Isn't it too early to start speculating?

Very early, which is why I haven't jumped into the discussion.

Only 5 years... ...you're right - it is to earlier to speculate about the new S-Class! First of all, we have to wait for the next generation of E-Class and CLK! Then, at the beginning of 2010 or 2011 we can speculate about the S-Class. So two years of relaxation.

Is it?

Those are just plans for the next S-class platform. And I believe these plans are on product planing agenda right now - since the development of the new platform usually takes approx 5 years.

Btw, eg. some car magazine already have the CGIs of 2012 BMW 3er, hahahaha. Yes, that's way too early.

I think we're going to see the ODC in production come W221 facelift time, not having to wait until the next generation. If Mercedes does expand the S-Class like this Maybach will have to due with the 300K plus market only.

M

Wait for the '09 A8 and 7er first.

considering a lot of the stuff that these magazines spew out is rehash of ideas taken from different sources, I would say yes, it is way too early to speculate. I'd give it another year or two before we have some evidence of what might go into the new cars.

When Mercedes rolled out the odd-looking F700 concept at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show many speculated that it was destined to become just another pointless exercise in automotive styling. Not so according to people close to the project. Latest reports claim both the technology and design of the car will eventually make its way onto the next-generation S-Class due in 2012.

As these renderings suggest, the next S-Class will be heavily influenced by the F700 design study. Mercedes described the F700 as a “futuristic interpretation of the classic sedan,” which you’d be safe to interpret as being the inspiration for the next iteration of the carmaker’s longest running sedan model.
Like the current model, the new car will come in both short and long wheelbase versions and will be powered by a range of V6, V8 and V12 powerplants – both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. However, new to the lineup will be the introduction of a highly tuned four-cylinder model. Mercedes in fact used the F700 to preview the new powertrain, dubbed
DiesOtto, again giving clues as to what to expect in the next S-Class.
Mercedes also used the F700 to preview its new active PRE-SCAN suspension, a system that scours the road ahead using two lasers and automatically adjusts the suspension to suit. Another feature is the new SERVO-HMI (Human Machine Interface), which features a virtual operating assistant that the driver can converse with. Expect to see similar systems in the new S-Class and toned down versions in other future models.
Also joining the lineup will be a new range of hybrid-electric diesel models powered lithium-ion batteries. Two concept versions of the current S-Class with the new hybrid powertrains were also on display at the Frankfurt Show. The most fuel efficient version, the S300 Bluetec Hybrid, was powered by a four-cylinder hybrid drivetrain producing 224hp with a maximum torque 560Nm and managed a 44mpg fuel economy rating.

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^ The stuff of nightmares imo

Why does "Motor Authority" bother? Every Mercedes fan in the known world already knows that this car is a preview of the technology on the next S-Class. My god it won't look like that either.

M