New Mercedes S-Class - Introduction

Mercedes has taken the covers off the new S-Class limousine that will come to the UK in January.

It will be arguably the most technologically advanced production car in the world. Mercedes is claiming 12 technical innovations from infra-red night-vision assistance to advances in safety.

It also sees Mercedes again setting standards for quality after the fall from grace in the 1990s. The beautifully crafted interior has matt wood inlays and metal switches, providing a contemporary interpretation of the style of the original 1954 S-Class.

The new car is larger than the current one, and much more modern. It has overtones of Mercedes’ CLS four-door coupe as well as the Maybach luxury saloon, but some people may think it is not as elegant as today’s timeless design.

The engines – V6, V8 and V12 petrol, plus V6 turbodiesel – deliver up to 26% more power than those in the current car, through a seven-speed automatic gearbox with a steering column selector.

Prices in Germany will rise by 8%. If repeated in the UK, that would give a start price of around £56,500.