Even if the current S-Class is only four years old and Mercedes has a mid-cycle refresh in the making, we're willing to bet they have already started working on the next generation.
You see, the previous one stuck around for seven years, and its predecessor lived for eight. Thus, the logical approach would be to introduce a brand-new S-Class in 2027 or 2028. But what will it look like? Chances are not even the three-pointed star's highest-ranking execs know the answer. Nevertheless, that hasn't stopped the rendering world from imagining it.
By the rendering world, we mean tedoradze.giorgi, who took to social media a few hours ago to drop a digital illustration of the next-generation 2028 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The virtual model has a boxier appearance than the current one, with a taller and wider grille, slimmer headlamps, a more intricate bumper, a reshaped profile, and what seems to be a flatter back-end design.
Unfortunately, this is where the pixel manipulator drew the line, so we cannot tell you about that rear end nor the cockpit, which is sure to be completely overhauled for the model's next generation. We're not particularly fans of the tablet-like digital gauge cluster of the current one, so that's one aspect we hope they improve, together with the overall build quality that the three-pointed star has struggled with these past few years.
Photo: Mercedes
What else could we tell you about the next-generation Mercedes S-Class? That it will probably transition to a new platform, though it could also use an updated version of the MRA2. If you had asked us about the powertrain offering a few months ago, we would've told you that an electric derivative was probably in the cards. However, the automotive world has started reconsidering this move, and there's always the all-quiet EQS to cater to the needs of the brand's EV fans, not to mention the other electric vehicles Mercedes currently sells.
We wouldn't hold our breath for a V12 unless Maybach decides to keep it around for the next-gen S-Class. The V8 could live on in several configurations, and chances are most of the powertrain family will comprise straight-six units. Partial electrification will likely be on deck in some cases, be it in the form of self-charging or plug-in hybrids, or perhaps both. AMG should still have its way with it, and that's the variant to pick if you're into having fun behind the wheel between the usual business meetings.
Keep in mind that this is pure speculation and it is too early to try and reveal some of the upcoming Mercedes S-Class' secrets. It is possible that the next generation is some three to four years away. Meanwhile, the automaker will try to keep the current one on the appealing side of its segment with a mid-cycle refresh that should be due in 2025.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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