2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class More In Focus

Our trusty Teamspeed spies have again caught the much anticipated 2013 Mercedes S-Class – and while the car is still heavily camouflaged, the full shape is now rather apparent, and it appears a little wider and longer than the current S-Class. Regardless, styling is expected to be influenced by the F700 concept of 2007.

Under the hood, we can expect Mercedes to introduce the new ‘MoVe’ (modular V6- and V8 ) engines. While details are limited, the engines will feature direct injection and turbochargers. As previewed by the Vision S 500 plug-in hybrid concept, Mercedes will offer an S-class plug-in hybrid that will be able to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than six seconds while averaging around 3.3 litres per 100 kilometre.

On the performance side, the 6.3-litre V8 from the S 63 AMG will be replaced by a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8. Despite this glimmer of good news, the V12s from the S 600 / S 65 AMG may be discontinued.

Though the new dashboard might appear a bit square in our photo, it will be a high-tech instrument panel with two wide LCD or plasma displays, one of which is replacing the conventional analogue instruments while the other is a multifunctional touchscreen to control climate, sat nav, entertainment and communication systems.