S-Class

Over two years before its official presentation at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show, a first prototype of the new Mercedes S-class, code-named W 221, has been spotted undergoing tests in northern Sweden.

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By @Automedia

12th May 2003

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According to a Mercedes spokesman, the new flagship won't grow overall in length or width but will feature a lengthened wheelbase with the front and rear wheels pushed further to the edges of the arches.

The new S-class will feature a design quite different from the current car. In fact, design elements of the up-coming GST, which itself will be based on the chassis of the new S-class, will be carried over to the new S-class, too. The car will be given a prominent waist line underneath the side windows, reaching from the bonnet straight through to the boot lid - a simple trick to disguise the true height of the boot without destroying the overall elegance. The front will be dominated by a very flat and wide grille.

It is too early still to give concrete information about chassis and electronic - however, air suspension and huge 19- or 20-inch wheels will be standard.