SPIED On The STREET! What Is Mercedes-Benz Doing With This MYSTERIOUS S-Class Test Car?

I have to admit. Sometimes I LOVE getting spy photos from our readers and sometimes I am not completely satisfied. That's because a lot of the time they give rise to questions that cannot be answered.

And there's no bigger pet peeve of mine than a question that goes unanswered.

Thanks to Fred Khaz, we've been privileged to receive an all-new batch of spy photos clearly showing us an all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class undergoing developmental testing in SoCal. There's just one problem. Though it's debadged and has logos removed, there is no clear cut way to tell what Mercedes is up to here.

It's a mystery.

Given that there's essentially ZERO indication of what this may be, I am left to speculate. So, speculate I shall:

1) It may simply be a developmental car that's undergoing durability testing. Testing does not end when an automaker launches a product;

2) Could it be possible that Mercedes is looking to lower the S-Class' barrier of entry with a smaller motor? S400, anyone?

3) It appears that the vehicle has a lower than usual ride height. Could this be to improve its aerodynamics thereby hinting that this may be a plug-in hybrid or electric hybrid S-Class?

4) Something else...


Care to wager any bets, Spies? What say you?


**For the FULL collection of spy shots, check out the snaps below!