The new S-Class will break cover later this year and will be a 2026 model bringing back the flagship’s glory day design language
Mercedes-Benz has just dropped a banger of a teaser - the new S-Class! While we expected the W223 generation of the S-Class to continue with its more traditional design with a facelift thrown in for good measure, it seems like Mercedes-Benz is skipping the facelift this time around and going straight to a whole new design language and a new generation. The W224 (we think), is going to have the new illuminated grille design that was showcased on the likes of the new GLC, that was showcased recently and the new V-Class concept too.
The big, in your face design language also harks back to the likes of the stately Mercedes-Benz flagships from the 60s - the W100 in particular comes to mind. With its imposing grille, its extended wheelbase stance and limousine dimensions, the Grosser, as it was called, would be a great throwback from Mercedes-Bens that could do with a little bit of a shake up of its design language. The large proportions on the new S-Class along with the prominent grille will also take on the likes of the new 7 Series, which has been doing very well amongst younger audiences.
What would I do?
Say I was given absolute carte blanche over the design department at Mercedes-Benz, I would in fact not go as further back as the Grosser era but instead take all my inspiration from my favourite (and possibly the greatest) era in Mercedes-Benz design. The Sacco era! Bruno Sacco is possibly the greatest designer that ever lived and has more of an impact on production cars that are attainable as compared to only supercars and exotics. What I would do is a big, grand, squared off barge, akin to what say Rolls Royce does with the phantom. Of course, the S-Class would be available in three wheelbase options - standard for Europe, extended for the likes of India and China and the extra long wheelbase Maybach versions. And if you really had old money, then the Pullman would be available too.
Another reason behind choosing the Sacco era is the fact that people who grew up in the 80s and 90s are now slowly progressing into S-Class customers and a retro-modern throwback design would easily tug on all the right heartstrings. Of course, it would incorporate modern design trends like a larger illuminated grille, LED or laser headlamps with DRLs and massive 21/22 inch wheels while still retaining the squared off look from the 80s. Think of it as a Mercedes-Benz version of the Toyota Crown - how cool would that be!!!
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