Paris motor show 2012: Mercedes S-class sculpture previewed

The 2013 Mercedes S-Class is previewed at the Paris motor show in the form of a sculpture entitled ‘Aesthetics S’. Described by Mercedes as “an artistic glimpse of the design of the luxury saloon of the foreseeable future”, the sculpture is a profile view of Mercedes’ latest luxury car offering enhanced by a special light display.

Aesthetics S is intended to emphasise the artistic aspects of the exterior design rather than showcase the technology likely to be pioneered in the 2013 Mercedes S-class.

Gordon Wagener, Head of Design at Mercedes, explains that the shape of the new model is revealed through projected light reflections, creating a three-dimensional relief image with a maxiumum depth of 14cm.  The sculpture outlines the overall shape of the car, which bears some styling features similar to the current Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. 

An animated show projects images of previous S-classes on to the sculpture, reaching back to the 1950s Adenauer cars and up to the present W221.

Wagener says a full concept derived from the piece can be expected next year. He said the design would be "pure" and "timeless",  combining traditional and new design ethics. The S-Class is likely to be fully revealed in production form at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2013.

David Bond