Remember when a concept was actually a concept? Something truly wacky with a completely unfeasible powertrain, lurid colours and an interior from an alternate universe? Well, nobody told Mercedes. This is the latest 'Concept S-Class Coupe', the production version of which will undoubtedly look very similar (see identical).
Farewell CL, welcome back S-Class Coupe
Mercedes' priorities for the S-Class Coupe appear to be as a direct CL replacement rather than something to rival the likes of the Maserati GranTurismo. This can be gleaned from the fact that just three very short sentences have been dedicated to its performance, as opposed to 24 paragraphs on the styling and technology. For now, we know the 4.7-litre biturbo V8 as found in the SL will feature in the S-Class coupe with 455hp and 516lb ft.
So on to what's important, at least to Mercedes; how the Concept S-Class Coupe looks. 'Sensual clarity' is a rather ambiguous theme that runs throughout. Apparently this S-Class does it in a modern way, with Mercedes keen to point out the powerdomed bonnet, the 'muscle' above the rear axle and the distinctive character lines at the rear.
At 5,050mm long, the Concept Coupe is a big old thing, but the panels are quite dramatically swaged at points (particularly at the doors) to avoid the big expanses of metal found on the C-Class coupe, for example.
To our eyes, it certainly injects a welcome dose of drama and desirability into the S-Class shape, whilst also looking production viable. Mercedes may want to tweak the rear lights though, as they seem rather reminiscent of those found at the back of a 6 Series Gran Coupe...
Trademark pillarless look is carried over
For the inside, see the outside; it's the S-Class with less formality and greater style. So the basic architecture is familiar but with such decadent accoutrements as silk carpet, calfskin upholstery and milled aluminium. We could tell you about the associations the seats have with haute-couture tailoring but that's not particularly PH. Suffice to say it is (and will be) one of the most luxurious interiors around.
Familiar tech from the S-Class also features on the Coupe. The Road Surface Scan and Magic Body Control work in conjunction to deliver a cosseting ride whilst the MoodGrid software can use your mood to play appropriate music tracks. 'Relaxed' will probably be applicable most of the time.
Given the S-Class saloon was only launched very recently, a coupe based on this concept is probably a little way off for now; the Maybach-replacing Pullman will likely arrive first. At least we know what it'll look like...