Overheat
Forum Addict
Behind a light disguise is the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which will be unveiled at next September's Frankfurt Motor Show. It's both longer and wider than the current model, with a CLS- or Maybach-esque droop to the tail and, yes, those wheelarch bulges are genuine: like the recent B-Class and M-Class, the next S will feature these, intended to make the car look a little more dynamic.
At the front, almond-shaped headlights feature - you can make out their outline behind the tape - and the grille, according to our man who has seen it up close, is a flush-fitting affair with slender slats.
Beneath the skin, the next-generation S-Class, codenamed W221 in-house, will still be rear-wheel-drive, with 4Matic all-wheel-drive likely to remain an option in some markets. Petrol engines will range from a V6 of approx 3.0 litres, include the new, 268bhp 3.5-litre V6 from the SLK and M-Class, and then move onto the 5.0-litre V8. Expect also one, possibly two turbodiesels, of 3.0-litre capacity, one badged S280 CDI, the other S320 CDI. All engines will drive through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Two AMG versions are tipped to arrive later, with 500 and 600bhp respectively.
We have fewer details about the interior, but reports suggest that the cabin has been simplified a little, with fewer buttons and an BMW iDrive- or Audi MMI-like control system instead, though we hope it's more intuitive than BMW's version. New technological features will include the likes of Brake Assist Plus, which helps brake to match traffic speeds; an enhanced version of Pre-Safe, that primes the car for impact using ESP sensors, and includes a development of the Multi Contour Seats that increases lateral support before impact; and brake lights that flash at 7Hz in emergency braking.
At the front, almond-shaped headlights feature - you can make out their outline behind the tape - and the grille, according to our man who has seen it up close, is a flush-fitting affair with slender slats.
Beneath the skin, the next-generation S-Class, codenamed W221 in-house, will still be rear-wheel-drive, with 4Matic all-wheel-drive likely to remain an option in some markets. Petrol engines will range from a V6 of approx 3.0 litres, include the new, 268bhp 3.5-litre V6 from the SLK and M-Class, and then move onto the 5.0-litre V8. Expect also one, possibly two turbodiesels, of 3.0-litre capacity, one badged S280 CDI, the other S320 CDI. All engines will drive through a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Two AMG versions are tipped to arrive later, with 500 and 600bhp respectively.
We have fewer details about the interior, but reports suggest that the cabin has been simplified a little, with fewer buttons and an BMW iDrive- or Audi MMI-like control system instead, though we hope it's more intuitive than BMW's version. New technological features will include the likes of Brake Assist Plus, which helps brake to match traffic speeds; an enhanced version of Pre-Safe, that primes the car for impact using ESP sensors, and includes a development of the Multi Contour Seats that increases lateral support before impact; and brake lights that flash at 7Hz in emergency braking.
