The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is still fresh off the press, but Mercedes obviously has many more variants of the top limousine in store. The new Maybach version is said to be unveiled in November and the necessary fireworks are also planned from Mercedes-AMG. Unfortunately, we also have to say goodbye to some body styles.
At the unveiling of the S-class, Mercedes-Benz remained a little on the flat about the engine range of the S-class. Only the six-cylinder have been announced for the time being, with a view of a petrol V8 and a plug-in hybrid. The British Autocar is able to report, however, that more variants are on the way in the short term. In November, the Maybach, an important model for the Chinese market, is reported to be unveiled at the Guangzhou Motor Show in China. According to Markus Schäfer, Mercedes’ development manager, the Maybach will be “quite different from the standard long version”.
It will also be the only variant that will be supplied with a V12, presumably with the same 630 hp power source as in the current S 650. For the AMGs, the twelve-cylinder will not return. Instead, there will be two different electrified models with the well-known 4.0 V8: the S63e and the S73e. We have seen the latter type designation in the past on the SL 73 AMG, which was then equipped with a 7.3-liter V12. In combination with an electric motor on the rear axle and a 20 kWh battery pack, however, the new AMGs should deliver more power than ever. According to insiders, the S63e will deliver around 700 hp, while the S73e should come out at more than 800 hp. This is probably the same powertrain that will be used in the GT 4-Door.
Schäfer also reports that the coupé and convertible of the S-class will not be returning. According to him, the interest in China and America, the largest markets for the flagship of Das Haus, not big enough. The focus on these markets is also the reason that there is no diesel plug-in from the Sonderclass coming. “Convertibles are not something for China and that is not really the case in America anymore. We had to make choices. Something comes back in its place. We haven’t paid attention to other icons like the SL for a while. I think many S-Class convertible customers will be looking at this car, ”said the development chief. The SL returns and will fill the gap of the S Cabriolet, with which Mercedes-Benz is more committed to a sporty convertible in the top segment. Last week the new Sport Leicht spotted for the first time.