Recently, a 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class prototype was spotted in
traffic by Carscoops spy photographers, driving in front of a current-gen model,
which allows us to draw one or two parallels between the two vehicles, even
though the new W223 remains properly well-disguised.
The front fascia of the all-new model
appears lower than on the previous car. This might be because of how the hood
tapers off towards the grille, which by the way looks wider than the one on the
current W222. Another, probably less important design trait is that the license
plate mount will be positioned lower, which makes sense if you have a larger
grille with not a lot of room underneath.
Safety and connectivity should be top-notch, while autonomy should be
at Level 3, where some parts of the driving experience will be fully
autonomous, according to R&D boss Ola Källenius. Details are limited but the magazine suggests the
scroll wheel interface for the COMAND infotainment system could be dropped and
replaced with something more touch-centric. The S-Class’ 12.3-inch displays will also be
changed, the
model could use a setup similar to the one on the Vision Maybach Ultimate
Luxury concept.
While we haven’t heard any rumblings regarding the
W223’s engine range, we expect it to feature multiple petrol and diesel units,
as well as plug-in hybrid and fully-electric versions, where the latter will
probably arrive sometime after the official launch. Whatever Mercedes decides
to do with regards to engines, they will surely be more fuel efficient and
probably more powerful than the current ones.
Another interesting point is the fact that Mercedes
have been seen testing 2020 S-Class mules with rear axle steering, which means
the production models will probably get the technology too – something Audi has
already implemented on their latest A8 flagship. Regardless of when the all-new
W223 S-Class breaks cover, the car isn’t expected in showrooms until the year
2020.
