Benz's S-Class Coupe headed to Motorclassica

MERCEDES-BENZ’s new flagship S-Class Coupe will make its local debut on Thursday at the Motorclassica Australian International Concours d’Elegance and Classic Motor Show in Melbourne, ahead of its early February launch.

With the absence of the Australian International Motor Show the German premium brand has chosen the event to officially reveal the new car and follows the debut of the next-generation S-Class sedan at last year’s Motorclassica.

Going on sale in February next year, the S-Class Coupe is expected to arrive in three twin-turbo petrol variants – the 335kW/700Nm V8 S500, 430kW/900Nm V8 S63 AMG and the 6.0-litre 463kW V12 S65 AMG.

Motorclassica will see the new two-door luxury limousine share the floor of the Royal Exhibition Building with classic cars and modern machines. Mercedes-Benz Cars Australia/Pacific managing director Horst Von Sanden said it is the ideal setting for the debut.

“Motorclassica again hosts the premiere of one of our new vehicles, the beautiful S-Class Coupe,” he said.

“Motorclassica is truly a unique event within Australasia and presents the perfect opportunity for car enthusiasts to take pleasure in viewing both classic and contemporary vehicles.” The event director Paul Mathers said he was pleased to see Mercedes-Benz return with the second part of its S-Class debut.

“Mercedes-Benz blazed a trail last year as the first manufacturer to utilise Motorclassica to reveal a contemporary model and such was its success, the company immediately advised us they wanted to repeat the experience this year,” he said.

“We’re delighted to welcome them back and to also welcome an increased number of contemporary heritage car and motorcycle brands to the event, a recognition both of the credibility of Motorclassica and the engaged audience we attract.

“It’s a tremendous way for manufacturers to present their current wares on a platform that also presents the history of their brands.” Last year’s Motorclassica saw Jaguar show its newly launched F-Type and the 2015 event will be joined by other manufacturers including Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Caterham, Morgan and Lotus.

The S-Class Coupe will arrive as the first car from Mercedes-Benz with an advanced version of the Magic Body Control suspension, which adds a tilting function for better handling and passenger comfort while cornering.

The coupe is the same width as the sedan but 89mm shorter at 5027mm long, while the wheelbase has been reduced from 3035mm to 2945mm.

Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date, but buyers can expect to pay a little more than the previous CL-Class which started at $418,500, plus on-road costs for the CL600 and topped out with the $510,500 CL65 AMG.

The 2014 Motorclassica is on from October 24-26 at the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Carlton.