The Mercedes-Benz S-Class, an evolution of nine lines of Mercedes-Benz models harking since the mid-1950s, is still the world’s best-selling luxury flagship sedan. The current generation, the W221 S-Class, premiered in 2005. As in previous S-Class models, the current S-Class is sold in standard and long wheelbase versions and offers V6, V8, V12, and diesel powertrains.
2011 should bring us a full redesign of the S-Class. From the renderings, the heavy influence from the F700 is visible in the front end and in the tail lights. If this rendering is accurate, they’ve thankfully smoothed out some of the more funky design elements from the F700. The body takes the CLS-style sedan-that-thinks-it’s-a-coupe roofline and terminates it in a Bentley-esque trunkline and fenderline separation.
Performance wise Mercedes will carry over the V6, V8, V12 and diesels, but with the new CAFE 35 regulations (and the success of the Lexus LS600hL), hybrids will become a priority. Mercedes has already confirmed plans for the 275hp mild-hybrid S400 variant for 2009. The S400 will be the first hybrid car that uses lithium ion batteries.
Also in the works is the S300 Bluetec Hybrid, which the company showed at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The S300 Bluetec Hybrid is powered by a 4-cylinder hybrid module that produces 224 horsepower with a maximum torque 560 Nm. Even with that performance the Mercedes S300 Bluetec Hybrid will deliver 44 mpg.
So look out for the hotter and greener 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in late 2010 as a 2011 model year. In the meantime, look out for a refresh to the front end of the current S-class in 2009 that mimics the two-boxes headlight theme that will also come on the next CLK.
