SPY: A fleet of 2013 GL-Class prototypes returns to base after offroad testing

In April, Mercedes-Benz will introduce the new GL-Class (X 166) to public and media at the New York Auto Show. The last phase of development undergoes undeterred as a fleet of test prototypes has been recently spotted on the outskirts of Stuttgart. The black camouflage has come off, so more details of the massive SUV are now becoming visible, like the headlights, beefy grille and bumpers and the elegantly designed LED tail lamps. Most probably, given the mud that's accumulated on the wheels and sides of the body, the snagged GLs were returning to the R&D Centre from a series of offroad trials custom-made to evaluate the potential skills of this new SUV generation.

Check out more spy shots after the jump!












Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) - first FEP prototype spotted in Stuttgart

The advent of this less camouflaged test vehicles, pictured above, signals the entrance into the last stage of development for the future generation S-Class (W 222). Around six months are left from this moment until the official reveal scheduled for the Paris motor show at the beginning of October. We shall probably see the finished product earlier, around one month ahead the world debut, when Mercedes-Benz usually releases some initial images and details to preview a new model.


While we are sure the new S-Class will definitely boast state-of-the-art technologies and system, we are worried about what we see in these latest spy shots. After shaving off the camouflage, the prototype reveals more of the exterior design. And, somehow, we do not feel the car. Afraid or not, we could be unpleasantly surprised when the S-Class is unveiled. All in all, the W 222 generation seems looks to be a shy evolution of the current W 221 model, as the new elements seem to have been simply applied to the old body.

Even though it appears to have grown in length, the style is basically the same, if one observes the greenhouse or the general aspect of the rear end. At least, the criticized bulged wheel arches are gone, but we can't help wondering about what could lie under the camouflage applied to the sides of the car. Crazy design experiments work for inferior models, but not for an executive limousine such as the S-Class, so it would better have a clean, elegant profile.

Some influence from the F 700 research vehicle of 2007 can be spotted: a mild, harmonious rear end with beautifully shaped LED lamps is left to fight with a very aggressive, heavy and gnarled front fascia, dominated by a gargantuan, powerful grille, also inspired by the F 700, but at least harking back to old, traditional Mercedes-Benz cars built during the first decades of the 20th century. To continue in the same note and the make room for equipment, such as the radars used for the MAGIC BODY CONTROL ride management system, the headlight needed to be bigger. And they are... huge and overdesigned, we say. So far, the evidence points to the computer-generated illustration Autobild released back in 2010.

Hopefully, the Germans haven't screwed up the new S-Class aesthetically and Mercedes-Benz is not living its own "Bangle era" as BMW did between 2000 and 2006. This prestigious model, boasting a rich heritage, does not need to be visually intriguing. It just has to be what it's intended to be: an S-Class by all means.





Image Credits: Mercedes Fans

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W 222) goes out for a ride in Stuttgart

Less than nine months left till the official premiere and still no exact clue on the looks of the upcoming S-Class generation, as test prototypes still carry an important amount of camouflage. Speculations hint at this design proposal as being the definitive one and we have to admit there are a few details pointing into that direction, such as the larger grille and the position of LED fascicles inside the headlamps. What everybody knows for sure is the W 222 will definitely be a brilliant piece of automotive engineering that proposes an entirely radical perspective towards the future of the automobile. You can read more about the innovations and technologies to debut on the S-Class at the following links:

- PREVIEW: Future Mercedes-Benz S-Class to display an outstanding tech bonanza
- PREVIEW: A deep look into the next generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Check out more spy photos after the break!









Image Credits: Motor Authority

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

SPY: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMG scooped in Stuttgart

Automedia's spy photographers have recently spotted a barely disguised G-Class prototype which looked to be the anticipated limited version G 65 AMG. The test vehicle was exiting the Research & Development Centre in Stuttgart when it was 'captured on tape'.


As previously said, this is the last time the Gelandewagen receives a solid update before its production is discontinued after 2015. While the exterior modifications will be mild, the interior will be almost completely rehauled and the 4x4 will also receive a complete technologycal package, including Merc's latest safety, assistance and infotainment systems. The entire range of engines is set to be revised with the constructor's brand new creations: the range-topping G 500 is expected to receive the V8 biturbo BlueDIRECT gasoline engine rated at 435 hp. If we talk about the Big Daddy G 55 AMG, sources state it is destined to use the new 5.5-litre V8 with peak outputs starting from 525 hp up to 571 hp (Performance Package). Caught in the latest shots, the special G 65 AMG super-SUV will sport some crazy tweaks to the powertrain and chassis - the engine under the massive bonnet will most probably be the good ol' 6.0-litre V12, which was lately upgraded to 630 hp of maximum output. According to recent reports, the new G-Class fleet is bound for the official premiere in March 2012, at the Geneva Motor Show.

Image Credits: Autobild

Copyright © 2012, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.