New Merc S-Class coming this May

The next generation Mercedes-Benz S-class will be revealed in Hamburg on 15 May, Daimler chief Dieter Zetsche has revealed.

"The S-class is the most important car of all to us," said Zetsche. "Its success makes us stronger going forward."

 

Extra importance has been placed on the S-class following the failure of Maybach. Zetsche said that Mercedes would "broaden the portfolio of the S-class" to make more luxurious versions aimed at the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

 

Zetsche believes that the S-class should have more success in the super-luxury market than the Maybach as it is a brand with "a stronger foundation".

 

"We can sell more cars at better prices with the S-class," he said. "Pushing the S-class upmarket will also further strengthen and balance the Mercedes brand at the top end just as we are going smaller with the A-class range of cars."

 

He also confirmed the next generation C-class would be revealed next year. The new model, along with the recently revised E-class, are crucial for Mercedes in China if it is to close the gap on Audi and BMW, according to Zetsche.

 

The new C-class and S-class are new Mercedes not included in Mercedes' plan to launch 13 new models without a predecessor by 2020, but three of the five models - CLA, CLA Shooting Brake and GLA SUV - to be spun off the A-class platform were.