2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W221) spy shots

[MrFatbooty]

Mercedes-Benz is taking no chances with its all-new 2006 S-Class. Along with the evolutionary appearance revealed here, Stuttgart's future luxury flagship receives a new range of engines as well as an improved interior and a host of high-tech features, all aimed at fending off challenges posed by the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, Volkswagen Phaeton, Cadillac STS and Jaguar XJ. Codenamed W221, the big sedan arrives in North American showrooms in early 2006 following its world debut at next year's Frankfurt motor show. That's still quite a ways off, but in a clear display of Mercedes-Benz's intent to see the S-Class remain atop the luxury car ranks, prototypes have being plying the roads around Stuttgart for 18 months in what has been described to AutoWeek as one of the German carmaker's most intensive development programs ever. Going against the prevailing trend at the top end of the luxury car ranks, Mercedes has eschewed aluminum space-frame construction in favor of a more conventional steel monocoque, mainly in the interests of strength and refinement. The new S-Class body, however, will be fashioned out of a mixture of steel and aluminum in a bid to meet weight-reduction targets of 10 percent across the range compared with today's model, which tips the scales at 3800 pounds in base S350 guise. Like the larger Maybach, the initial styling proposals for the new S-Class were created at Mercedes' Tokyo design studio as long ago as 2000. Credit for production styling, however, goes to the company's Sindelfingen design studio near Stuttgart. A bold new front end gives the new car greater visual presence, incorporating large, single-piece headlamps similar to those found on the current model. The bi-xenon units will incorporate Active Light Control technology, allowing the main beams to swivel in tandem with the front wheels for increased illumination. The biggest styling departure is toward the rear, where the familiar look of today's model is replaced by a more dynamic appearance heavily influenced by the soon-to-be-launched CLS, Mercedes' new four-door. The integration of the trunk is similar to the controversial 7 Series, with its freestanding trunk lid. Mercedes designers also have been challenged by requirements to engineer portions of the body to extend out in case of a crash, as part of the continuing evolution of Mercedes' Pre-safe system. It is yet to be officially confirmed, though AutoWeek understands the hood of the next S-Class will be mounted on hydraulic struts and will automatically lift up in a frontal impact. The arrangement is needed to meet European pedestrian safety laws in effect in 2005. Dimensionally, the new S-Class remains close to today's model, with a lengthened wheelbase and widened tracks to make the car far roomier than either the 7 Series or A8, and "make the STS and XJ appear like mid-range vehicles," a Mercedes official says. Once again, there will be two distinct versions: a standard-wheelbase model and a more luxuriously equipped long-wheelbase flagship. The new car will also form the basis of a sleek replacement for the 2+2 CL coupe, codenamed C216 and likewise due in 2006. Following criticism about the quality of today's S-Class interior, Mercedes-Benz is putting a lot of effort into ensuring its new model meets the expectations of buyers. "There's a big push on to lift the look and feel of our interiors," said a Mercedes-Benz official. "We're experimenting with a range of different materials that will put us back on top." Power will come from a new line-up of modular V6 and V8 gasoline engines. Among the more significant developments is a switch from three-valve to four-valve cylinder heads and the adoption of Mercedes' Twin Pulse direct-injection technology as seen on the carmaker's four-cylinder powerplants. Allowing finer metering of the fuel supply than today's conventional sequential-injection engines, it contributes to a more efficient combustion process, with moderate power increases, lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Secrecy surrounds the exact makeup of the new S-Class engine lineup, though AutoWeek sources say there will be a base 3.5-liter 272-hp V6, a 4.7-liter 325-hp V8 and a 5.5-liter 410-hp V8. Topping the lineup will be a 5.5-liter 500-hp twin-turbo-charged V12. Also planned is a powerful successor to the popular S55 AMG. It is earmarked to run a new 500-hp normally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 now under development at AMG's Affalterbach headquarters outside Stuttgart. Above it will be the replacement for the S65 AMG, using an updated version of today's 6.0-liter 612-hp twin-turbo-charged V12. The new engines will drive through Mercedes' 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, with AMG versions set to receive steering wheel-mounted shift buttons. The suspension is an evolution of today's AirMatic system, with upper-end models set to receive a refined version of Mercedes' roll-reducing Active Body Control system. Mercedes' Sensotronic Brake Control is being reworked to incorporate fully hydraulic operation and a series of other features, including a traffic-jam program that allows the S-Class to creep forward of its own volition using the parking sensors to judge the distance to the car in front. The radar-based Distronic cruise control system will be updated to include a lane departure warning system. Mercedes is also testing a new system that uses small cameras within the front and rear bumpers to project images onto the COMAND system monitor to help the driver maneuver in tight spaces. Simplified dashboard controls and more intuitive operation are among the aims of the new car's interior, which receives a central controller and steering column-mounted automatic gearbox shifter. A new DVD-based COMAND system is being developed and Mercedes-Benz is also considering offering the so-called Floating Car Data Module, enabling it to receive information from fellow road users on such things as road conditions, weather and traffic flow. Also planned is night vision that uses an infrared camera to alert the driver of obstacles in the darkness, a wireless communication and data interface, electrically height-adjustable door armrests and the electrochromatic glass roof from the Maybach. http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=100309

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[ultramantaro]

The simulated picture somehow reminds me of a Focus. I sure hope it looks better than that and won't follow the demonic trunklid of the 6 and 7 series. As far as quality of materials, the entire range of vehicles have received similar criticism, probably sans the new E and SL class.

