Is there any one who has managed to weazle out some more information about the new(yet to be launched) S class?

A modest ammount of discussion might be useful.
Banuchi

If you don't already, subscribe to the weekly email blast from www.autospies.com - they've had spy photos and discussion of the new S Class for many months. MBCanada.com also has an active spy forum discussing forthcoming MB's, including extensive discussion of the new S: http://www.mbcanada.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=6184

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81 300SD
08 MDX Tech
93 525i

05 F650GS

Many of the magazines I receive from Europe have pictures (slightly disguised) of the new forthcoming W221 S-Class.

What really is noticeable is that ALL of them comment on how Mercedes-Benz is coming back to W140 proportions (size) and quality. This definitely shows, as I always sustained, that M-B made a HUGE mistake with the W220 (especially the pre-facelift model).

The middle east, Hong Kong and Japanese customers have all loudly complain about the W220 cheap interiors and small size.

The new W221 will try to do better in all the matters were the W220 failed (which were many!). The W220 should have been a 7/8 scale model of the Maybach 57, that is what Mercedes-Benz SHOULD have done.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

I almost worked on a job (car photography) with the new S-class, supper secret project.

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1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Thanks Dave for the super suggestion. i find the autospies web site very intersting.
By the way, as Mercs have officially unveiled the new S class, what do you think of it. Mercs must feel that wheel arches are a good idea- fords have have had them even on their Fiestas. the rear looks like a Pandas behind, the head lights will certainly look familiar as many cars have had them for years. The word on the streat is that the interior is quite uninspiring. i would really value others' opininion.
Regards
Banuchi.

I took these yesterday while dropping off my E320 CDI in Stutttgart,

Attached Thumbnails

     

The W221 ia actually a 2007 model. Go figure.

Publicity stunt for the U.S.A.

Actually in Germany the first production run is all registered as 2005 model year, as model year in Germany ends at 12/31 of each year, not whenever the marketing guys want on other markets.

All cars produced this year from 1/1 to 12/31 on 2006 are and will be registered as 2006 models.

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A. Rosich
CL 500, 1998
S 500 L, 1998
E 320 T, 1995 [Sadly sold ]

I have no doubt that MB would like some publicity prior to the launch of the new S, but in the case of the model year I must disagree with you. I can't say how MB assigns VIN's which are used outside the U.S, but here, the tenth digit indicates the model year. The calendar year in which the car was built makes no difference. The S550 demo at my dealership has a "7" as it's tenth digit, leaving no doubt about it's true model year, 2007. Just to make sure, I checked with the sales manager. I was told that all W221's in the U.S. will be sold AND registered as model year 2007 vehicles.

The latest information for the model year 2007 S-Class is as follows:
The S600, 5.5L V-12 Bi-Turbo/510 HP @ $139,900. This car will include
ALL options as standard equipment.
The S550 Launch Edition will be limited to 1,000 units. This
commemorates the 9th generation S-Class Mercedes Benz. It includes
metallic paint, 19" wheels, and some other cool stuff for only $98,900.