It will be able to ride on a platform that will eventually trickle down to smaller cars.
We are patiently waiting for the W223 wraps to be put on the new Mercedes S-Class. After a conversation with Jurgen Weissinger, Head of Development, we now have some details to dig into. After chatting with Jurgen Weissinger, he admitted that development obstacles and the coronavirus epidemic have delayed the world premiere several more times. However, the revamped S-Class will be ready for an official debut in September at home in Sindelfingen.
The next-generation S was developed in 2015. In 2015, work began on a new platform which will eventually trickle down into the lower models of the lineup. It is easy to see that creating new underpinnings in a flagship car can be very expensive. However, Mercedes will help spread the cost as “large numbers of future models” will use the same hardware. This includes everything from the shell, safety systems, and climate controls.
Weissinger also reveals that the new S-Class will offer rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, in addition to the Maybach and AMG derivatives. The V12 will not only see another generation but will also be paired up with 4Matic. Although the head honchos originally considered dropping the powerhouse engine, they decided to keep the engine with 12 cylinders. The AMG S65 is not returning so the V12 will be only available in the Maybach or possibly the armored Guard versions. These versions are expected to arrive by mid-2021.
The mild-hybrid six- or eight-cylinder six-cylinder engines will drive most of the sales, but the next S-Class will be available with smaller four-pot powertrains in certain markets. This is not the case in North America and Europe. As evidenced by China’s 1.5-liter engine, the smaller engines will be offered mainly in countries with higher taxes. CLS 260 We recently discussed.
The new S will offer three wheelbase options, including the long and extra-long Maybach. Rumours have claimed that the standard-wheelbase model is dead. It’s possible that there will be a new Pullman. But, it remains to be seen. Weissinger also said that engineers have used rear-wheel steering to reduce car’s turning circle. This is a good thing considering the wheelbase has been extended by four centimeters (1.57 inch) over the previous model.
The flagship Daimler model will be available with a level 3 semi-autonomous drive system. A level 4 setup is planned to follow later in the model’s lifetime. Apart from the electric EQS already confirmed, there will also be many plug-in hybrid versions that can reach electric ranges up to 62 miles (100 km). Weissinger also shared another interesting fact: the EQS has a slightly smaller footprint, but it should still be as spacious inside once you remove the oily bits that come with an ICE-powered car.
The 2021 Mercedes S-Class will go into production in September at the new factory 56 facility, Sindelfingen. Mercedes claims that this will be the most modern car manufacturing plant in the world. This is where the “upper and luxurious class” models of the 2021 Mercedes S-Class will be built.