PREVIEW: More secrets of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class revealed ~ New Car Girl !!

German newspaper BILD published yesterday, on its online edition, an extensive article which presents the necessary details one needs to know prior to the reveal of the new S-Class on 15th May in Hamburg. The guest of honour for the tour of the car was Daimler's head Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

Carsten Paulun, BILD editor, had the chance for a first ride in a slightly camouflaged test prototype alongside Dr. Z, who also explained him the most important facts about the new Mercedes-Benz luxury flagship.

From the first sight, the S-Class is all so pleasant and inviting business moving oasis, so it is no wonder Zetsche invites Paulun to step inside world's best car, as he tips it. Simply because no other automobile on the Planet is as safe and comfortable as the 222 model generation.

The back-seat passengers can enjoy an even more pleasant and rich travelling experience thanks to multiple heating, ventilation and massage functions (such as "hot stone" like in spa centres), together with the fact that the backrest can be inclined by up to 43.5 degrees to form a semi-horizontal surface and the unprecedented level of sound proofness, which enables a relaxing and quiet journey while on board the new S-Class.

The 222 series Mercedes-Benz boasts a rich equipment list, which comprises the intelligent stereo multi-purpose camera (in fact, a radar) to scan the road ahead and adjust the suspension and damping system accordingly, thus forming the MAGIC RIDE CONTROL. The new S-Class is also fully monitored on all sides with a bespoke 360-degree camera.

Among other exquisite features are the dedicated safety measures Mercedes-Benz groups under the slogan Intelligent Drive: DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist, Real Life Safety, Speed Limit Assist and so on. Moreover, the new S-Class will be world's first car to use real full-LED headlights and the first vehicle to do without a single light bulb. The new instrument cluster joins together two big 12.3-inch high quality displays for the speedometer, turometer, fuel consumption, engine temperature, info computer and telematics.

Further telematics enhance the digital experience of the driver and passenger: the state-of-the-art COMAND Online with social network integration, Cloud computing and further assistance functions or the multiple choice to opt from for rear seat entertainment which includes LCD iPad-like screens for the rear passenger, remote controls for the infotainment and HVAC system and practically unlimited possibilities for watching movies, listening to music or doing business work independently from the central, front-placed COMAND Online device.

The atmosphere is further enriched by the refined materials such as leather, wood and metal, the heated steering wheel, central armrests and door panels, as well as the optional Burmester high end audio system and the perfume dispenser, which can clean and refresh the air inside the car with several fragrances.

At the start of sales on 20th July this year, the new S-Class will be available in a choice of three highly efficient and frugal petrol and diesel engines:

- the S 350 BlueTEC with 258 hp
- the S 400 HYBRID with 326 hp
- the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with 435 hp

Prices start from 80,000 euros in Germany. From December 2013, the S 500 BlueEFFICIENCY will be upgraded to 455 hp. Starting next year, new variants for the S-Class are planned: the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid with near 350 hp, and the range-topping AMG variants with 571 hp for the S 63 model (which will also be available as an S-Model with Performance 4MATIC and 585 hp) and 630 hp (or, perhaps 650 hp from 2015) for the S 65 V12 version.

Mercedes-Benz will build a whole lineup of new and niche models around the S-Class 222 generation. The standard wheelbase model W 222 will be joined by the 5.5-meter LWB variant V 222 and the extended wheelbase S-Class X 222 from the 2014 model year, a model intended specially for the Chinese market, which will also be available in Europe, USA and the Middle East and will replace the former Maybach 57. In the first part of next year, the new S-Class Coupe (C 217) will be unveiled, quickly followed by the first S-Class Cabriolet ever - the A 217 with classic soft top coming towards 2015.

The Pullman S-Class will feature a radically different styling and no less than 6 meters in length. Expected to arrive in around two years, the king of its class will act as the successor of the ditched Maybach 62. If we are to believe some early rumors we've heard lately, Mercedes-Benz is also working on a 4-door coupe S-Class (C 222) which should be revealed by 2016. Moreso, an S-Class based premium SUV like Bentley's anticipated model going on sale in 2015 is not impossible either, we say.

You can also find further interesting articles on the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class in our special section at http://tinyurl.com/W222Special ! Enjoy!