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Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Ralph Hanson January 15th, 2008 Ralph Hanson By Ralph Hanson Author January 15th, 2008
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December 31st, 1969 When Mercedes rolled out the odd-looking F700 concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show many speculated that it was destined to become just another pointless exercise in automotive styling. Not so according to people close to the project. Latest reports claim both the technology and design of the car will eventually make its way onto the next-generation S-Class due in 2012. As these renderings suggest, the next S-Class will be heavily influenced by the F700 design study. Mercedes described the F700 as a "futuristic interpretation of the classic sedan," which you’d be safe to interpret as being the inspiration for the next iteration of the carmaker’s longest running sedan model. Like the current model, the new car will come in both short and long wheelbase versions and will be powered by a range of V6, V8 and V12 powerplants – both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. However, new to the lineup will be the introduction of a highly tuned four-cylinder model. Mercedes in fact used the F700 to preview the new powertrain, dubbed DiesOtto, again giving clues as to what to expect in the next S-Class. Mercedes also used the F700 to preview its new active PRE-SCAN suspension, a system that scours the road ahead using two lasers and automatically adjusts the suspension to suit. Another feature is the new SERVO-HMI (Human Machine Interface), which features a virtual operating assistant that the driver can converse with. Expect to see similar systems in the new S-Class and toned down versions in other future models. Also joining the lineup will be a new range of hybrid-electric diesel models powered lithium-ion batteries. Two concept versions of the current S-Class with the new hybrid powertrains were also on display at the Frankfurt Show. The most fuel efficient version, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid, was powered by a four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain producing 224hp with a maximum torque 560Nm and managed a 44mpg fuel economy rating.2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Enlarge Photo

When Mercedes rolled out the odd-looking F700 concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show many speculated that it was destined to become just another pointless exercise in automotive styling. Not so according to people close to the project. Latest reports claim both the technology and design of the car will eventually make its way onto the next-generation S-Class due in 2012.

As these renderings suggest, the next S-Class will be heavily influenced by the F700 design study. Mercedes described the F700 as a "futuristic interpretation of the classic sedan," which you’d be safe to interpret as being the inspiration for the next iteration of the carmaker’s longest running sedan model.

Like the current model, the new car will come in both short and long wheelbase versions and will be powered by a range of V6, V8 and V12 powerplants – both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. However, new to the lineup will be the introduction of a highly tuned four-cylinder model. Mercedes in fact used the F700 to preview the new powertrain, dubbed DiesOtto, again giving clues as to what to expect in the next S-Class.

Mercedes also used the F700 to preview its new active PRE-SCAN suspension, a system that scours the road ahead using two lasers and automatically adjusts the suspension to suit. Another feature is the new SERVO-HMI (Human Machine Interface), which features a virtual operating assistant that the driver can converse with. Expect to see similar systems in the new S-Class and toned down versions in other future models.

Also joining the lineup will be a new range of hybrid-electric diesel models powered lithium-ion batteries. Two concept versions of the current S-Class with the new hybrid powertrains were also on display at the Frankfurt Show. The most fuel efficient version, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid, was powered by a four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain producing 224hp with a maximum torque 560Nm and managed a 44mpg fuel economy rating.
2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Gallery
  • mercedes s 01
  • mercedes s 02

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: 2008, Mercedes Benz, Spy Shots, Sedans, S Class


Comments (17 total)

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  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 1/15/2008

    You can't call it boring.
    The future is here!

    The front I could get used to, but the back end, again, is not so good. Just an opinion.

  2. By NaBUru38 #2, Posted: 1/15/2008

    THe current S-Class was released in 2005... and we're already getting next-gen renders?

  3. By James #3, Posted: 1/16/2008

    I agree with Gus.

  4. By chris #4, Posted: 1/16/2008

    agreed. the back end is something else. its classic though. I like this car. just yesterday i was complaining that the E class looked boring and like a hodge podge of design. This, is nice. The styling isnt for me, but i can see people going wild for this thing.

    Nab; you think merc should run the same generation of a car for longer than 7 years? The focus went 7 years in north america without a major redesign and people were joking about THAT being a long time.

  5. By S.H. #5, Posted: 1/16/2008

    It is just the other way around for me. I'm loving the back but can't pass the front end..

  6. By germandude #6, Posted: 1/16/2008

    ZOMFG! It's not a woman, it's a robot!

    I don't think I like where Mercedes design is going...

  7. By balkan boy #7, Posted: 1/19/2008

    If thats the new direction then kudos to MB, it has that classic feel of W114/115 ( that actually Cadillac recaptured in its recent designs, especially upfront), and yet its decidedly modern in its approach. They still have to work on certain proportions though.

  8. By anthony #8, Posted: 1/29/2008

    I like it the the front is Mercedes (future) and the back reminds me of the Bentley Flying Spur. As odd as it's design my seem now in 4 years it will be right on time!

  9. By Sir Yappie #9, Posted: 1/30/2008

    Ok first time post...
    This is what the maybach should have been to make it more interesting. To be perfectly honest though the fact that it looks like the CLS replacement rather than the S class replacement could be a sticking point, considering that the CLS although a great design and completely different to anything on the market was absolutely aweful for rear head room. This is a problem only for those that get driven around, but if you could afford a driver you would have bought the S class. I just dont like the back at all....too hatchbacky, and not enough saloon. the front im liking alot though...

  10. By Marc #10, Posted: 2/4/2008

    I just bought the PRESENT S-class... please allow me at least a FEW year to consider my car as "new"... Unavoidably Mercedes will give the actual owners the nice "present" next year of a superfluous facelift, rendering at once the existing cars "old" and the "new" ones not newer at all... well....

  11. By bonzell #11, Posted: 2/4/2008

    i would put 26s on this and be a baller

  12. By ud #12, Posted: 2/4/2008

    poor maybach, people will love new s klasse b coz cheaper & awsome design

  13. By Michael O'Mara #13, Posted: 3/26/2008

    All good comments.

    I think it is a great looking car. Does anyone know if the car will be available in a 2-door?

  14. By Samuel Smith #14, Posted: 8/22/2008

    Love the new design, I only hope you will take the shifter off the steering column and place on the console where it should be. I noticed the new 2010 7 series has returned the shifter to console it's sportier that way

  15. ma_Cyyryyl avatar by Cyyryyl #15, Posted: 10/3/2008

    The designing is mind blowing except for the back. The back looks like a poorly designed boat.

  16. ma_carguy2012 avatar by carguy2012 #16, Posted: 5/26/2009

    As a current S-Class owner, I pray to God that this is not the 2012 S-Class .. This has got to be the ugliest S renderinng I've seen. I don't see how any of it could grow on anybody. In fact, if this is really the new S-Class then I'm buying a Rolls Royce Ghost.

  17. ma_iftwb avatar by iftwb #17, Posted: 7/31/2009

    If you people honestly think this is a good looking car, especially the front...
    *facepalm*
    Old S-class, A8 or F01 7 series please.

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