Topgear News
Wraps Off New Benz S-Class
Posted on June 27, 2005 @ 4:47 pm
After months of spy photos and rumors, DaimlerChrysler has released the first official images of the much-awaited new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, set to replace the current generation which has been on the market for almost seven years - an eternity for high-luxury car standards.
MB’s new flagship sedan will makes its world debut at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, presenting several technological innovations to regain the class-leader status obtained back when its predecessor was launched in 1998.
Wrapped in a clearly Maybach-inspired exterior with hood, doors and trunk made of aluminum, the new S-class has grown in every dimension as is de rigueur with new cars these days. The chassis is packaged with tech features such as Distronic, which maintains the distance to cars ahead while traveling on cruise control, and Brake Assist Plus, capable of making the car stop on its own if it senses an imminent collision. A night vision system, similar to the one debuted by Cadillac, is also available.
Inside, inspiration came from longtime rivals BMW. The COMAND system is Merc’s simplified answer to BMW’s Byzantine iDrive, with a rotary knob and a color monitor replacing functions previously performed by several dash buttons. To add to the interior’s clean looks, the S-Class also follows its 7-Series rival’s footsteps in relocating the gearlever to the steering column, freeing up space between the front seats.
All models receive the Airmatic adjustable air suspension, while power will range - in Europe - from a 3.5-liter V6 to a twin-turbocharged 5.5L V12, churining out 512hp in the S600. An AMG versions is certain to follow, while gas-electric hybrids are a possibility in the long run.
The new S-Class is set to go on sale in the U.S. early next year.
(this article was taken from speedtv.com and was written by Cassio Cortes)
