Photo: CarPix
Revealed in 2013, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W222) is slowly but surely heading for the operation table, where it will receive a mid-cycle facelift sometime in 2017.
As these latest spyshots reveal, you won't be in for a major surprise when it comes to the overall look of the car, since most of the model's design changes will be as subtle as they get.
The front end will be the most improved, with a modified bumper design and all-new headlamp graphics for the slightly slimmer headlights. Even though they're partly covered on this pre-production prototype, it's pretty obvious that the trademarked “Mercedes-Benz LED eyebrows” will get a little furrier.
The revamped S-Class will also introduce an even better version of LED Multibeam headlamps that should then trickle down to other models in the near future lineup. As for the rear, the swooping taillights will keep their overall shape intact while featuring modified headlamp graphics as well.
Interior wise, apart from a redesigned steering wheel and the unification of the two giant infotainment screens, the biggest change will be in an all-new touchpad, which was recently scooped inside another testing prototype.
By far the most significant changes will be found under the mostly aluminum sheetmetal, though, where a new generation of inline-six engines is to make an appearance. Both diesel and gasoline mills will make their way on the S-Class, with one of the gas versions also sporting a revolutionary mild-hybrid system built around a 42-Volt electrical setup.
Another world premiere will consist of the addition of exhaust particulate filters on the direct-injected gasoline engines, which should make the powerplants ready for whatever comes next after the Euro VI emission standards.
Not yet confirmed, but the S500/S550 models should also lose the 4.7-liter V8 from the current S-Class and gain a detuned version of the 4.0-liter "hot vee" V8 from the C63 and the Mercedes-AMG GT in return.
As far as active safety goes, Mercedes-Benz will add another layer of features on its semi-autonomous system, making the S-Class switch from its current Level 2 to Level 3 autonomy. In translation, this means that the revamped Sonder Klasse (Special Class in German) will be able to drive completely on its own within certain environments, such as highways.
The front end will be the most improved, with a modified bumper design and all-new headlamp graphics for the slightly slimmer headlights. Even though they're partly covered on this pre-production prototype, it's pretty obvious that the trademarked “Mercedes-Benz LED eyebrows” will get a little furrier.
The revamped S-Class will also introduce an even better version of LED Multibeam headlamps that should then trickle down to other models in the near future lineup. As for the rear, the swooping taillights will keep their overall shape intact while featuring modified headlamp graphics as well.
Interior wise, apart from a redesigned steering wheel and the unification of the two giant infotainment screens, the biggest change will be in an all-new touchpad, which was recently scooped inside another testing prototype.
By far the most significant changes will be found under the mostly aluminum sheetmetal, though, where a new generation of inline-six engines is to make an appearance. Both diesel and gasoline mills will make their way on the S-Class, with one of the gas versions also sporting a revolutionary mild-hybrid system built around a 42-Volt electrical setup.
Another world premiere will consist of the addition of exhaust particulate filters on the direct-injected gasoline engines, which should make the powerplants ready for whatever comes next after the Euro VI emission standards.
Not yet confirmed, but the S500/S550 models should also lose the 4.7-liter V8 from the current S-Class and gain a detuned version of the 4.0-liter "hot vee" V8 from the C63 and the Mercedes-AMG GT in return.
As far as active safety goes, Mercedes-Benz will add another layer of features on its semi-autonomous system, making the S-Class switch from its current Level 2 to Level 3 autonomy. In translation, this means that the revamped Sonder Klasse (Special Class in German) will be able to drive completely on its own within certain environments, such as highways.
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