Everyone knows that Mercedes is preparing a new generation S-Class for the 2013 model year, but as of late, the model was only offered as a sedan. Now, Mercedes plans on changing that by offering a total of four models, including, for the first time, a four-seater cabriolet.
During an interview with British magazine, AutoExpress, Dr. Uwe Ernstberger – Mercedes Program Manager for the S-Class - said: "The S-Class is the best luxury car in the world, and we have many surprises in terms of technology for the new model. It will deliver something very different to its rivals – and it will have a much broader range."
The first model to arrive after the base version will be the previously rumored S600 Pullman which will serve as a replacement for the recently discontinued Maybach line-up. Next, there will be a two-door S-Class coupe replacing the current CL-Class and a four-seater cabriolet featuring a vast folding roof inspired by the Ocean Drive Concept from the 2006 Detroit Auto Show. An E300 BlueTEC Hybrid version will also be offered.
Wald International is slowly building up its line of Black Bison models and the latest vehicle to get dressed up is the ever-appealing Mercedes S63 AMG. The German tuner’s upgrade package for the luxury sedan is nothing short of fabulous with a very cool white - oddly not black - exterior finish and a new set of Vossen CV-1 22 inch wheels by Need 4 Speed Motorsports.
The exterior color and the new wheels are the standout features of the Black Bison S63 AMG, but Wald International did include more of their signature additions, like their typical exterior upgrade kit. This kit includes LED daytime running lights, sport front fenders, side skirts, a rear bumper with LED brake lights, new exhaust tips, and new trunk and roof spoilers. There is also a lowering package and a revised air suspension that offers a low, sporty profile for the luxury sedan.
Wald International hasn’t said anything about what they upgraded for the interior of the Mercedes S63 AMG, but the images released reveal a full leather package. We’re guessing they have also added a number of aluminum inserts, since that is usually part of their upgrade packages.
We knew that the time was coming eventually, and according to a source who spoke to Autoweek, the end has finally come to pass for Maybach.
Mercedes-Benz, the company that revived Maybach nine years ago, is finally pulling the plug on the luxury line in 2013. The decision to drop Maybach was spurned by disappointing sales figures for its two core models, the 57 and the 62. It certainly didn’t help matters when efforts in trying to jumpstart the company didn’t amount to anything, particularly when a proposed deal with Aston Martin to assist in building future models ended up falling by the wayside.
For now, the plan is for Maybach to continue selling the two models until 2013 when Mercedes’ fifth generation S-Class finally hits the market. The next-gen S-Class will likewise see an all-new S600, which you could take the reins from Maybach in competing in the ultra-luxury market currently dominated by Rolls-Royce and Bentley.
We can’t say that we didn’t see this coming, although we’re a little disappointed that Mercedes didn’t exercise a little bit more patience before they cut the cord. Then again, it wasn’t our decision to make and if Mercedes really wanted to cut their losses on the brand, they have every right to do so.
With falling sales and stiff competition from the BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8, Mercedes is looking to revamp its S-Class line for 2013. Recent spy shots have revealed a sightly longer model with the hood and the wheelbase getting additional length. All new LED daytime running lights and indicators have also been spotted and appear at the top of the headlights as opposed to the side. Expect the new S-Class to get styling cues from the 2010 Mercedes F800 Style Concept which would mean sharper lines and possibly, a new front radiator grille.
As far as power is concerned, expect modified versions of the Mercedes’ current lineup; a twin turbo 46L V8 producing 429 HP, a twin turbo 5.5L V12 delivering 510 HP, and an AMG twin turbo 5.5L V8 getting between 536 HP and 550 HP. Mercedes’ Head of Research and Development, Dr. Thomas Weber, has previously revealed that the new S-Class will also feature a plug-in variant modeled after the 2010 Vision S500 Plug-In Hybrid Concept. This would mean that the new hybrid would be powered by a powerful direct injected V6 engine and a 60 HP electric hybrid module run on a next generation lithium ion battery pack. The Vision S500 was able to translate this setup into a 0 to 60 MPH sprint time of 5.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH, all while achieving 74 mpg!
UPDATE 11/14/2011: British magazine, AutoCar, is offering new details on the next generation Mercedes S-Class set to be released late next year. According to them, the new S-Class will not only feature a new design language, but an impressive list of new technologies, including a computer-controlled suspension system, with redesigned multi-link front and rear axles, more efficient engines, and a nine-speed automatic gearbox.
The model line-up will include: a four-door sedan set to be released in 2012; two extended-wheelbase cars and a short-wheelbase coupe in 2011; and, for the first time, a soft-top convertible set to be released in 2014. The engines will be carried over from the current generation models with a new "nanoslide" cylinder liner technology.
Hit the jump for a spy video of the 2013 Mercedes S-Class!
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The F125 Concept concept unveiled as Mercedes’ 125th anniversary is not just a simple coincidence. Next to featuring impressive gullwing doors, the concept is also featuring a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain, high-priced materials, computer-assisted driving, advanced telematics. You will say that the F125 will never make it to production, but according to Mercedes this concept might in fact inspire the 2025 S-Class.
"This is a visionary outlook that’s the direction we have to go with large cars. This research car was built with the perspective of, what does a car in 2025 look like? — more than two generations ahead," said Thomas Weber r&d chief for Daimler AG in a recent interview.
The biggest challenge for 2025 will be to hit a range up to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) completely emissions free. Next to this the company is also consider an unproven method, a lithium-sulfur battery, to increase energy density and new Kevlar-like material to store hydrogen in the body cavities, increasing onboard hydrogen capacity and range.
"These two technologies are advanced, next-generation technologies, but they are not in the heavens," he said. "It’s clear what kinds of technologies we are looking for. We believe as a visionary forecast in 2020, 2025, these kinds of cars are possible."
