2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class spy photos

By Matt Brogan | February 10th, 2010

Today we can give you the very first spy photos of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Partly disguised with parts from the current model, it’s still clear that this one really is the new S-Class.

Apart from the easy parts to spot, like the front and rear end, we also notice that the door lines and especially the rear doors are very different to the current model.

Front lights are expected to get smaller and the grille more upright than the current car but not as extreme as on the F700 Concept.

According to rumors it will not be a much lighter due to the necessary space and tech requirements but it will be much more fuel efficient due to new downsized engines and three versions of hybrid options, mild, full and plug-in.

Even if this prototype looks more ready than expected, the new S-Class is not due for the market until 2012.

Newbie

why is every manufacturer so keen on having those damn lower front bar LED lights …

Peter

yeah. they are pretty, but they look absolutely embarrassing and pathetic when a bulb blows, like going out with your fly undone. Oh, and the car? I wonder whether it will have the current rear arch styling. It’s not my cuppa, but obviously some people like it. I preferred the old s, like the 450SL. What a horny car that was…sigh…
Matthew

They are high visibility white LED’s for additional safety. Remember how Volvo’s used to have daytime driving lights? This is the same idea but modern application. (Personally my car does not have these so I have my headlights on day or night so other road users can see my car easier.)

Given they are LED’s they tend not to blow like normal bulbs as they have no filament, but literally light emitting diodes. If they are high quality then they will never go out.

gt6

Hmmmm, evolutionary not revolutionary.

Shak

just like almost every other car out there. The only people who take the revolutionary road are Subaru, and look where thats landed them.

gt6

Within 6 months to a year of a dramatic style direction, buyers get past their early objections and purchase the car for the reasons that drew them to that brand in the first place – how the car drove. There is an emotive decision to how we feel sitting behind the wheel of a car regardless of what clothes it wears. For Eg. will all the CUB’s stop buying HSV’s with the new Storm-Trooper sheet metal? Highly unlikely, it’s how they feel sitting behind the wheel, how the vehicle performs to their expectations. It is a rare combo when something both looks goods and drives great within varying price ranges. I would quite happily own a new Liberty knowing it looks like my grandad’s cardigan but will take to the twisty bits like a fly to the proverbial.

Jeev

hmmm cant wait for this to come…funny thing will be reading everyone pre-assumptions that the car is going to look like crap blah blah..

until it actually comes out and makes your faces fall into their corn-flakes!

this isnt the best car in the world for nothing you know
Baddass

Will Maybach die with this new model? I think it would be appropriate if it did. The tasteless styling, enormous length and irrelevant price tag make it a non-contender against the Phantom.