Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe revealed

Previewing the de facto replacement for the current CL-Class, the Mercedes-Benz Concept S-Class Coupe provides "a clear vision" of what will become the automaker's range-topping model. In presenting the car, Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, noted that: "The Concept S-Class Coupe combines tradition and emotion, and is a symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity." While incorporating much of the new technology introduced on the fully-redesigned 2014 S-Class Sedan, this quasi-production design exercise makes a far bolder visual statement

Shorter, lower and wider than the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe also has its wheelbase dimension trimmed slightly to 116 inches. The car's flowing body contours also display a far more dynamic charter than those of its 4-door sibling and are reinforced by significantly bolder front/rear fascia treatments as well as the longstanding CL-signature pillarless roof treatment and panoramic glass panel. The Concept S-Class Coupe's full LED headlamps and taillamps also have an edgier character than those of the Sedan and its more prominent wheel arches are filled with staggered-width 21-inch alloy rims wrapped in 265/35 tires up front and 295/35 rear rubber

While several engines are expected to be offered in the upcoming production model -- including a force-fed V12 and an AMG-spec V8 -- the Concept S-Class Coupe is powered by M-B's new 4.7-liter direct-injected V8 Biturbo that will be used in the 2014 S550 Sedan. Developing 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of peak torque, it sends power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed automatic transmission. Sharing its chassis design with the S-Class Sedan, the Concept S-Class Coupe features the same Intelligent Drive Technology that uses a pair of forward-looking cameras as well as  radar and ultrasonic inputs to "read" the road and traffic conditions ahead and automatically optimize the suspension settings using M-B's Magic Body Control

The showcar inner sanctum of the Concept S-Class Coupe also pushes the limits of contemporary design, matching futuristic cues with elegant detailing. A study in white with etched aluminum door panels and trim elements all set off by aqua accent lighting, it features calfskin leather on the sculpted dash as well as the four individual seats while the headliner and carpet are made of hand-crafted silk. The car's dual 12.3-inch main display screens are culled from the S-Class but set in slimmer bezels to enhance the free-floating appearance and the lower center console features an additional touchcscreen that holds four driver-selectable world clock displays. Beyond its full complement of S-Class infotainment/telematics items, other key tech touches in the Concept S-Class Coupe include an advanced navigation system based on the Garmin NaviCore setup as well as sound system that employs Gracenote's MoodGrid software that can automatically compile a playlist of music to suit any given moment

While some of its more ambitious design elements will no doubt be dialed back a bit in any production successor, the Concept S-Class Coupe definitely lives up to M-B's contention that it emodies the state of the art in modern luxury