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2020 Mercedes S-Class Looks More Sexy Testing in the Rain

The all-new generation Mercedes S-Class is more than a year away from coming out, and we caught up to the testing taking place in Stuttgart. The light rain makes it even sexier than usual too.
2020 Mercedes S-Class Looks More Sexy Testing in the Rain 4 photos
Photo: YouTube screenshot
2020 Mercedes S-Class Looks More Sexy Testing in the Rain2020 Mercedes S-Class Looks More Sexy Testing in the Rain2020 Mercedes S-Class Looks More Sexy Testing in the Rain
To keep its flagship status, the S-Class will have to go on a technological binging spree. It all starts with a brand new platform, which has allowed it to grow in both width and length.

Mercedes also seems to be improving the packaging. By placing the seats slightly lower, they are creating more headroom. Though bigger, the W223 is expected to be lighter than the W222 that came before it, thanks to carbon fiber and other materials.

Regarding engines, the car will widely adopt the mild-hybrid inline-6 architecture with a 9-speed automatic continuing to be used. More AI will allow it to read the road ahead and adapt everything from the suspension to the engine and lights.

The cabin will mark a radical change as well. The company designed Hartmut Sinkwitz hinted that the Maybach Ultimate Luxury Concept (yes, the SUV) would serve as a preview. According to him, ambient lighting will play a more significant part, suggesting it might be expanded to the steering wheel. The one time we scooped a 2020 S-Class interior, it had only one large screen in front of the driver while air vents took the place of the other one.

Sales of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class are slowing down. Back in August, they shifted just 600 units in America, compared to over 1,500 back in January. And for all of last year, the flagship Benz is responsible for only 15,888 deliveries, with more and more headlines talking about the Tesla Model S and how it dominates the segment.

To counter the Model S, Daimler has begun testing the EQ S flagship electric vehicle, which could also benefit from the W223's advanced tech.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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