It has had its ups and downs over the years, but Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class series has withstood the test of time and every new version that comes out is the car to beat in the full-size luxury sedan segment.
Mercedes won’t have it any other way with the all-new W222-codenamed S-Class that was nabbed by our scoop photographers with very minimal camouflage – only parts of the lights, the badges and the boot lid edge are covered up, allowing for a detailed view of the premium model.
Our first impression about the exterior design is that Mercedes went for a much cleaner and dare we say, sportier look for the new S-Class, which loses the chubby wheel arches and fussier details of the current W221 model adopting a swoopy profile that is very similar to that of the new compact CLA sedan, along with a sharper looking rear-end.
There’s no need for scoop photos for the interior as Mercedes itself has released a number of official images that reveal a brand new cabin that pairs the latest available technologies such as the huge twin 12.3-inch screens for the instrument panel and the infotainment system above the center stack, with a curved design and a classic mix of high-quality materials and decorative trims.
The demise of the ill-fated Maybach brand allowed (or forced, take your pick) Mercedes to up the luxury ante on the new S-Class. As such, it will come with a number of special features ranging from the multi-program massage function of the ventilated seats and a choice of five different rear seat variants including an Executive seat with a backrest angle adjustable by up to 43.5 degrees, to the “active perfuming system”. According to Mercedes, the latter “neither changes the interior smell permanently, nor are perfume molecules deposited on fabric surfaces or clothing.”
Naturally, there will be regular and long-wheelbase versions of the sedan, while overall, Mercedes places to expand the S-Class range to seven different body styles, including the Coupe that will replace the current CL-Class, and a convertible edition.
Powertrain options will range from a four-cylinder diesel unit, to regular as well as AMG-fettled V8 and V12 gasoline engines, if not all, most of which will be offered with a standard nine-speed transmission delivering power to the rear-, or in some cases, all-four wheels.
The world premiere of the new S-Class is scheduled to take place on May 15 this year with sales to follow later on.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS
2014 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS CABIN & TECH
