All-wheel-drive option likely in next-generation S-Class

Mercedes-Benz is looking at equiping its next-generation flagship S-Class with all-wheel-drive as an option for right-hand-drive markets.

That's the word doing the rounds in southern Spain, where the luxury German carmaker has a lightly disguised prototype S-Class doing hot-weather testing.

Photos of the new model were published for the first time in Britain the other day. They reveal the new face of Mercedes-Benz' top saloon.

Reports say the familiar Mercedes-Benz grille remains, but the front bumper is more elegant and the headlight styling more angular. The new front end apparently gives the car more character.

Codenamed W221, the new model is bigger all round compared with the current version, and is based on the same platform as the forthcoming R-Class people-mover.

Mercedes-Benz engineers have been working hard to keep the car competitive, with ever-stiffer competition from the likes of BMW's 7-Series and Audi's A8.

The carmaker has said that the new interior will be a highlight of the S-Class, offering an all-new leather look in a cabin mixing tradition and cutting-edge technology.

The cabin is likely to incorporate a single control unit, similar to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI, for Merc's COMAND information system.


The new model, due to be launched in Europe in 12 months, will be fitted with air-suspension for a compromise between ride comfort and sporty handling, while models destined right-hand-drive markets are expected to boast 4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time. The line- up will include a raft of powerful petrol engines, topped by a 450kW (600bhp) AMG version. Meanwhile, 172kW 3.5-litre V6 and 205kW 4-litre V8 diesels will provide a more frugal alternative.

Mercedes-Benz' innovative Stop and Go technology should also be an option, providing easy town driving by allowing the driver to pull away and brake using only the accelerator.

Meanwhile, the forthcoming replacement for the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen will be badged MLG. The hardcore off-roader will sit alongside a wider mud-plugging range, which will include the road-biased M-Class and the new R-Class, a seven-seater four-wheel-drive.