After a series of leaked images published online, Mercedes->ke187 has decided to finally take the wrap off their new flagship luxury coupe. While the official launch is still almost a month away at the Geneva Motor Show we sure aren't complaining the early showcase.

The new model which will replace the CL->ke254 at the top shelf of the German automaker's shelf to streamline the manufacturer's product range will be the first S-Class Coupé in almost 15 years with the last one belonging to the W140 series produced back in the 90s.

Based on the S-Class Coupé Concept which was showcased last year in IAA, Frankfurt, the production version retains the sensual design of the concept. Expected to reach dealerships in the second half of this year, the new car will showcase the best design, technology and luxury features the German marquee has to offer.

Updated 12/09/2015: Mercedes added a new entry level model to its S-Class Coupe lineup. The new S400 4MATIC Coupe is powered by a new V-6 engine and start from under ‎€100,000 in Europe.

But will that be enough to fend off the competition? Read our full analysis to find out.

2015 Mercedes S-Class Coupe

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes S-Class Coupe
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 449
  • Torque: 516
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Rendering Vs. Reality

Exterior

To put the S-Class Coupe in one word: "gorgeous." There have been numerous occasions where we have seen manufacturers showcase gorgeous concepts, which would cause most gearheads to fantasize about it, only to be followed by a super-toned-down version that looks as boring as James May.

Thankfully we are seeing a shift here, as new cars look more and more as the original concepts. The gorgeous BMW i8 was one of the first and we are happy to say the new Merc too follows the same trend.

With only slight restrains in the front, most of the elements of the original concept's design are intact.The low greenhouse and absence of B-pillars along with the swooping beltline sure do add to the futuristic feel of the car. The large wheels along with the broad shoulders add a muscular, although slightly bulky look.

The headlamps are filled with LEDs -- a feature initially seen in the S-Class -- with an option to add 47 Swarovski crystals in case the exclusivity of the standard LEDs just don't cut it for you. On the top, the panoramic glass roof covers nearly two-thirds of the total roof area with the Magic Sky Control option offering varying levels of transparency.

2015 Mercedes S-Class Coupe - Exterior Dimensions:

Wheelbase

115.9 in.

Length

197.9 in.

Width

74.7 in.

Height

55.5 in.


Interior

This being an S-Class the material quality and finish isn't something you should be worried if you plan on buying one. So the only question is whether it's interesting enough?

The new car features a two sections with the top wrap-around dashboard and lower floating section contrasting each other. The unique positioning of the front passenger side airbag along with the twin section dash allows a new ultra-wide display to be placed in a hovering position in the dashboard.

So the interior certainly is in no way boring, but it is one of the areas where we feel it would have been better if Mercedes adapted a bit more from the original concept. We don't care if the interior of the concept was impractical, we just want it. For the same reason why most of us would go for an F-Type rather than a Range Rover Sport.

Drivetrain

In the U.S., the S-Class Coupé is powered by a 4.7-liter V-8 biturbo. In the S550 Coupe, the only non-AMG version at launch, it produces 449 horsepower.

That number may not seem like a lot, considering some sports car these days put out over 600 horses to the ground, but this is a luxury coupé, which means what really matters is the torque. As an old teacher of mine once explained to me: "horsepower is how hard you hit a wall, but torque is how far you take the wall with you." The S-Class Coupé, ladies and gentlemen, has 516 pound-feet of torque. Trust us when we say that it’s enough to move mountains.

With that much torque at its disposal, the S-Class Coupe needs only 4.5 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. As usual, top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph.

Those looking for more oomph can choose between the S63 and S65 AMG models. The former features a 5.5-liter V-8 rated at 577 horsepower, while the latter uses a 6.0-liter V-12 that cranks out 621 ponies.

For 2016, Mercedes-Benz launched a new entry-level model powered by a V-6 mill. The unit displaces 3.0 liters and cranks out 367 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 369 pound-feet (500 Nm) of twist from 1,800 rpm. Sprinting from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.6 seconds, wile top speed is limited at the familiar 155-mph rating. For the time being, the V-6 will only be offered in Europe.

2015 Mercedes S-Class Coupe - S550 - Engine Specifications:

Capacity

4663 cc. biturbo

Layout

V Shaped

No. of cylinders

8

Power Output

449 HP (335 kW)

Peak Torque

516 LB-FT (700 Nm)


S 400 4MATIC

Number of cylinders/arrangement

6/V

Displacement (cc)

2,996

Rated output

367 HP @ 5,500-6,000 RPM

Rated torque (Nm at rpm)

500 at 1800-4500

Combined fuel consumption from (l/100 km)

8.3

Combined CO2 emissions from (g/km)

193

Acceleration 0-100 km/h

4.6 seconds

Top speed

250 KM/H (155 MPH)


Technology

Now normally we do not really stress about this section when writing about cars, but this is an S-Class, which means that most of the technology you will see in this will probably be standard in 10 to 20 years.

Seen in the image is the optional touchpad, which will replace the standard selection knobs. Working in a similar way as smartphones, the touchpad relies on gestures of the finger for operation.

One of the most unique features of the Coupé is the Magic Body Control, which now comes with active tilting function. What this means is that when you go into turns the car leans into that side in a somewhat similar fashion to motorcyclists in turns. While the purpose, according to Mercedes, is purely for a comfortable, luxurious ride, we cannot help but wonder if it can be put into use for better handling in sports cars of the future.

Other standard gizmos include a heads-up display, Mercedes' Magic Body control suspension system where the car continuously reads the surface via cameras and prepares the suspension accordingly. Also available is Mercedes' pre-safe system for predicting and applying emergency brakes in case a stationary car is in the way.

Pricing

Pricing for the sole S550 4Matic sold in the United States starts from $121,550. The Euro-spec V-6 model, marketed as the S400 4Matic, retails from €99,960 in Germany, which converts to around $109,600 as of December 2015. There's no word as to whether the V-6 will be offered Stateside anytime soon, but if it crosses the pond, it's likely to fetch around $96,000 before options.

Competition

Rolls Royce Wraith

Probably the epitome of luxury, the Wraith is the British manufacturer's attempt at making a driver's car. And they have succeeded. Powered by a 6.6 liter, twin-turbo, V-12 engine the Wraith can put most sports cars to shame. The Wraith is equally good at being a driver's car as it is being a luxury car. Although the S-Coupe is expected to be much cheaper than the Wraith when it comes out, it will still be something that Merc should watch out for.

Read our full review on the Rolls Royce Wraith here.

Bentley Continental GT

While Bentleys are some of the finest cars to come out of Britain, the Continental GT is a bit old. Boring would probably a better word. Sure it sells in good numbers, is powered by an engine good enough to pull a truck and looks good, but it has been in production for the past 11 years and while there have been regular face-lifts it's time that we saw something new from the British luxury carmaker. Similar to the situation with the Wraith, this too will probably be pricier than the S Coupe but then then you get a lot more for your money - A Bentley.

Read our full review on the Bentley Continental GT here.

Conclusion

The S-Class Coupe isn't a car that will offer huge volumes and profits for Mercedes; it has the C-Class for that. It won't be the most powerful either, as there is the SLS AMG. The forte of the S-Class has been showcasing the best of technology Mercedes-Benz has to offer, and it does that job very well. but more significantly it's a showcase of one of the most beautiful designs to come into production in a while.

Update History

Updated 10/01/2014: Mercedes announced that the all-new S-Class Coupe will be priced from $119,900 when it will be put on sale in December on the U.S. market.

Updated 2/11/2014: Mercedes has revealed images and information on the S-Class.