Mercedes wowed the crowds at the IAA in Frankfurt this week with the unveiling of the Concept S-Class Coupe. Based on the new S-Class sedan, the concept is a full-size-two door providing four-passenger transportation with top-of-the-line luxury. It’s also indicative of a potential change in Mercedes’ naming structure. The current flagship coupe is the CL-Class, but looks as though the company is considering folding it into the S-Class, in much the same way that the CLK recently became the E-Class Coupe.
Names aside, the Concept S-Class Coupe is a grand luxury car, with a wide, single-bar Mercedes grille reminiscent of the original 300SL. The long hood and short rear deck are also sporty highlights. The roofline curves around frameless door glass, and the car’s flanks are muscular. The horizontal wrapped taillights are equal parts classic 300SL and SLR AMG. Inside, white upholstery and aluminum trim elements provide an airy complement to the glass roof. S-Class owners will recognize the twin 12.3-inch screens that make up the instrument panel.
A 449-horsepower twin-turbo V8 lives under the hood, and the Concept S-Class Coupe also includes the Intelligent Drive driver aid suite now available in the S-Class sedan. Concept cars with production-car underpinnings are frequently indicators of a production version to follow, and the CL-Class is due for an update. Could be we’ll be seeing an S-Class coupe on the roads before long.
