Once almost a lone player in the luxury segment, Mercedes-Benz and its S-Class have been challenged directly over the past years by numerous rivals ranging from the Lexus LS and the Audi A8 to the rejuvenated Jaguar XJ and even the Porsche Panamera.
But the Stuttgart-based automaker is holding on and is now readying a new and improved successor to its S-Class limousine that will also be known under its internal codename, W222.
Scheduled to arrive in the market in the 2013 calendar year, the W222 is based on a new platform architecture and will be offered in both short- and long-wheebase derivatives as well as with the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive.
The global engine range will comprise of updated or new V6, V8 and V12 petrol units along with four-cylinder and V6 diesels, and a choice of standard and plug-in hybrid models. Automatic transmissions will be standard across the range.
Further down the line, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the replacements for the sportier S63 and S65 AMG sedans.
These pictures of 2014MY S-Class prototypes suggest that exterior design will be more evolutionary than revolutionary with most differences concentrated in the details rather than the shape itself.
However, the interior will be completely revised with Mercedes-Benz adopting an extra-large TFT display spread across half of the dashboard and which will include graphics for the instrument panel as well as the infotainment system.
An array of new safety systems and numerous gadgets will also be on the menu of the S-Class.
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