[Ochdx]

Blah... I personally like their old "square" design much better than this, or the current styling.

[benjamin]

I like it. The current S-class headlights are a little bit too curvy for my tastes, but then again I've always been partial to BMW. I'm one of those wacky people who actually likes the current 7 series.

[MrFatbooty]

If you like the interior of the 7-series then you'll like the interior of the new S-class. This is a preproduction test mule type thing:



A couple more spy pics and the above interior pic: http://www.autospies.com/article/ind...8&categoryId=1

Some photoshops and another interior shot: http://www.autospies.com/article/ind...4&categoryId=1

Images from a purported consumer clinic from back in 2002: http://www.autospies.com/images/uplo...EPORT%20v2.pdf

[benjamin]

I'm fairly pleased with the interior of the 7 series, but I have a couple of gripes:

The seat adjustment controls are annoyingly complicated to work and put in a place that doesn't make a lot of sense to me. If they needed to move off the side of the seat, why not on the door or the dash? On the center armrest facing towards the seat occupant's thigh is wierd.

iDrive is just too much too soon. They'll work out the interface a bit better as time goes on, but right now its just not very good. I'm told Audi hit the nail on the head with the MMC controller or whatever they call it.

[socalprelude]

I agree with OCHDX, I miss the old 'square' mercedes look. I always have joked that the current S looks like it was left in the sun too long and the headlights melted hehe. This new face looks just like the current one, minus the melted look. I am just curious to see the back!

[asianautica]

I don't know why you're saying the seat control for the 7 series is complicated. I sat in it at the auto show and it took me 30 sec to figure you how to work it and another 2-3 min to get the seat just the way I want it. I think the I-drive idea is good, but to most people, it's still too advanced for them.

[Ochdx]

[Ochdx]

Mercedes copying Lexus.... Just slap that MB grille on the LS, and you have the new S class.

[benjamin]

Originally Posted by asianautica

I don't know why you're saying the seat control for the 7 series is complicated. I sat in it at the auto show and it took me 30 sec to figure you how to work it and another 2-3 min to get the seat just the way I want it. I think the I-drive idea is good, but to most people, it's still too advanced for them.

It took 30 seconds to figure out how to move parts of the seat around? It should take literally two seconds to find the seat controls AND begin using them. Half a minute is 28 seconds too long. My gripe is not the length of time; its the needless complexity of the control which is a symptom of a problem that plagues the car -- its more complicated to use it than a car ought to be.

iDrive isn't a bad idea; its just poorly executed. You've obviously never used it, but thats beside the point, which is that the interface was designed badly. It just shouldn't take more than a twist of a knob or the push of a single button to adjust the volume or the radio station on the audio system.

[zishan]

Originally Posted by Ochdx

Mercedes copying Lexus.... Just slap that MB grille on the LS, and you have the new S class.

maybe but the current ls430 was a wannabe previous gen s-class. So I guess they mercedes is copying themselves.

[asianautica]

Originally Posted by benjamin

It took 30 seconds to figure out how to move parts of the seat around? It should take literally two seconds to find the seat controls AND begin using them. Half a minute is 28 seconds too long. My gripe is not the length of time; its the needless complexity of the control which is a symptom of a problem that plagues the car -- its more complicated to use it than a car ought to be.

iDrive isn't a bad idea; its just poorly executed. You've obviously never used it, but thats beside the point, which is that the interface was designed badly. It just shouldn't take more than a twist of a knob or the push of a single button to adjust the volume or the radio station on the audio system.

Oooh, it took me an additional 28 seconds... give me a break. I was just giving an example. It's not like I sit there and time myself. Don't forget I was looking at other things too, considering it's a car show. I didn't think it was complicated at all. My impression was cool, I can actually control the lateral support. I didn't feel like it has needless complexity, at least not everything except the iDrive. But that's just me.

You're right, I've never personally used the iDrive, but I've read about it and seen it. I agree that it could be simpler w/ more knobs and buttons. It's their choice/design. Isn't there volume control on the steering wheel?

[jschmid]

Originally Posted by zishan

maybe but the current ls430 was a wannabe previous gen s-class. So I guess they mercedes is copying themselves.

I would also say that current S class styling > these pics.

[MrFatbooty]

Mercedes-Benz will offer a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain in its next-generation S-Class. The hybrid will likely debut a year from now at the Frankfurt motor show.

Mercedes-Benz’s latest hybrid powertrain, previewed at this year’s Detroit show, uses a V6 gasoline engine and two electric motors sending power to the rear wheels. In the S-Class, the likely V6 will be the 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 from the new SLK, combined with electric motors.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100683

[MrFatbooty]

Here's another spy shot and/or photoshop:

[Samson]

the doors and window/arch reminds me of the TSX in that pic...

