Showing posts with label w 222. Show all posts

SPY: New shots of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222)

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 25 April 2012

With the reveal set for Paris Auto Salon this fall, the new S-Class should make an initial appearance in either late June or July. The trendsetter in the automotive industry enters the eighth model generation with a confident mission - to write a new chapter of the rich S-Class heritage book.

The new S-Class will be, how else, the best high-end premium limousine. Powerful and astonishing in every sense, the W 222 will incorporate intelligent technology that make it look like a moving luxury Swiss watch. The MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, the Autonomous Driving System and the integrated @yourCOMAND telematics will celebrate world debut on the new S-Class.

Furthermore, a new generation of active safety systems, such as the Speed Limit Assist or the Blind Spot Assist, will be available for the car as well. Powertrain will consist of the rear-driven MRA platform, on which new and efficient BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines, as well as an I4, a new V12 unit and several hybrid solutions, will be sitting on. A new automatic gearbox, featuring up to nine speeds, will also be launched with the W 222.

The new generation of the S-Class goes on sale beginning with 2013 and we expect the entry-level version to be priced at over 75,000 euros in Germany. The US market launch is scheduled for spring the same year.

Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, mercedes-benz, s-class, spy, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) is a mindblowing appearance on streets

By Adji | Published Monday, 16 April 2012

The S-Class is synonymous with automotive perfection. The premium limousine has been the all-time trendsetter in the luxury class: whether we talk about comfort, technology, safety or the upscale atmosphere, the S-Class symbolizes the epitome for a true representative car that always turn heads on the streets. This is the reason the engineers and all the personnel involved in the development of the all new W 222 generation of the S-Class have such a daring and complex task.

It is redundant to mention that the future S-Class will hold global supremacy among the high-luxury automobiles when it's launched this year during summer. The worldwide reveal is prone to happen in the beautiful city of Paris, at the French Mondial de l'Automobile 2012 starting late September. Testing phase has reached a very advanced stage, as these are the final months prior to the impatiently awaited unveiling.

When the curtains lift off, we will certainly witness an outstanding result no matter where we look - outside, inside or underneath. The new S-Class will be a competent fighter getting top marks in all disciplines. The progressive design the W 222 will display is the materialization of the styling seen on the F 700 research vehicle and Ocean Drive Concept. The interior will offer a futuristic experience thanks to the multitude of gadgets, telematics and assistance systems that help create a unique atmosphere.

The car will be packed full of clever technology and the ride will be more efficient with the help of a clean and powerful engine lineup consisting of I4, V6 and V8 gasoline and diesel (likely BlueTEC) units. For those who appreciate the alternative means of traction, Mercedes-Benz will offer the S 400 HYBRID ('mild') with over 300 hp and the all new S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID ('full') delivering around 415 hp. If you were wondering whether the range-topping S 600 version is gone forever, then we have some good news for you: a new V12 powerplant with over 550 hp is in the works at the moment and will be readied just in time for 2014 when the car is expected to be unleashed on roads. Last, but not least, come the well-known super limos from AMG: the S 63 AMG with 544 hp and the S 65 AMG with 630 hp.

You might also like to read:

- PREVIEW: Future Mercedes-Benz S-Class to display an outstanding tech bonanza
- The telematics future of Mercedes-Benz: @yourCOMAND - Always online for more information, safety and comfort
- SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) hits the fast curves of the Ring
- PREVIEW: A deep look into the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- The future Mercedes-Benz tech stuff is all about ... magic

Photo Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, mercedes-benz, s-class, spy, w 222 | Leave a comment

Daimler's Dr. Z confirms the future S-Class lineup will total six different models

By Adji | Published Friday, 6 April 2012

We have previously reported this news, but it's time to refresh your mind. During the speech of Daimler chief Dr. Dieter Zetsche, during which he outlined company's ambitious 2020 growth plan, held at the opening ceremony of the Hungarian-based Kecskemet plant, it became official the forthcoming generation of the S-Class will comprise an extended lineup of high-luxury variants. The new additions are said to be a convertible, a Pullman limousine and a 4-door coupe.

With this strategy, Mercedes-Benz is on the trail of having world's most complete fleet high-class cars. One of the reasons of the expansion in this exquisite market segment is the announced demise of the Maybach brand in 2013. Filling the empty space with niche vehicle, that have a pronounced grade of public appeal, especially luxury models, is exactly the right path to go and nonetheless the solution that would have brought a brighter outcome for the old, dying Maybach.

The first S-Class of the 222 series to make debut this year is the standard wheelbase limousine, codenamed W 222. During 2013, the long wheelbase model (V 222 ??) along with the S-Class Coupe (C 222) are to be unleashed by Mercedes-Benz. Approximately one year after the discontinuation of Maybach, the replacement is set to arrive in the form of the new S-Class Pullman extended wheelbase saloon (X 222 ??). In 2015, we should see the first incarnation of the 2007 Ocean Drive Concept as the S-Class Cabriolet (A 222 ??), that could have four doors like the showcar, will reportedly be introduced. Approaching 2016, the German carmaker will further enrich the S-Class portfolio with a brand new four-door coupe (S 222 ??).

