Early Reveal: The new S 500 Plug-In Hybrid previewed in leaked patent sketches

It became a custom to reveal a car through leaked patent filings, as every respectful carmaker must legally protect a new model it releases long time before the car makes it into production. This is how we saw the SLS AMG Roadster and the A-Class earlier than planned by Mercedes-Benz. Now, the S 500 Plug-In Hybrid gets previewed after some drawings from the European Patents' Bureau have reached the media.

This variant of the new S-Class is distinguished through the modified radiator grille with revised horizontal bars, the half-splitted exhaust pipes and the charging port located inside the rear bumper under the right tail light.

Reports indicate the definitive name of the eco-friendly S-Class will be S 500 Hybrid Plus. The luxury limousine uses a 3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with direct injection and biturbocharging rated at 306 hp and an electric powerplant capable of releasing 109 hp (80 kW), thus the combined output reaching 415 hp.

The S 500 Hybrid Plus can also be run all-electric mode and, when needed, charged from a dock station. The constructor is said to be announcing a top consumption level of just 3 litres per 100 km, which really sounds like science fiction.

The official reveal will take place in September, at the IAA Frankfurt. Available as V 222 (long wheelbase) and W 222 (short wheelbase) models, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S 500 Hybrid Plus should display an entry purchase price below 100,000 euros.

Image Credits: Worldcarfans

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Early Reveal: The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class caught naked during promo shooting

After years of Mercedes-Benz holding a complete secret over its new luxury flagship, the "security" barrier was breached today as spy photographers managed to sneak beyond "enemy" lines and take pictures of a completely undisguised S-Class 222 model series.

The S-Class you see in these captures features a long wheelbase (look at the longer rear doors), so this vehicle gets the internal designation V 222 unlike the SWB (standard or short wheelbase) variant which is codenamed W 222. Given its special licence plate (S : W 2226 - W 222 for the model series and 6 for the 6th generation), the car was probably being used for filming some promo materials (pictures and presentation videos) for the Mercedes-Benz network websites and for the webspecial page the Germans are readying for the launch of the new S-Class.

The pictured 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Class wears the bespoke AMG Sport coat and boasts a shining silver paint job. What strikes the most is the simply perfectly balanced silhouette of the car. The proportions and all the minute details visible in these photos were carefully mastered for maximum effect.

The new front end is highly dynamic: the large-sized, four-louvred lamella radiator grille placed upright harks back to luxury ancestors from the 60s and 70s, while the full LED headlights display some mindblowing inner graphics that are set to look fabulous when seen on street or in the mirrors.

The alloy wheels the car was equipped with replicate jet airplane turbines through their design and certainly look astonishing when the S-Class is in motion. The discrete dropping line, the new door handles and the bigger exterior mirrors and certain refined, chromed lines complete the sporty, yet elegant styling of the side profile.

The rear end sports a timeless design with its beautifully carved elements. The gorgeous LED tail lamps and the new double exhaust pipes accentuate the new S-Class as the all-time trendsetter and leader of the premium luxury segment.

If some were suggesting the 222 generation is in fact an evolution of the 221 series, then they could not be wronger. While not entirely an artistic revolution, it is certainly a head turner and a complete departure from the current model.

Hopefully, we will receive more details from inside the company during the next weeks till the official premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class takes place on May 15th in Hamburg.

In the mean time, we invite to follow more news on Merc's luxury flagship in our special category at http://tinyurl.com/W222Special !

Image Credits: GermanCarForum

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.