SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class XL (X 222) conquers the European roads

Mercedes-Benz will develop a consistent luxury range on the basis of the new S-Class. After the SWB (W 222) and LWB (V 222) versions were premiered in May at Hamburg, the Germans will launch a third model - the extralong wheelbase (XLWB) S-Class (X 222), nicknamed "XL".

According to reports, Mercedes-Benz decided to name the new model as the S-Class Grand. Compared to the other body variants, this one will have a total length of near 5.5 meters. To compensate the increased measures, designers had to enlarge the rear doors and also a visible third, triangular window on each side.

The new S-Class Grand is set to arrive next year, in April, and it is directly addressed to the wealthy clients from the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, the Middle East and China. The two passengers that will seat on the rear couch will be the most privileged given the consistent array of comfort features the car will offer them, such as various functions for massage, heating and ventilation, reclining possibilities, a refrigerator, Wi-Fi internet access and more.

It is important to know that the S-Class Grand has nothing in common with the S-Class Pullman that will be unveiled in 2015, will sport a dramatically different exterior design, a 2+2+2 seating structure inside, near six meters in length, more state-of-the-art technology than the standard S-Class models and will compete with the Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Moving back to the X 222 models, they will be recognizable through the modified lamella grille, as you can see, identical to that on the upcoming S 500 Plug-In Hybrid (see HERE). Power will come from both the current 4.7-litre 455 hp V8 unit and a new V12 engine, engineered by AMG, and capable of producing around 550 hp - 600 hp. The 12-cylinder S 600 model will feature quad design for the exhaust pipes. When introduced on the market towards the end of 2014, the new S-Class Grand should display a starting price tag of around 150,000 euros in Germany.