Currently reading: Mercedes S-class gets makeover
Our spys have snapped the facelifted Mercedes S-class

This is the face-lifted Mercedes S-Class undergoing final cold weather testing, ahead of an expected launch in the summer of 2009.

The big news is the arrival of the new S400 BlueHybrid version. This is powered by a new 279bhp petrol 3.5-litre V6 combined with the new hybrid automatic transmission developed by GM, Mercedes and BMW.

A three-phase AC electric motor is mounted within the front of the gearbox housing, and provides additional thrust when required, output swelling to 299bhp and 284lb ft.

>> Read the first drive of the Mercedes S400 BlueHybrid

The new S-Class cannot run purely on battery power; the electric motor is used exclusively to boost the petrol engine.

It’s also the first mass-produced hybrid to use a lithium ion battery. This weighs just 27kg and is said to be much more efficient than conventional nickel-metal hydride batteries.

With luxury car sales in freefall, the updated car can’t come soon enough, although the exterior changes are relatively modest.

The new car also gets a revised grille and a new front bumper, which reflects the more ‘edgy’ design language of the upcoming E-Class and new GLK SUV.

Inside, the upgraded dashboard will get the option of the innovative new Splitview screen, which can show two different images simultaneously. This will allow the driver to view a sat-nav display, while the passenger watches TV.

>> Read more on the Mercedes S-class Splitview system

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ThwartedEfforts 14 December 2008

Re: Mercedes S-class gets makeover

Quattro369 wrote:

I thought you have an option of just handing the car back at the end of the lease and paying nothing? Hence the 'Guarenteed minimum future value'.

If this is the case then it will be the manufacturers finance departments that lose out - Big time. They will have no option but to auction the cars off at very attractive prices. The used car market will be full of bargains in the next year or so....

Depends on the financial product involved. I'd wager that most commercial lease deals do not feature an underwritten balloon, and while many consumer oriented PCP schemes such as Ford Options and BMW Select offer 'guaranteed minimum future value', no business lease I've ever taken has featured it. Regardless of the facts, you made the correct observation that someone has to pick up the tab - if not the driver then the manufacturer.

pitfield 14 December 2008

Re: Mercedes S-class gets makeover

Hardly, those with PCP deals involving balloon payments will have the option to hand the car back, obviously this means that they won't be forced to keep the car.

Quattro369 14 December 2008

Re: Mercedes S-class gets makeover

ThwartedEfforts wrote:
When all the people who took out 36-month leases on these cars in 2006 suddenly find that their 2009 balloon payment is 35% higher than the car is actually worth, I dread to think how that will affect the market:

I thought you have an option of just handing the car back at the end of the lease and paying nothing? Hence the 'Guarenteed minimum future value'.

If this is the case then it will be the manufacturers finance departments that lose out - Big time. They will have no option but to auction the cars off at very attractive prices. The used car market will be full of bargains in the next year or so....