The Mercedes-Benz CL is no more… In its place, the German car giant will launch a production version of this vehicle, the Concept S-Class Coupe. Promising to stay faithful to this Frankfurt Motor Show vehicle in terms of design, the upcoming S-Class Coupe is based on the brand-new S-Class that will reach South African shores in February 2014. Initial impressions of that vehicle (see CAR’s September 2013 issue) have been overwhelmingly positive, indicating that Mercedes will again move the large-coupe goalposts when the two-door version launches early next year.
At 5 050 mm long, 1 985 mm wide and possessing a wheelbase that stretches 2 945 mm between the axles, the Concept S-Class Coupe is a substantial vehicle that will provide sumptuous seating for four people. Shorn of a B-pillar as is tradition for large Benz coupes, those perched on the rear seats will have excellent visibility. The lack of an ungainly pillar also enhances the appearance, which is one of Benz’s more elegant designs of late. Featuring the company’s now trademark converging flank lines, the Concept S-Class Coupe looks understated and expensive. Lastly, the deletion of a B-pillar hints at the convertible S-Class that we should see before the end of 2014.
The inside is far more of a flight of fancy. Benz refers to it as “sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury”, marketing speak for a cabin that is functional, beautifully trimmed and a visual treat. The door cards feature milled aluminium with swirly motifs inspired by “Utah rock formations”, while the centre console boasts a “black diamond” finish that is achieved by a chemical vapour process that deposits a precious metal on a high-sheen chrome surface at temperatures of 1 000 degrees Celsius.
Underneath the sculpted bonnet nestles a 4,7-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 335 kW and 700 N.m. Such new technologies as Magic Body Control, seatbelt airbags and Distronic Plus that in theory can pilot the car without any input from the driver will all feature on the S-Class Coupe.
We attended the official unveiling of the Concept S-Class Coupe at Frankfurt. Click here for a short walk-around video of Benz’s new model.
