2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class gets caught testing in Colorado

2014 Mercedes S-class prototype spy mule
(Photo provided by Destin Raybun) 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class prototype

Just as the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-class get teased at the 2012 Paris Motor Show in a form of the “Aesthetics S” sculpture, we catch it testing in the Front Range and high up in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.

Not many details are known about the upcoming Mercedes flagship, but one thing is for sure – it will be a technological marvel that will set Safety and Luxury industry trends for many years to come.  One only needs to look at previous S-class models to realize the significant and lasting impressions this car has left on the automotive landscape over the past few decades.

The W116 generation car (1972-1980) made the following features popular:

  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Driver airbag – called Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
  • Diesel engine with a turbo-charger

The W126 generation (1980-1991) pushed the car safety frontier further with:

  • Passenger side airbag
  • Seat-belt pretensioners
  • Traction control

The W220 generation (1998-2005) kept setting the trends with:

  • Preemptive safety system (Pre-safe)
  • Radar controlled adaptive cruise control system (Distronic)
  • Center console mounted navigation system
  • Air ventilated/cooled seats

What innovations will the 2014 model bring?  Will it walk your dog or be able to refuel all on its own?  For now, all we know for sure is that it will offer inflatable seat-belts, called Beltbags.  Mercedes also says that the styling of the next S-class is primarily inspired by the W108, W126, and W221 generations.

Please enjoy this TFLcar prototype hunting video of the next S-class exercising high up in the Rocky Mountains.

Also, here are more images graciously provided by Destin Raybun of other Mercedes test mule vehicles that accompany the next S-class.

Can you tell us more about the SLS AMG, the A-class, and the G-wagon you see here?

Andre Smirnov

Andre Smirnov is a life-long automotive enthusiast, writer, and software engineer. On the weekends – you may find him at a car show, an auction, watching a race, or tinkering with a car in the garage. When not working or spending time with the family – he often scours the internet and other media for various automotive, mechanical, and computer related information.