The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been on the market since 2005 and is quickly approaching the end of its career. The brand’s engineers are currently working on the the big sedan’s replacement, which is due out in 2013.
Mercedes-Benz has promised that when the new S-Class bows, it will be much more than just a flagship sedan.
“We have many surprises in terms of technology for the new [S-Class],†said Dr. Uwe Ernstberger, the car’s program manager. “It will deliver something very different to its rivals – and it will have a much broader range.â€
According to the website WorldCarFans, the big surprise that Mercedes-Benz has in store is that the next installment of the S-Class will be available in no less than four different body styles.
The first one will be similar in concept to the current S-Class and will be offered with two different wheelbase lengths. A second model will be a large coupe that will replace the existing CL-Class.
A third model is likely to be a limousine similar to the 600 Pullman of the 1960s and 1970s that will partially fill the gap left by the demise of Daimler’s Maybach brand.
The last body style is perhaps the most interesting: Mercedes is expected to reveal the production version of the Ocean Drive concept that it displayed at the 2007 Detroit auto show.
The massive four-door convertible will act as the brand’s halo car. Its base price will be significantly higher than that of a standard S-Class, but it will be a rolling display case of the latest Mercedes-Benz technology.
