Concept S-Class Coupé: An outlook on the new top-of-the-line model - Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury Traditionally the top of the Mercedes-Benz product range is occupied by the grand coupé. With the Concept S-Class Coupé the company will provide a concrete vision of the next model generation at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt: with its gorgeous appearance and self-assured style it embodies the design philosophy of sensual clarity. In the interior with its spectacular architecture and truly exclusive appointments the four-seater defines the state of the art of modern luxury. "The new S-Class Saloon was received enthusiastically in the market and perfectly lives up to its role as a representative of the power of innovation of Mercedes-Benz", says Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of the Management Board of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Sales & Marketing. "On the S-Class Coupé as the traditional top of our product range the designers take advantage of their additional freedom and thus create an automotive masterpiece". Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design at Daimler AG, adds: "The Concept S‑Class Coupé combines tradition and emotion, and is a symbol for the embodiment of our design style of sensual clarity. The perfected design with self-assured style and the highly exclusive appointments make the coupé a true design icon and an expression of modern luxury". Design: sensual clarity at its most beguiling Sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury -- this was the focus for the designers, and is the design philosophy of Mercedes-Benz. The aim is to create clear contours and smooth surfaces that stage high tech while exuding emotional appeal. The sensual clarity is reflected in the core design values of tradition, emotion and progressivism. These are the guiding star, and are accentuated differently depending on the model. Mercedes-Benz creates a bridge between modernity and the avant-garde, between tradition and progressivism. Each model series has an assigned role and a very specific character, depending on the attributes on which the design focusses. And yet a Mercedes-Benz is always recognisable as a Mercedes-Benz. Because in addition to incorporating new stylistic developments, and in the interests of keeping tradition alive, the designers draw from a gene-pool of styling features typical of the brand. "Design needs the sublime! Because design is the best brand ambassador. At the centre of our work is sensual clarity as an expression of modern luxury, because this is precisely what gets to the heart of our brand philosophy -- the bipolarity of intelligence and emotion", says Wagener. The exterior: flowing profile of perfect proportions The flowing profile of the Concept S-Class Coupé embodies sensual clarity in a modern way. It is characterised by typical rear-wheel drive proportions, which are emphasised by the Mercedes-typical signature, the dropping line. The long bonnet with distinctive lines and powerdomes, the cowering greenhouse with high beltline, the accentuated wheel arches as well as the 21-inch wheels (tyres at front 265/35 R 21, at rear 295/35 R 21) and the visually broad rear substantiate the claim of the Concept S-Class Coupé as a masterpiece of automotive refinement. With a wheelbase of 2945 mm the coupé measures 5050 mm in length, 1958 mm in width and 1409 mm in height. Positively arched surfaces give the Concept S-Class Coupé a sensual character. The sculpted appearance lends it classic elegance that forms a perfect symbiosis with the modern-progressive design idiom. The view from the side is marked by the dropping line in keeping with the emotional character of the vehicle. It underscores the brand-typical proportions like a signature. The lines are deliberately reduced to the basics. This creates a timeless clarity. The creative interaction of various design elements lend the Concept S-Class Coupé a superior and self-assured front: at the centre of the vehicle front is the three-dimensional and further evolved diamond radiator grille, whose structure is defined in this case by rectangular, dark chrome-plated elements. It bears the central Mercedes star and one blade. The full-LED headlamps with their iconic eyebrows as daytime driving lamps lend it an extremely self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the Concept S-Class Coupé the eyebrows have been further advanced with a semicircular counter-swish. The diamond-look of the headlamps and the tail lamps underline the luxurious appointments of the show car.

• published: 10 Sep 2013
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