AUTO SPIES EXCLUSIVE: New Mercedes S-Class waiting in the wings

As we predicted the new S-Class has become an overwhelming hit, overshadowing cars like the BMW 7-series and Audi A8.

But there is always room to improve, so how does Mercedes keep the ball rolling?

You expand the product line with more affordable versions.

So hold onto your hats everyone, because the Spies are hearing that the S450 with 335HP is waiting in the wings, over at DCX.

Expect a similar price delta between the S550 and S450 as there was between the S500 and S430.

Rumor is that it will hit the streets for the 2008 model year.

MBFan604 - 7/9/2006 6:41:25 PM

+1 Boost

That sounds about right that they produce a lower model. I actuality, it's not affordable to the average commuter but it maybe a better buy for someone who doesn't need the 'extra horsepower' in a car and still get basically the same car and features.

Rupert - 7/9/2006 7:22:53 PM

+2 Boost

what about the 350? or the 320 cdi? we get those in the uk

Jovi - 7/9/2006 8:38:44 PM

+1 Boost

Good Point... Mercs would have an image problem in the US with a S350. Just like when the C-Klasse Sports Coupe came out, they had to get rid of it...

Mercs need not put "lower" end mercedes out... It should be kept for the privileged...

atomicbri - 7/10/2006 9:04:06 AM

+1 Boost

Lord AMericnas are such Yuppies!!! Kept for the privileged? LOL...it's that kind of mentality that makes everyone hate us. I think MB should build the S450 for us here, but I also think they should do the diesel as well (when Diesel II comes out) so that way they can have something to go against the Lexus LS Hybrid in terms of fuel savings....

BMW530i - 7/10/2006 2:04:20 PM

+1 Boost

I think cars like the BMW 3-Series Compact and Mercedes C-Class Sportscoupe could have been hits if they'd been equiped with more powerful engines. I have no problem with either these cars and the engines they came with, but I am sure other consumers did.

Besides, these cars weren't designed to appeal to your average 60 year old geezer, they were built to attract younger buyers for both BMW and MB. The C-Class Sportcoupe was reasonably successful. In Europe, this car seems to do very well. I am amazed at the engine choices Europeans get in their C-Class Sportcoupes. C350 Sportcoupe? Damn!

BMW530i - 7/10/2006 2:05:34 PM

+1 Boost

Oh, and I think an S350 and S320 CDI would do very well. I've seen reviews of the S350 and S320 CDI and they're not slow and get good fuel economy. Even more to the point, they're just as comfortable as an S550 but get better fuel economy. With the proper marketing and support, I think those two cars could be hits in the US. Seriously.

quizz - 7/10/2006 2:29:59 PM

+1 Boost

Forget the 6-cylinder S class, bring in the V8 diesel. You still have the panache of the "large engine" but with the fuel economy of a S350 (although the S320CDI would be even better, it would also undermine the perceived "power and status" of the car).

Tillo - 7/10/2006 2:47:51 PM

+1 Boost

I recently visited my MB dealer (about a week ago)and asked about the S450, according to him MB is not going to bring over the S450, instead they are opting for a diesel to be the "entry level" S-Class. He failed to mention which diesel engine we would recieve though.

BMW530i - 7/10/2006 3:48:07 PM

+1 Boost

Entry level diesel S-Class? S320 CDI? S420 CDI?

Rupert - 7/10/2006 7:07:34 PM

+1 Boost

neither the 350 nor the 320 cdi are slow, they both do 0-62 in around 7 seconds. a s-class isn't about performance anyway, and both those engines have enough. it really is only america that demands the v8s, the 320cdi out sells the 550 and 350 over in europe.

JUGNU - 7/11/2006 3:50:15 PM

+1 Boost

I think S350 and S550 is OK with 1 diesel
varient and 1 AMG varient.
Adding a more petrol engined S will not help MB in boosting the S class's sales infact i think it will clinch the sales from itself.An S450 will clinch sales from S550 or maybe even from the S350.

So the Current S class's line-up is full.There is no place for another varient to settle in the S line-up.

And by the way MB is also bringing the S63 AMG along with the S65 AMG.
So S's AMG line-up too is full.

JUGNU----->THE CARMAN

MBZFAN - 7/27/2006 5:50:28 PM

+1 Boost

JUGNU..... The lineup is NEVER full as long as they are selling all they make. Sales to date have exceeded 50,000 S-Classes since it's introduction only months ago. The S450 is coming, but at this point in the "sales curve", they are virtually selling all they make (even with all of the option packages still unavailable).