The next generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will feature a V12 engine

After many rumours about the possible abandonment of the V12 engine by the star brand, the chief executive himself has now confirmed that the new S-Class will be fitted with this great 12-cylinder powerplant. What do you think?

Daimler has confirmed that the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be offered with a V12 engine, dispelling rumours that the carmaker was preparing to get rid of its largest powertrain.

During a recent interview with GTspirit at the Guangzhou Auto Show, Daimler chief executive Ola Kallenius said that despite the new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 featuring a V8 engine instead of a V12, the next-generation S-Class will still be offered with a large twelve-cylinder powertrain.

Unfortunately, Kallenius could not offer many details about the exact V12 that will be introduced in the new S-Class, which is expected to be unveiled in 2021. It is understood that it will be a modified version of the engine currently used by the Mercedes-Benz S600 and the Mercedes-Maybach S600, updated to meet strict new emissions regulations.

The V12 returns to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Only last week, some sources published a series of spy photos giving a preview of the new era of the S-Class. As with the earlier images, these spy photos revealed that the new flagship saloon will have a profile similar to the outgoing model, but will be updated with a series of new parts, including headlights and rear lights inspired by the latest Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Another interesting part of the saloon’s design will be the door handles sitting flush with the bodywork, which will probably pop out when drivers and passengers approach the vehicle.

Inside, the changes will continue, with a redesigned centre console made almost entirely of a driver-oriented infotainment screen similar to the one used by Tesla in the Model S and the Model X. Among the powertrain options that will be available, alongside the V12 mentioned above, are several six-cylinder inline petrol and diesel units, as well as a range of plug-in hybrids.