Along with these new additions, Mercedes-Benz will also develop a comprehensive array of leading technical innovations in the dynamics, safety and car communication areas. Also, a full range of more economical, yet powerful internal combustion (gasoline, diesel and diesel BlueTEC) engines in I4, V6 (and/or I6?), V8 and V12 cylinder configurations will make their entrance in the scene to replace the current powerplants. The ride will be further optimized thanks to the extensive measures included in the BlueEFFICIENCY eco-friendly package. Some green drive systems are also bound to be released with the new S-Class: a plug-in hybrid with over 400 hp peak output, a mild hybrid and an all-electric version are possible after 2014.

Illustration Credits: Autoevolution

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, future, lineup, mbnews, mercedes-benz, s-class, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) is starting the "striptease" number

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 7 March 2012

FEP is on for the upcoming S-Class (W 222) as a good amount of camouflage was pilled off the test vehicles. The luxury limo will showcase a progressive/organic styling approach inspired by the concept cars unveiled during the last years. The majority of design elements clearly come from the F 700 research vehicle and you can actually depict them in the new front fascia or in the general architecture of the rear end. The bigger headlights include more technology inside, such as the radars for the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL damper management system, whereas the huge traditional grille reminds of the glorious Mercs from the past. The new S-Class is expected to grow by a few centimeters compared to the outgoing model; official premiere is set to take place during autumn, at Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris.

Check out further spy shots after the break!

Image Credits: WorldCarFans

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, mercedes-benz, s-class, spy, spyshots, the, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) - first FEP prototype spotted in Stuttgart

By Adji | Published Wednesday, 22 February 2012

The advent of this less camouflaged test vehicles, pictured above, signals the entrance into the last stage of development for the future generation S-Class (W 222). Around six months are left from this moment until the official reveal scheduled for the Paris motor show at the beginning of October. We shall probably see the finished product earlier, around one month ahead the world debut, when Mercedes-Benz usually releases some initial images and details to preview a new model.

While we are sure the new S-Class will definitely boast state-of-the-art technologies and system, we are worried about what we see in these latest spy shots. After shaving off the camouflage, the prototype reveals more of the exterior design. And, somehow, we do not feel the car. Afraid or not, we could be unpleasantly surprised when the S-Class is unveiled. All in all, the W 222 generation seems looks to be a shy evolution of the current W 221 model, as the new elements seem to have been simply applied to the old body.

Even though it appears to have grown in length, the style is basically the same, if one observes the greenhouse or the general aspect of the rear end. At least, the criticized bulged wheel arches are gone, but we can't help wondering about what could lie under the camouflage applied to the sides of the car. Crazy design experiments work for inferior models, but not for an executive limousine such as the S-Class, so it would better have a clean, elegant profile.

Some influence from the F 700 research vehicle of 2007 can be spotted: a mild, harmonious rear end with beautifully shaped LED lamps is left to fight with a very aggressive, heavy and gnarled front fascia, dominated by a gargantuan, powerful grille, also inspired by the F 700, but at least harking back to old, traditional Mercedes-Benz cars built during the first decades of the 20th century. To continue in the same note and the make room for equipment, such as the radars used for the MAGIC BODY CONTROL ride management system, the headlight needed to be bigger. And they are... huge and overdesigned, we say. So far, the evidence points to the computer-generated illustration Autobild released back in 2010.

Hopefully, the Germans haven't screwed up the new S-Class aesthetically and Mercedes-Benz is not living its own "Bangle era" as BMW did between 2000 and 2006. This prestigious model, boasting a rich heritage, does not need to be visually intriguing. It just has to be what it's intended to be: an S-Class by all means.

Image Credits: Mercedes Fans

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, FEP, first, mercedes-benz, prototype, s-class, spotted, spy, spyshots, Stuttgart, test, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) goes out for a ride in Stuttgart

By Adji | Published Sunday, 12 February 2012

Less than nine months left till the official premiere and still no exact clue on the looks of the upcoming S-Class generation, as test prototypes still carry an important amount of camouflage. Speculations hint at this design proposal as being the definitive one and we have to admit there are a few details pointing into that direction, such as the larger grille and the position of LED fascicles inside the headlamps. What everybody knows for sure is the W 222 will definitely be a brilliant piece of automotive engineering that proposes an entirely radical perspective towards the future of the automobile. You can read more about the innovations and technologies to debut on the S-Class at the following links:

- PREVIEW: Future Mercedes-Benz S-Class to display an outstanding tech bonanza
- PREVIEW: A deep look into the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Check out more spy photos after the break!

Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in 2013, goes, mercedes-benz, out, ride, s-class, spy, spyshots, Stuttgart, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: Another look inside the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222)

By Adji | Published Sunday, 29 January 2012

We've seen the dashboard of the W 222 a couple of times last year, but the latest spy shot is the best one so far, quality-wise. Now, a better visual contact with the upgrades of the interior can be made: a revised door panel featuring the controls for the seat functions, a high-tech steering wheel with two spokes and easy-access buttons, a completely digitalised instrument cluster and a bigger display for the new @yourCOMAND infotainment system (both of which are still in a preliminary phase of development) and a classy, fully wood-trimmed center console gathering all the necessary quick-use controls. The four central air vents of the climate control unit and the analog clock sitting between them are other particular features adding to the sophistication level of the new S-Class.

