Mercedes S-Class spied

Text: Luke Madden / Photos: Automedia

11th October 2011

These pictures reveal a new Mercedes S-Class is on the way and according to reports, it's going to be loaded with hi-tech gadgets and equipment. 

First up is 6D-Vision, a system designed to spot pedestrians and cyclists appearing from behind parked cars. The average human will take 500 milliseconds to process that information and instigate emergency braking. But 6D-Vision can do it in 200ms.

To improve comfort Mercedes-Benz will equip the new S-Class with a system called Magic Body Control (MBC). This set-up scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly to help soak up and rough roads. There's also a system that can counteract body-roll for better handling. 

Inside, expect a futuristic interior complete with large TFT screens and digital dials. Radar guided cruise control, blind spot warning, lane keep assist, night vision cameras and automatic braking systems will all be fitted. 

The engine line-up will be just as hi-tech, with hugely efficient V6, V8 and even V12 engines. These will feature gadets like cylinder deactivation, stop/start and mild-hybrid systems to pass strict EU6 regulations. Expect to see the most basic models producing around 300bhp and hot AMG models with over 650bhp. 

The new S-Class arrives midway through 2012 and will be joined afterwards by a two-door coupe and even a convertible version.

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