Rumors: Spy Shots—New Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Recent spy photos posted up on MotorAuthority show that Mercedes-Benz is giving its flagship vehicle, the venerable S-Class, the nip-and-tuck treatment. The updated car is apparently due out as a 2013 model sometime later this year with relatively minor changes. Updates include LED running lights, the introducing of a few new powerplants including a plug-in hybrid, and a bit of a stretch in overall length to name a few. The plug-in hybrid technology would be taken from the 2009 Vision S500 concept vehicle, which was first shown at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

As the life of the new S-Class progresses, we can expect it to receive the AMG treatment which would likely include a tuned version of MB’s 5.5-liter V-8, and the premium luxury model S600 should receive a variant of the company’s biturbo V-12 under the hood. Like all the S-Classes before it, this new car should be packed to the gills with industry leading technology to complement its upgraded styling.