Check out further spy photos captured in Northern Scandinavia after the break!

Posted in 2013, dashboard, interior, look, mercedes-benz, s-class, spy, spyshots, view, w 222 | Leave a comment

PREVIEW: Future Mercedes-Benz S-Class to display an outstanding tech bonanza

By Adji | Published Monday, 14 November 2011

The S-Class is an all-time icon, bestseller and trendsetter in the automotive industry. A lot of the technology found today in almost every car was first introduced as a complete premiere on the prestigious luxury flagship from Stuttgart. The new generation, prone to arrive in late 2012, will mark another revolution for Mercedes-Benz, which is a customary event happening whenever a new S-Class is unveiled.

Always fascinating for the S-Class is the impressive technologycal package and the forthcoming model will certainly exceed all the expectations. First of all, the luxury sedan will become even more premium and move up in range. In addition, up to three new versions based on the S-Class will be released in the next two years: the usual SWB and LWB variants for the start of sales, the Pullman extended wheelbase representative model one year later, a coupe in 2013 and a soft-top cabriolet in 2014 (inspired by the Ocean Drive Concept of 2007).

The W 222 generation will sit on a newly-designed platform called Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture or MRA. All the components of the chassis are developed from zero and engineers made use, as much as possible, of light materials (e.g. aluminium) to help save important weight. The pinnacle of ride comfort will be the ultimate radar-based MAGIC RIDE CONTROL, a complex system that replaces the current Active Body Control and manages all things related to vehicle dynamics by adjusting suspension, dampers and ride height based on the road surface the car "reads" with the help of the headlight-mounted radars. Apart from the rear-driven vehicle, Mercedes-Benz will also offer the all-wheel-drive 4MATIC model for added grip and stability, that is programmed to arrive in UK showrooms in RHD configuration beginning with late 2013 or 2014.

Another innovation bound to arrive with the new S-Class is the Braking Bag, a solution that reduces the braking distance in critical circumstances, first previewed on the ESF 2009 concept car. But the most attractive novelty is set to be autonomous driving pilot, a tech gimmick able to safely drive the car without the driver's intervention. The system manages to calculate several important parameters and applies the correct functions in order to autonomously move and steer the car and thus follow a traffic queue at speeds of up to 40 km/h. To do that, the car is equipped with a complete array of surveillance cameras, radars and proximity sensors. Most likely, the upcoming S-Class will also premiere a new generation of the DISTRONIC PLUS system as well as an improved Brake Assist Plus and a Collision Warning System. The improved PRE-SAFE, the LED Intelligent Lighting System and the Night View Assist Plus will further enhance safety.

Mercedes-Benz engineers at Mettingen are now working hard on finishing a new 9-speed automatic gearbox badged 9G-TRONIC, destined to ensure highest level of efficiency in the segment. The engine lineup will comprise the basic 2.1-litre 204 hp, 4-cylinder diesel engine on the S 250 CDI; the 3.5-litre V6 with 306 hp (or more) for the S 350; a hybrid package with up to 415 hp for the S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID; the 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant boasting 435 hp for the S 500 and, last, but not least, a thoroughly revised V12 for the high-end S 600, which should reach a peak output of around 550 hp. The V8-powered S 63 AMG with up to 571 hp will come packed full of cutting-edge AMG sports technology when it's launched in 2013. Appearantly, the outrageous S 65 AMG will not be discontinued for the sake of motoring passion: the V12 under the bonnet will undergo an entire treatment which targets to improve fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. However, that should not affect the overall performance of the supersports limo, as the maximum output could mount up to a staggering 630 hp.

You might also want to read:

- The telematics future of Mercedes-Benz: @yourCOMAND - Always online for more information, safety and comfort
- SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) hits the fast curves of the Ring
- PREVIEW: A deep look into the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class
- The future Mercedes-Benz tech stuff is all about ... magic

Illustration: Autocar

Copyright © 2011, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Posted in future, innovations, mercedes-benz, outstanding, preview, s-class, technologycal, w 222 | Leave a comment

SPY: The interior of the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) uncovered ... again

By Adji

During summer, we posted the first-ever spy shot depicting the futuristic dashboard of the forthcoming S-Class (see HERE), due at the end of 2012. Not many things have changed since that moment, as the prototypes still carry a provisional version of the final piece. While the instrument cluster and the central display of the infotainment system come straight from the F 700 prototype, we know the Stuttgart flagship is bound to receive a revolutionary interior architecture which combines strategic elements previewed on the F 700, F 800 and F 125! research vehicles. Both interesting and intriguing are the looks of the new and uber-classy centre console, defined by a large piece of wood and displaying four circular vents and an evolved variant of the HVAC system. Because of the heavy cladding, other visual details of the dashboard still remain hidden to the naked eye.

Check out more images after the jump!