New Mercedes S-class: 9 gears, 2.1 litre diesel and four-wheel-drive

Mercedes is close to unveiling the next generation of S-class. A new S-class is always a definitive affair for the motor industry due to the raft of new technologies that accompany its arrival. The features showcased on a new S-class inevitably find their way onto lesser models in the following years. Undoubtedly, the new S-class will be one of the most important new cars released in 2012.

Mercedes says the next generation S-class will set new standards for safety, drivelling, chassis and telematics technology. These will include a new ‘braking bag’ that bursts under the front axle, a computer controlled suspension system, aluminium body panels and the possible introduction of the four-wheel-drive 4Matic system for the first time.

Mercedes will bring out five models: a four-door saloon, two extended wheelbase cars, a short wheelbase coupe and a soft top convertible. There will also be an extra-long-wheelbase Pullman to satisfy demand in China and other emerging markets.

The Coupe will replace the current CL, while the convertible will take cues from the 2006 Ocean Drive concept, which will be targeted at the Bentley Continental GTC nad the Aston Martin Virage Volante.

Mercedes has also tried to move the styling on with this version of the S-class. Mercedes boss Gorden Wagener describes the new car’s appearance as ‘technically orientated’. It will have a wider, more upright grille and follow the current trend of LED lights. Insiders report that the new car will have styling links to the Mercedes F800 Style and F125 concepts.

Inside, the new S-class will be much cleaner than today’s ‘busy’ cockpit. It will have a less prominent fascia, soft touch switches and a free standing monitor incorporating the next generation Command multimedia system. Inside, natural trim materials will dominate.

Mercedes has comprehensively reworked the suspension for the next generation S-class. There will be a larger number of aluminium components which will reduce unsprung mass, therefore improving the dynamics. Most importantly, though, Mercedes has introduced its new Magic Ride Control System. It uses cameras to detect the state of the road and alter the spring and damper rates to suit the conditions in advance of the car’s arrival. It can also provide a constant ride height as it adjusts the car’s suspension as load is applied to each corner.

For the first time, an S-class will be endowed with a 2.1 litre diesel engine. The S 250 CDI will have the twin turbocharged four cylinder unit producing 201 bhp. This engine should entice new buyers to the S-class and reduce Co2 emissions across the range.

The UK best-seller is expected to be the S350CDI, which will use the 3.0 litre V6 diesel. However, Mercedes will also produce the S400 Bluetec hybrid, which will mate an electric motor to the 3.0 litre V6 diesel. Further up the range there will be a 3.0 litre V6 petrol with a 60 bhp electric motor, the S500 V8 petrol and a range topping S600 V12 petrol. Meanwhile AMG will provide a V8 S63 and a V12 S65. However, the big news for the drivetrain is the new 9G-Tronic gearbox which will replace today’s 7G-Tronic.