SPIED! Is THIS The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

It's hard to argue with the success of Mercedes-Benz lately, although we predicted it over 4 years ago when BMW and Audi seemed like they were the 'hot' ticket.

Their recipe of 'fresh bread' meaning screw being evolutionary with designs and shock the world with in your face, Victoria Secret style sexy products is a winner.

And the competition is feeling it. But we don't think they're getting the message.

BMW and Audi seem to be in rest mode with many of their new models.

Case in point in the flagship segment. The new S-Class is absolutely OWNING.

The 7-Series and A8 although both great cars just don't have the special sauce to make us LUST for the current stable of offerings.

Whereas, the new S-Class instantly makes you say "there's the new Mercedes S" when you see one drive by. And we think the customers spending in this realm WANT people to know they've got the latest.

It also doesn't hurt to have the best designer in the business and friend of Auto Spies currently running the show, Dr. Gorden Wagener.

And it doesn't look like MB is stopping the offensive with the 2020 model.

Rendered by the BEST in the biz, our good friend Radovan Varicak, spies tell us this is VERY close to what the finished product will look like.

So what say you Spies? Are we right on about WHY MB is making the competition lose sleep? And is the 2020 S another winner?

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MDarringer - 8/19/2018 1:23:14 AM

-2 Boost

If the image in the article is correct, WOW!

carloslassiter - 8/19/2018 8:16:39 AM

+5 Boost

Like.

jeffgall - 8/19/2018 9:13:56 AM

0 Boost

Needs a different grille. This one looks like it was stuck on with 3M tape. Otherwise, looks good.

llaroo - 8/19/2018 10:31:58 AM

+1 Boost

looks like a tank, so much mass

MDarringer - 8/19/2018 3:03:28 PM

-1 Boost

#patrician

Hawk - 8/19/2018 11:36:07 AM

+2 Boost

The article states that the current models stays in effect through 2022. so the 2020 & 2021 will look very much like the 2018 & 2019.

TomM - 8/19/2018 1:06:48 PM

+2 Boost

Yes - the S class just got its mid cycle refresh for 2019 - My S-650 Maybach is one of the first in the US - and that will last through 2021 - the new car is not due until 2022.

cidflekken - 8/19/2018 1:39:05 PM

+2 Boost

The rear pillar is a bit chunky, but other than that, a perfect evolution of the design. Even though the current model, despite being the oldest, makes the A8 and 7 Series look frumpy, if this new rendering comes to fruition, then it'll just continue to separate itself from them. And no, the LS looks too much like a Buick LaCrosse to be taken seriously.

Runamukk - 8/19/2018 2:43:34 PM

0 Boost

looks a little too much like the current one for my taste. It needs to be better distinguished from the current one to really make an impact. I'm sure when it all comes to fruition it will still continue to reign supreme and be the epitome of luxury.

Runamukk - 8/19/2018 2:45:02 PM

+1 Boost

On another not the barrage of new models/redesigns in just the next 2 years is mind blowing. Mercedes is about to destroy all the potential competition over the next couple of years.

Dr550 - 8/19/2018 3:30:35 PM

+2 Boost

MB Blitzkrieg.

TomM - 8/19/2018 7:32:47 PM

+2 Boost

Actually - what has happened is the S class has created a new "CLASS" - a tier above the other premiums - and just below the super Luxury of the Rolls and Bentley.

In comparison - the 7 Series is a piece of junk. Its ride and handling are closer to a but not as good as a Buick LaCrosse -its quality is questionable - it is certainly not as reliable. It falls apart after 3 years which is why is has the poorest resale at that point among Luxury vehicles.Bmw Interiors are now about a full generation behind Audi - even further than that from the S class. They are still well known for problems with their window motors! ANd their infotainment system ranks below last place - even below FCA.

Now having a new S650 Maybach - and my Boss has a new Rolls Phantom 8 - and I will admit that the Rolls is more luxurious for an extra $300,000 more - but it is so close that you would need to drive both the same day to say that. THe S class is better than a Mulsanne though.

Deutschland - 8/19/2018 9:09:18 PM

+2 Boost

Comparing a 7 series to a Buick is over the top hyperbole.

The tier comment you make doesn't make much sense either. If one is making a better vehicle than its competitors you just say it is the best vehicle in its class you don't create a new tier. If they are in their own tier who are they competing against themselves?

NewQ - 8/20/2018 12:03:37 PM

+2 Boost

7-Series owner and S/A8/LS multiple-time driver here.

The S-Class has not created its own class above the others. It did raise the stakes tremendously in its class when it came out though. The current S was a huge leap forward over the previous generation, and over all others in the segment.

However, BMW and Audi have matched Mercedes in terms of baseline table stakes for this category. You can argue as to which one appeals to you more, or which one you prefer, but the standard S-Class is not in a league of its own.

The S overall does however reach higher than the 7 and A8. There's no BMW or Audi equivalent of the Maybach for example. I would buy the argument that the Maybach has set up shop between the full-size luxury category and super heavyweights Rolls-Royce and Bentley, but not the regular S-Class.

As far as the 7 vs. the Buick, that is simply an incorrect statement, and there is no need to address it further.

Your statement regarding the infotainment system being ranked below FCA is also incorrect. iDrive is routinely considered one of the best in the business, and I agree after extensive experience with all of the others. Incidentally, the FCA system is also well-regarded for its interface and usability, though it's rather cheap and simple looking.

I don't have data on reliability statistics between the S/7/A8, but I would wager all three naturally have reliability issues compared to other cars, simply because of the vast amounts of technology and cutting-edge engineering in them. I'm not convinced the 7 is appreciably less reliable than the S or A8.

I believe the interior of the 7 is one of its strong suits. The material and build quality are excellent, surpassing the S-Class in some areas. I agree the design isn't as dramatic, or maybe even as impressive, but it reminds me of the upright formality of a Rolls-Royce to be honest. I jokingly call my 7 the poor-man's Rolls-Royce. I can see how it would read as dull to some people though; different tastes.