Paris Dispatch | Mercedes-Benz
CAR / MOTOR SHOW
January 26, 2015

Paris Dispatch | Mercedes-Benz


Mercedes-Benz

The Next S-Class?



A Glimpse of the Next S-Class



Paris Motor Show 2012Was a new "S-Class" to be unveiled? Rumors were circulating.Mercedes-Benzbooth. In reality, the display was limited to a relief and video previewing the S-Class. Meanwhile, two low-emission variants of the "B-Class" were presented, along with the new electric version of the brand's flagship model, the "SLS AMG," from AMG. Here is a report from Tatsuya Otani, who was on site.




Text & Event photographs by OTANI TatsuyaEvent Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko




Aesthetics S



This "Aesthetics S" expresses the design motif of the next "S-Class" through a three-dimensional relief. The Aesthetics series began in 2010 with "Aesthetics No. 1," followed by "Aesthetics No. 2" and "Aesthetics 125," totaling three previous works. "Aesthetics S" is the fourth installment.




Two character lines and a roofline are sculpted in relief on a pure white wall. These lines, etched into the body's sides, are likely to be the design highlights of the next S-Class.

While recent Mercedes designs have often been elaborate, the flowing lines of the Aesthetics S appear remarkably simple and convey a clear message.

The accompanying roofline is equally graceful, resembling a coupe more than a sedan.




At the venue, various videos were projected onto this relief as a screen. Among them were images of past S-Class models, such as the "189," "108," "126," and "221," visually chronicling the evolution of Mercedes' flagship model.


B200 Natural Gas Drive
B-Class Electric Drive concept



Two models with environmentally friendly powertrains were announced for the B-Class.



One is the "B200 Natural Gas Drive." This model features three gas tanks and a gasoline fuel tank integrated into the "energy space" within the floor (the area ahead of the rear axle). It is a bi-fuel model compatible with both natural gas and gasoline.



It has a maximum output of 156 hp, achieving approximately 23.8 km/l fuel economy according to European standards. CO2 emissions are 115g/km, over 16 percent lower than the gasoline engine model.


B200 Natural Gas Drive


B-Class Electric Drive concept



The other is the "B-Class Electric Drive concept," which utilizes the same "energy space" to house lithium-ion batteries, converting it into an EV.
Although currently a concept car, its production version is scheduled for release in 2014.




The electric motor delivers a maximum output of approximately 135 hp and a peak torque of 300 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in under 10 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 150 km/h. The driving range is 200 km.



Charging is possible not only with standard 230V household power in Germany but also with 400V rapid charging, which can supply enough power for 100 km of driving in under an hour. Furthermore, users can check charging status and remotely control the air conditioning using a PC or smartphone.

SLS AMG GT


SLS AMG Coupé Electiric Drive



The "AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT" 7-speed transmission in the gearbox has been refined, with control system revisions making manual mode gear shifts more direct and natural. Additionally, the suspension features the "AMG RIDE CONTROL performance suspension" instead of the standard "AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension." The springs and dampers are further reinforced, and the comfort mode has been omitted, resulting in a specification that enhances sportiness.



The body is available in both coupe and roadster variants, priced at 204,680 euros (approximately 20.58 million yen) for the former and 213,010 euros (approximately 21.41 million yen) for the latter. European sales are scheduled to begin in October 2012.


SLS AMG GT





The "SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive," as its name suggests, is an EV.



However, it is a high-performance vehicle equipped with four powerful motors, delivering a maximum output of approximately 750 hp and a peak torque of 1000 Nm, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.9 seconds. The 400V high-voltage lithium-ion battery has a capacity of 60 kWh, providing a driving range of 250 km. Furthermore, by independently controlling torque distribution to all four wheels using the four motors, it offers handling characteristics entirely distinct from conventional gasoline-powered cars.



Additionally, the adoption of all-wheel drive necessitated a revision of the front suspension design. AMG has opted for a pushrod system, commonly found in racing cars, replacing the double-wishbone setup, thereby achieving superior road-holding capability.



Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is its confirmed plan for commercial release. The vehicle will be priced at 416,500 euros (approximately 41.9 million yen) and is slated for release in June 2013.

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