Next-Gen W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Spotted – Huge Grille, CLS Rear, Tesla Infotainment Inside

The next-generation W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the next successor of the hallowed Sonderklasse nameplate, has been spotted various times by various titles as it has gone about its R&D and testing phases, but it seems that that might all come to an end. What has been circulating online are photographs of what appear to be a completed, finished product, laid bare for all to see. We’re certain that Mercedes-Benz isn’t happy about this.

What’s abundantly clear is that the W223 will mark a stark departure from the current-generation S-Class (W222 for reference), sporting a new design that from some angles appear to be derived from the new CLA-Class. Up front a pair of slim headlights flank what appears to be the largest grille ever fitted to an S-Class – a point emphasised by the use of only 3-slats and a clear visual de-cluttering around the face to point eyes towards its massive gob.

And down the rear, we’re treated to a rump that looks remarkably like the CLS-Class, leaving behind the vertically-orientated taillights that have adorned S-Classes since the W220 of the 2000s. Atop those sit a full-width chrome strip (yes, we also thought Mercedes reserved that for its coupes), though the number plate recess sits in a more dignified position on the bootlid itself.

Down the bumper, there are actually very few changes over the W222 that we’re all familiar with, with little surface play employed and a pair of very, very fake exhaust tips integrated into the lowest edge.

With this set of photos we’ve been treated to photos of the cabin, where more shocks await: The design in here is very different from what we’re used to, with its design clearly derived from the Vision EQS concept. There is now a Tesla-style portrait touchscreen that’s integrated into the dash, with vertical air vents on either side of a full-width piece of decorative trim. With no COMAND rotary controller in sight there is now more storage space on the centre console, and there is now a new 3-twin steering wheel which looks incredibly delicate & intricate.

Behind that steering wheel sits the very familiar digital instrument cluster, but it is what’s beyond that that’s interesting. Behind the screen appears to be a large hole – we’ve no doubt that that is the housing for a much larger heads-up display module, which will likely project even more information onto the screen and into the driver’s line of sight than ever before. It’s expected that the W223 S-Class will offer augmented-reality features with this new HUD system, which will minimise the need for drivers to ever take their eyes off the road.

At the rear, the twin infotainment touchscreens remain for the use of the rear passengers, but a third screen appears to have sprouted up between the seats. The lack of buttons throughout the cabin is obvious, which suggests greater integration of functions through the touchscreens dotted around the car.

There are very few technical details available surrounding the W223, suggesting that while Mercedes-Benz hasn’t had much luck keeping the lid on the new S-Class in general, they’ve done a good job hiding the specifications sheet. The new-generation Sonderklasse is expected to be available with a range of inline-6 and V8 engines, along with a more advanced plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant that’ll likely offer more than the 50km of all-electric range the current model has.

Additionally, it is expected that the new S-Class will continue to build on the 48V mild-hybrid (MHEV) capabilities by offering an improved Airmatic+ suspension system. And on top of that, Mercedes-Benz has shown its intent for the new S-Class to be the first certified Level 3 autonomous vehicle on sale, a feat that’s looking very likely indeed.

It is also expected that, like the current Lexus LS, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class will forgo the standard wheelbase variant, and be offered exclusively as a long-wheelbase model with additional space in the rear.

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