Mercedes-Benz will officially lift the lid on its eagerly awaited next-generation S-Class on 15 May.
The Hamburg reveal was confirmed by Daimler AG chairman Dieter Zetsche at the Geneva Motor Show, placing great emphasis on the important role this model will play in Mercedes’ future plans.
“The S-class is the most important car of all to us,” said Zetsche. “Its success makes us stronger going forward.”
With the departure of its ultra-luxury Maybach brand, Mercedes can afford to move certain versions of next-generation S-Class even further upmarket to potentially compete with the likes of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and the Rolls-Royce Ghost. There are rumours that a host of spinoffs are in the pipeline; including a coupe, a convertible and a long-wheelbase version that could revive the Pullman monicker.
According to Zetsche, the strength of the S-Class brand should grant it the success that eluded the largely unknown Maybach brand.
“We can sell more cars at better prices with the S-class,” he said. “Pushing the S-Class upmarket will also further strengthen and balance the Mercedes brand at the top end just as we are going smaller with the A-class range of car.”
From what we’ve gathered from a host of spy shots, including some local sightings, the styling of the new S-Class is likely be as attention-grabbing as that of both the new SL and E-Class.
The new car will also play host to some of the most innovative safety features produced by Mercedes to date.
A local launch date for the new S-Class has yet to be confirmed, but it’s believed that it could arrive here during the final quarter of 2013.
