2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Fresh looks, new powerteams, and more gizmos than ever highlight the latest redesign for Mercedes' largest sedans. The next-generation S-Class also promises better fuel economy and lower emissions, plus a first-time plug-in hybrid model. 

It's nearly five years since the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was last redesigned (for a 2007-model U.S. debut), so another makeover is coming due, especially as homeland rivals Audi and BMW have lately reloaded their own flagship sedans. Sure enough, recent sightings of test prototypes confirm that the next-generation S-Class is well on its way. Codenamed W222, it's expected to be unveiled at the fall 2011 Frankfurt IAA auto show,

which suggests U.S. sales starting in early 2012 for the 2013 model year. Though our informants don't quite know everything yet, they've learned enough to sketch a pretty clear picture of Mercedes' next premium-large-sedan family.

For starters, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class should cast the same impressively sized shadow as the car it replaces, but reported styling inspiration from the company's 2007 F700 Concept may result in subtly altered proportions, with maybe a 2-inch trim in overall length, a 2-inch addition to wheelbase, and a 1-inch rise in overall height. The last two changes would presumably mean a more-spacious interior, tipped to be a key project goal. 

Our spies say the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will borrow some F700 design cues, but should look nothing like the radical concept with its big "cycle-fender" wheelarches, long upswept side-window line, and mound-like profile. We suspect the visual lifts will be limited to the nose, tail, and possibly rear-window shape, and even those should be toned down for the more-conservative tastes of most S-Class buyers. Concept elements such as center-opening rear "coach" doors and a prominent rooftop "sharkfin" will be left to the archives. 

Automakers everywhere are rethinking powertrains to cope with tightening emissions and fuel-economy standards. The tristar brand is no exception, and is phasing in new higher-efficiency engines for some 2011 models that will carry over to the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. As ever, America will see only a small portion of the European engine menu. Though exact selections can't be confirmed right now, here's what we think will be available in these United States. 

First, Mercedes will likely reinstate a 6-cylinder S-Class, doubtless labeled S350 and powered by a new 60-degree 3.5-liter V6 with direct fuel injection (DFI). Outputs of 306 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque comfortably best the 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of the company's current port-injected 3.5 V6, yet the DFI unit is said to be markedly cleaner and more economical. The mainstay base V8 model gets a new twin-turbocharged DFI 4.6-liter engine to replace a non-turbo port-injected 5.5-liter V8. This, too, promises greater efficiency, mustering 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque versus 382 horsepower and 381 pound-feet. The "S500" model it will power, like the current S550, should be available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive in lieu of the basic rear-drive layout. The high-performance S63 AMG will exchange its current "atmospheric" 6.2-liter V8 for a new twin-turbo DFI 5.5-liter that will lift horsepower from 518 to 536 and torque from 465 pound-feet to 590. An optional performance package with higher turbo-boost pressure (18.8 psi versus 14.5) will up horsepower to 566 and torque to 664 pound-feet. AMG is Mercedes' in-house performance division.