Mercedes S-Class range to expand

A new Mercedes S-Class arrives next year, but the range won’t just consist of a large luxury car – the new S-Class line-up is expected to feature four models, including a four-seater cabriolet for the first time.  

Dr Uwe Ernstberger – Mercedes program manager for the S-Class – told Auto Express at the Detroit Motor Show: “The S-Class is the best luxury car in the world, and we have many surprises in terms of technology for the new model. It will deliver something very different to its rivals – and it will have a much broader range,” he said.

As well as the standard car – which we have spied here – there will be a long-wheelbase luxury model to replace the Maybach brand, and is a spiritual successor to the S600 Pullman. There will also be a two-door S-Class coupe, which will be badged as such, rather than use the CL badge of the current car. 

But the star of the range would be a four-seater cabriolet inspired by the Ocean Drive concept from the 2005 Los Angeles Motor Show, featuring a vast folding roof.

In related news, the UK will finally get a Mercedes-badged rival to the BMW X3 and Audi Q5 in the shape of a new GLK, which is set to arrive in the next two to three years. 
Dr Ernstberger also said that hybrids such as the E300 BlueTEC Hybrid are the way forward for Mercedes, as the technology is scalable and can be applied to any model.

He said it was the only way to make significant gains in economy, admitting that thanks to start-stop and direct injection, it's becoming harder to get large benefits from regular engines. "Many of our engineers ideas to improve economy and reduce CO2 on conventional engines have already been realised," he said.