Photo: SB-Medien
The Mercedes S-Class has been around for quite a few decades, during which times it's had to compete with stiff competition from BMW and eventually Audi and Lexus. Believe it or not, but the current generation, the W222 came out in 2013 and so the Benz people are already working on a replacement.
The W223 started as a test mule, based on the current generation. This allowed us to quickly see how the new platform featured slightly longer tracks and wheelbase dimensions. But that was over a year ago. In fact, these aren't even the first winter testing photos, since this is their second year of Scandinavian adventures.
You could argue that winter testing is what sets Mercedes apart from Tesla. But even if the new S-Class turns out to be way more reliable than a Model S, it's not going to matter much. So let's focus instead on the design changes previewed by this flagship sedan.
Brand new headlights can be spotted in these latest spyshots, though they still have those puzzling bolts going through them. The taillights are provisional, but it's easy to see how they cut across the trunk opening, much like they do on the CLS III.
Technology-wise, it's already been confirmed that the 7th generation model will feature Level 3 autonomous driving. This means the driver doesn't have to be fully alert to what's going on, like on a Level 2 car. We want to say that it's just a gimmick, but considering how complex the latest infotainment systems are, it's a good thing the S-Class will have your back when you take your eyes off the road.
Of course, this tech will be an expensive optional extra, and we predict the jump to Level 3 will also be made by the all-new C-Class and facelifted E-Class around 2021. Welcome to the future!
In any case, we don't know much about the powertrain changes, which is precisely what you expect from a flagship model. The V12 will be dropped, but the current S-Class already benefits from all the latest inline-6 and hybrid systems. Will they migrate to a 10-speed auto and will diesel even be available? You'll just have to wait and see.
You could argue that winter testing is what sets Mercedes apart from Tesla. But even if the new S-Class turns out to be way more reliable than a Model S, it's not going to matter much. So let's focus instead on the design changes previewed by this flagship sedan.
Brand new headlights can be spotted in these latest spyshots, though they still have those puzzling bolts going through them. The taillights are provisional, but it's easy to see how they cut across the trunk opening, much like they do on the CLS III.
Technology-wise, it's already been confirmed that the 7th generation model will feature Level 3 autonomous driving. This means the driver doesn't have to be fully alert to what's going on, like on a Level 2 car. We want to say that it's just a gimmick, but considering how complex the latest infotainment systems are, it's a good thing the S-Class will have your back when you take your eyes off the road.
Of course, this tech will be an expensive optional extra, and we predict the jump to Level 3 will also be made by the all-new C-Class and facelifted E-Class around 2021. Welcome to the future!
In any case, we don't know much about the powertrain changes, which is precisely what you expect from a flagship model. The V12 will be dropped, but the current S-Class already benefits from all the latest inline-6 and hybrid systems. Will they migrate to a 10-speed auto and will diesel even be available? You'll just have to wait and see.
Google News