[mayonaise]

does anyone know who works at this mercedes tokyo design studio? europeans keep talking about how japanese can't possibly design a car that's passionate, emotional, exciting, etc... like it's a genetic pre-disposition towards conformity and "bland" car designs. and yet, mercedes designs their flagship in tokyo?

[mayonaise]

Originally Posted by zishan

maybe but the current ls430 was a wannabe previous gen s-class. So I guess they mercedes is copying themselves.

not maybe.. it WAS a ripoff of the outgoing s-class. screw toyota...

[iNteGraz92]

Originally Posted by mayonaise

does anyone know who works at this mercedes tokyo design studio? europeans keep talking about how japanese can't possibly design a car that's passionate, emotional, exciting, etc... like it's a genetic pre-disposition towards conformity and "bland" car designs. and yet, mercedes designs their flagship in tokyo?

meh, it's all just a bunch of buzz words they keep throwing around. it doesn't make their reliability any better.

[Tirod]

Anybody else see new RL resemblance?

[MrFatbooty]

One more spy shot:



Caught testing nearly undisguised is the redesigned 2006 Mercedes-Benz S-class. Expected to debut at the 2005 Frankfurt show, the new big-body Benz is longer and wider than the current model. From the spy shots it is clear that the rear-end styling has a Maybach influence, and the greenhouse and the roofline borrow heavily from the upcoming CLS.

Inside, Mercedes has wrought a cabin that seems clearly influenced by BMW's controversial 7-series. The dashboard design plainly imitates the big BMW with a center display to handle infotainment and COMAND system duties. A close look at the center armrest reveals an iDrive-like control knob. Furthermore, a reduction in dashboard buttons suggests that most controls will be operated by this knob. Hopefully, Mercedes will make the system more intuitive than BMW's infamously obtuse iDrive.

In cars bound for the U.S., power will come from revamped gasoline V-8 engines. The previous-generation three-valve heads are out, replaced by four-valve heads that, along with direct injection, should increase horsepower. Keeping fuel consumption in check will be a cylinder deactivation system that will shut down cylinders at cruising speeds. Current-generation naturally aspirated V-12 S-classes used cylinder deactivation before the engines were turbocharged in 2003. Not too long after the standard models are launched, expect a more powerful, naturally aspirated, 6.3-liter V-8 AMG version with at least 500 horsepower, as well as a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12 with over 600 horsepower. New diesels are reportedly in the cards for European customers, but it seems unlikely that we'll see these engines in this country. All engines will be mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Several new safety systems will grace the S-class. To achieve compliance with the 2006 European crash regulations, the car will sport external airbags that allow it to keep a low hoodline while protecting pedestrians. The airbags inflate out of the grille and cover the front of the car to cushion anyone unfortunate enough to step out in front of the new S-class. A crash-avoidance system makes use of the automatic cruise-control sensors. If a terminal closure rate is sensed, the system will automatically apply the brakes. The system also will have a lane-departure warning function that will alert the wandering driver to an inadvertent lane change.

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=8421

[DakarM]

Funny how alot of people in this forum said idrive is crap it sucks no one else is doing it/going to do it. Now just about all the major luxo makers have one form or another in their cars.

[ultramantaro]

External airbags? That screams "Please step in front of me to collect insurance money"

With regards to the post about the door handles, they were taken out of the CLS/E class, not exactly TSX.

[Tirod]

Originally Posted by DaKarMaul

Funny how alot of people in this forum said idrive is crap it sucks no one else is doing it/going to do it. Now just about all the major luxo makers have one form or another in their cars.

Not really, how many people from a Honda/Acura board drive BMWs with iDrive?

[DakarM]

Originally Posted by Tirod

Not really, how many people from a Honda/Acura board drive BMWs with iDrive?

that was me recalling what people said when the new 7 was introduced in this forum. never said they owned/drove the car.

[MrFatbooty]

Aside from the Acura RL and this S-class, I don't know any other cars with a big honkin control knob reminiscent of iDrive. Well, that Audi MMC thing...

I think the criticism of iDrive isn't so much in its control layout, but in its overly obtuse menu system.

[kenton]

What's the gear ratios on that 7 speed automatic. i.e. can it chirp 3rd and 4th heh

[zishan]

Originally Posted by MrFatbooty

Aside from the Acura RL and this S-class, I don't know any other cars with a big honkin control knob reminiscent of iDrive. Well, that Audi MMC thing...

I think the criticism of iDrive isn't so much in its control layout, but in its overly obtuse menu system.

We'll see how the new m35/45's knob is. It also has a big honkin knob in the center of the dash.

[DakarM]

Originally Posted by MrFatbooty

Aside from the Acura RL and this S-class, I don't know any other cars with a big honkin control knob reminiscent of iDrive. Well, that Audi MMC thing...

I think the criticism of iDrive isn't so much in its control layout, but in its overly obtuse menu system.

it's not that bad. the reason why the menu has so many options is because it will allow you to set your preferences. once you have it set, you don't really have to touch them again.

the first level menu has everything you need to change simple things. that is what people don't understand. you set it and forget it