The Mercedes S-Class has long stood as the epitome of modern automotive prowess, a harmonious fusion of luxury and advanced engineering. While competitors strive to meet its high standards, company CEO Ola Källenius exudes confidence about the upcoming model set to make its mark in the early months of next year. With an established legacy of pioneering luxurious technology and innovative features, fervor grows as we await the next chapter for the S-Class. Any reservations about the significance of the new iteration compared to its predecessor have been firmly dismissed. Källenius quipped, "There is some inner unrest for what is next. But rest assured, nobody has run out of ideas when it comes to S-Class. We will have plenty for you." Previously, he had highlighted that the investment pour into this update significantly exceeds the typical expenditure for a facelift, hinting at exciting enhancements on the horizon. “Of course, it [will get] MB.OS upgrades,” he added, teasing the possibility of incorporating a variant of the Hyperscreen infotainment system from the EQS electric saloon. The updated model is already making waves, having been spotted undergoing testing in various configurations, including standard, AMG, and even Maybach forms and will be officially unveiled next year.
While spy shots keep much of the car’s aesthetic cloaked in mystery, a few design elements are irrefutably visible. A larger grille maintains Mercedes’ 'Panamericana' charm, complemented by revised headlights that showcase the brand’s stylish three-pointed star daytime running lights, reminiscent of the recently updated EQS and the soon-to-be-released electric CLA. Speaking of the Mercedes CLA, why not explore the latest opportunities for pre-owned Mercedes CLAs? You might discover a fantastic deal! Transitioning to the rear, new tail lights draw inspiration from the latest E-Class, adorned with additional three-pointed star motifs, sitting just above a striking set of exhaust finishers at the lower bumper. The S 63 variant we recently spotted boasts enhanced cooling capabilities at the front due to larger vents. At the rear, the iconic quad-tip exhaust has been preserved, now accompanied by a subtle central diffuser. Although the core powertrain line-up is expected to remain steadfast, slight modifications could enhance performance and fuel efficiency, particularly with the plug-in hybrid S 450 e potentially receiving a bump to a larger 25 kWh battery – promising a slight uptick in its already impressive 63-kilometer electric range.
We’re also hopeful for enhancements in the S 63 E Performance variant, which presently struggles with just a 13.1 kWh battery facilitating a meager 21 kilometers of EV range. The silver lining here is that this electric support pairs with a robust twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 powerhouse, generating an impressive 791 hp and delivering a staggering 1,430 Nm of torque. The current seventh-generation Mercedes S-Class burst onto the production scene in 2020, showcasing a selection of petrol, diesel, and hybrid engines while leaving all-electric propulsion to the EQS. This strategy remains unchanged with the facelifted S-Class, as Mercedes confidently asserts it possesses a suite of ‘future-proof’ engines designed to comply with stringent Euro 7 emissions guidelines. This diverse range encompasses both six and eight-cylinder units, with 12-cylinder options still available in select markets.
Looking to the future, Mercedes has indicated that investments in combustion-engine technology will be curbed significantly, driven by a “reduction in powertrain complexity” and a focus on “modularisation between BEV and electrified high-tech ICE products.” Expect to see a greater emphasis on hybridisation as part of the broader powertrain strategy. Nevertheless, the brand's pragmatic approach toward maintaining diesel options for models where they remain truly advantageous suggests that they will likely continue to be available in Europe, unlike some rivals such as BMW and Audi, who have phased out diesel variants in their full-size saloons. Given the breadth of innovation the upcoming S-Class promises, it’s an incredibly exciting time to be an automotive enthusiast!