mercedes gla: S 600

Saturday, January 26, 2013

SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 600 GUARD (W 222) spotted in Scandinavia + latest shots

1:17 PM 2013, GUARD, latest, mercedes-benz, new, S 600, s-class, shots, spy, v12, w 222, W222Special No comments

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We are around two months ahead of the release of the first official pictures and details surrounding the brand new S-Class, Merc's most anxiously awaited new model. In the last year, test prototypes used for the on-road development phase have gradually lost their exterior cladding, revealing more and more interesting details hidden in the outer design of the new luxury flagship from Stuttgart.

The new S-Class will be the first car in its market segment capable of driving itself without the intervention of the driver. Using radar technology, the premium saloon will be able to scan the road paving in front of the car and manage the suspension and dampers to improve dynamics and stability through the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL and MAGIC BODY CONTROL systems. Another highlighting feature of the W 222 generation is the Intelligent Drive concept that gathers an entire array of safety-dedicated features: PRE-SAFE, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, Real Life Safety wrong-way detection system, the 3D Stereo Multi-Purpose Camera and many more state-of-the-art solutions that have been already previewed on the new E-Class 2013. Last, but not least, the S-Class is the first car ever to function without any single light bulb, as those are fully replaced with LEDs.

The new S-Class will become an even more upscale luxury limousine, as it is also intended to replace the already ditched Maybach brand. At the start of sales, programed after summer 2013, a choice of two different wheelbase lengths will be available: the standard and the LWB variant. Apart from those, beginning 2014 and 2015 respectively, two new variants will also be added in the portfolio: the S-Class XL (an elongated LWB variant) specially developed for the Chinese market and the S-Class Pullman with up to 6.5 meters in overall length.

The engine lineup will consist of numerous diesel, gasoline and hybrid powerplants, going from straight-four up to V12. Several clean and efficient BlueTEC versions replacing the current CDI units will also be released, as are the new HYBRID, BlueTEC HYBRID and PLUG-IN HYBRID, with specifications yet to be confirmed. The range-topping AMG models will also be part of the family, with the new S 63 AMG intended to receive 4MATIC and more power (557 hp or 585 hp) and the new V12-powered S 65 AMG remaining fully committed to rear-wheel-drive and boasting up to 680 hp. Mercedes-Benz have reportedly fully developed in-house a brand new automatic, 9-speed gearbox entitled called 9G-TRONIC that is also expected to premiere on the new S-Class.

Spy photographers from all over the world have spotted various camouflaged S-Class test vehicles. Lately, the guys with cameras that were dispatched in Northern Europe snagged some early test prototypes of the upcoming S-Class GUARD high-security representative model, slated to enter production next year. The modified, slightly wider body with visibly added metal panels, the different filler area and the front wing-placed spots for inserting flags depict the model. This special variant, built only upon specific request and intended for diplomatic use, will feature an extended wheelbase, an extensively armoured body and several, bespoke protection measures to make it withstand some of the most demanding threats - weapon attack, fire attack, chemical attack. The S-Class GUARD will also be fitted with the latest generation of communication devices and most of the technological features of the standard S-Class. However, the extra protection package adds important kilograms to the kerb weight. To counterbalance that effect, the GUARD variant is offered only in conjuction with the future S 600 model powered by a new V12 biturbocharged engine cranking out around 550 hp.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

SPY: A 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 600 V12 prototype spotted in Sindelfingen

10:41 AM 2014, first, mercedes-benz, new, S 600, scoops, spy, v12, w 222, W222Special No comments

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The colleagues from Mercedes-Benz Passion Blog were able to sneak some fresh spy shots of the forthcoming S-Class in Sindelfingen, the main site where the luxury flagship will be assembled beginning with 2013. Although we have uncovered most of the secrets behind the W 222 and we can sketch the exterior design quite accurately, this new set of street captures brings some new details.

If you look closely at the photo we have posted above, you will be able to spot a hint that tells you this is actually the very first S 600 test prototypes spotted so far. If you haven't already noticed, the light-blue coloured S-Class features a half-split exhaust pipe, a featured which is reserved for the V12-powered models solely. In fact, this design signals a quad exhaust configuration, all so necessary to handle the high output and the consequent emissions. When it is unveiled in 2014, the future S 600 V12 will be powered by an all new 12-cylinder engine, engineered by Mercedes-AMG and rated at around 550-560 hp.

Some rumors are pointing out the fact Mercedes-Benz executives could have already given a second thought and are planning to reveal the new S-Class earlier than mentioned before. If we are to believe the official German dealers who state the market launch of the W 222 is scheduled for May next year (with orders being greenlighted from January) for the standard and S 63 AMG variants, then we could have a big surprise at NAIAS Detroit 2013. According to latest reports, the 4MATIC and the HYBRID versions of the new S-Class will be available beginning with the end of next year.