Spy photos of the 2013 S-Class

Although it is still in its embryonic stage, the car you see in the pictures is the next generation of the S-Class. The guys at Spyshots insist that this is not a “mule”, but the actual S-Class we will see in 2013. It was spotted in Austria, where Mercedes is carrying out winter tests taking advantage of the cold and snow in the area.

Beneath the heavy camouflage we can make out a bodywork wider and longer than the current one. The main exterior lines will reflect some of the design solutions seen on the F700 and F800 prototypes, and the interior will feature a radically different design from anything seen before in Mercedes.

The engine range will consist of V6 and V8 units, both petrol and diesel. We won’t know the power and consumption these engines will deliver in the new S-Class until its launch. What does seem certain is that all of them will feature direct injection and turbocharging.

Additionally, a hybrid version based on the Vision S500 plug-in hybrid prototype is expected. It is said to be capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in under 6 seconds and consuming 3.3 litres every 100 km. These figures seem very optimistic, but I will be the first to congratulate Mercedes if they achieve them.

As for the sportier versions, the S63 AMG will continue to exist (with the 5.5 twin-turbo V8 engine), but the S65 AMG and the S600 will disappear, at least in Europe. These V12 versions will be aimed at markets such as Asia and the Middle East, where social prestige is paramount.

Source | Spyshots