Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Posted Tue Jan 15 2008 6:01 PM by Ralph Hanson

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.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Reader Comments

Tue Jan 15 2008 8:01 PM
Gus says

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.
Tue Jan 15 2008 10:13 PM
NaBUru38 says

THe current S-Class was released in 2005... and we're already getting next-gen renders?
Wed Jan 16 2008 2:59 AM
James says

I agree with Gus.
Wed Jan 16 2008 8:52 AM
chris says

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.
Wed Jan 16 2008 3:43 PM
S.H. says

It is just the other way around for me. I'm loving the back but can't pass the front end..
Wed Jan 16 2008 4:58 PM
germandude says

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

I don't think I like where Mercedes design is going...
Sat Jan 19 2008 10:49 PM
balkan boy says

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.
Tue Jan 29 2008 9:27 PM
anthony says

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!
Wed Jan 30 2008 10:45 PM
Sir Yappie says

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...
Mon Feb 4 2008 12:55 PM
Marc says

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....
Mon Feb 4 2008 1:39 PM
bonzell says

i would put 26s on this and be a baller
Mon Feb 4 2008 3:08 PM
ud says

poor maybach, people will love new s klasse b coz cheaper & awsome design
Wed Mar 26 2008 2:21 PM
Michael O'Mara says

All good comments.

I think it is a great looking car. Does anyone know if the car will be available in a 2-door?
Fri Aug 22 2008 3:32 PM
Samuel Smith says

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
Fri Oct 3 2008 11:54 AM
Cyyryyl says

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

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