[hks786]

[Red Bread]

Odd grille surround, and they really need to fire whoever is designing their headlights, but compared to the hideous A8, and forgettable 7er this should do well. The XJ still looks much better to my eyes, but no one buys them.

[hks786]

^ Agreed on the XJ. I like the 7er (A8 is ok but a bit boring) but the XJ looks really special. The interior is amazing and I don't understand why I hardly see them around. It will be interesting to see how the S-class compares. So far I think it looks great. I was worried when I seen older spyshots but now I think it looks more elegant than the current gen but still maintains its imposing boss look.

I found a cool video:

[Red Bread]

I'm interested in seeing official pics of the rear end. It looks quite soft and unresolved in spy shots. I'm afraid MB is trying to do too much with this car to cover the traditional S-Class market plus the failed Maybach market.

[positiveions]

Just wow. MB just reinvented luxury.

[Los Angeles]

Ah, I see they went with Burmester for their new sound. Great choice!

That interior looks phenomenal. The ambience lighting and curvaceous surrounding has a very cozy feel to it.

I'm definitely looking forward to the final product, especially in AMG form.

[See5]

Perfumed A/C with different scents. That should say it all.

[Los Angeles]

Originally Posted by See5

Perfumed A/C with different scents. That should say it all.

A feature that is found in the Maybach.

[secretsquirrel]

I've never been a MB fan, but dat Interior!

[Crimson92]

Stunning, I'd buy one if I was in the market for a large sedan.

[fireline43]

That looks more comfortable to then my recliner at home

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by hks786

^ Agreed on the XJ. I like the 7er (A8 is ok but a bit boring) but the XJ looks really special. The interior is amazing and I don't understand why I hardly see them around. It will be interesting to see how the S-class compares. So far I think it looks great. I was worried when I seen older spyshots but now I think it looks more elegant than the current gen but still maintains its imposing boss look.

I found a cool video:

That video helped a lot. I completely agree with your last sentence. That "boss look" that's intended for cars in this segment seems to be a result of a large focus on the car's down-the-road-graphics, mainly in the front. Everything surrounds and echos outward from that prominently set grille. You'll recognize this thing from a mile away if it's coming from behind you. I'm still not a fan of the fragile looking lower valance, but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in the metal.

Originally Posted by Red Bread

I'm interested in seeing official pics of the rear end. It looks quite soft and unresolved in spy shots. I'm afraid MB is trying to do too much with this car to cover the traditional S-Class market plus the failed Maybach market.

There's a reason that lots of cars feature conservatively-styled rear ends these days. The trend lately has been to up a car's front-facing aggression and DRG while rear aggression has somewhat plateaued over the years. Ian Callum cites that we don't get much face-time viewing the fronts of cars in traffic, and most of the time we're stuck with looking at the rear of what's sitting in front of us. Because of this, a design tends to be on the reserved side so it doesn't end up looking gimmicky and worn as time goes on. Very few volume cars go against this trend.

Applying that to this S-Class's rear, we can already see that it's in-your-face up front and rather quiet in the rear. That's unfortunately commonplace for most players in this segment. We can cross our fingers and hope that the eventual AMG and AMG styling package models have a bit more visual oomph.

[Soorena]

I've always admired S-Class and this one is not an exception. Shockingly it looks good (I don't like Benz new design language at all) and the interior is very nice. I keep my XJ though, i'm not that old to drive a S-Class lol

[hks786]

Originally Posted by Year's_End

That video helped a lot. I completely agree with your last sentence. That "boss look" that's intended for cars in this segment seems to be a result of a large focus on the car's down-the-road-graphics, mainly in the front. Everything surrounds and echos outward from that prominently set grille. You'll recognize this thing from a mile away if it's coming from behind you. I'm still not a fan of the fragile looking lower valance, but I'll reserve judgement until I see it in the metal.

Yes I agree the front bumper does look a bit thin/weak compared to such a bold grille.

Some more interior shots:

[Red Bread]

What's with the black seats in a tan interior? Were they jealous of the F30 Luxury Line interior?

[hks786]

I'm really surprised how much I like this new interior. I remember looking at spy shots thinking the speedo/nav screen would look quite poor but actually I think they have integrated it quite well. Also, I love that particular interior combo; it has all the rights colours and I like the touches of brushed aluminium. Overall it looks better than A8/7er. If I was to change anything though I would prefer rectangular air vents.

[SaMaster14]

I'm a fan!! Definitely a BIG step up from the current S class, especially interior-wise. Very similar to how the SL series really stepped up their interior.

Idk, maybe its just me, but I actually LOVE the exterior designs of these new Benz's.

In the luxury big sedan market, I think this trumps the A8/S8... but we all know its going to be MUCH more expensive. I gotta say, you can't beat the Audi 8 class when it comes to bang for buck. BMW needs to step up the 7 series!!!

[Vervain]

Originally Posted by positiveions

Just wow. MB just reinvented luxury.

This.

World's ahead of anything else. Dam.

[TK-421]

Good lord that interior lighting is amazing. I have a feeling the AMG variants are going to kill the game.

[Marsden]

Good discussion. I agree that the interior is pretty stunning.

[NikosBM]

I don't like it looks wise. I'm sure it is probably the most Luxurious in it's class, but there is WAY too much going on and a mixing of styles...

The whole classic seating and argyle look coupled with technology doesn't work for me in the this case.

And the headlights are awful... it looks like a Rclass

[tjobeid]

Sexiest interior to date. With a chrysler 300 front end... This coming from a long time owner and fan of benzes.