possibly the United States. In 2012, annual production will rise to between 12,000 and 15,000 electric Smart cars, and some will be offered in the United States, Zetsche said.
Mercedes unveiled today the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, a fuel-efficient large diesel sedan. The price for the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY in Germany is €70,864.50 (€78,718.50 for the long-wheelbase version). No word yet on if or when it will come to the U.S.
The new S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is part of a larger strategy for Mercedes-Benz for developing environmentally sound premium models. With fuel consumption of 7.6 liters per 100 km (a reduction of 0.7 litres) and CO2 emissions of 199 g/km (a reduction of 21 g), the S 320 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is possibly one of the most efficient sedans in the European luxury class.
The s 320’s V6 powerplant makes 173 kW/235 hp and 540 Nm of torque. That is good for a sprint from 0 - 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
The S 400 BlueHYBRID is the first hybrid model from Mercedes. It will go on sale in the sumer of 2009.
It will be powered by a combination of a modified V6 gas engine and a compact hybrid module. The engine delivers a maximum output of 279 hp, while the electric motor generates 20 hp. The result is a combined output of 299 hp and a combined maximum torque of 284 ft. lbs. The S 400 BlueHYBRID accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, and reaches an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph.
Mercedes unveiled today the S 600 Pullman Guard, a limousine integrated Highest Protection. The car was unveiled to celebrate 80 years of manufacturing vehicles with factory-integrated special protection.
The technical basis for the new Pullman limousine is provided by the S 600 Guard, the top of the Mercedes-Benz Guard range. It is powered by a superbly smooth twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with a displacement of 5513 cubic centimetres and an output of 517 hp with an impressive 830 Nm of torque. As these figures suggest, the S 600 Guard Pullman can call on effortlessly superior power delivery, allowing it to get out of a danger zone rapidly, should the need arise.
The S 600 Pullman Guard offers most of the technical innovations which make the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the number-one trailblazer in passenger car development and the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. These include important developments such as the new COMAND APS system.
Mercedes-Benz’ night view assist system reduces the risk of accidents during the hours of darkness. This system is based on infrared light, which is invisible to the human eye and will therefore not dazzle oncoming traffic. Two infrared head-lamps illuminate the road, significantly extending the driver’s range of vision when on low beam. An infrared camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen picks up the reflected image of the road ahead and displays this in the instrument cluster.