The new Mercedes S-Class is longer, wider and taller than the outgoing models, with a wheelbase that is a full three inches longer. Although a short-wheelbase model is available in other markets, as is an S 320 V6 diesel and an S 350 gasoline V6 model, the U.S. market will get only the roomier long-wheelbase version with V8 or V12 power, at least for now.

The exterior features a completely new, more aerodynamically efficient shape. Most noticeable are the exaggerated fender flares front and rear. New design cues include a more upright grille, new headlamps and new tail lamps, the latter with thick body-colored horizontal bars running through them, all tied together with lower body molding. For the first time in the design history of the S-Class, the decklid opening is not contained within the rear fenders, but instead extends out to the side of the body, with a distinctly raised position that looks a bit like the rear end of a 7 Series BMW. That was done for exactly the same aerodynamic reasons as on the BMW, to give the air rushing over the long, long roof panel a good place to separate cleanly from the body without causing drag. A side benefit is a huge trunk opening for easy loading. Active bi-xenon headlamps which illuminate around corners, and cornering fog lamps that illuminate the front corner areas of the car, are standard equipment.

This is the sportiest-looking S-Class ever with this new shape. Despite its increased size, width and height, it has the best aerodynamic rating in the entire luxury class, a 0.26 coefficient of drag, a figure that is among the best in the world, regardless of vehicle size or class. To keep weight down, the hood, decklid, door skins, and much of the door interiors are all made of various aluminum alloys, while the main body shell is made of high-strength steel.

A wide variety of wheel designs and sizes is available to suit each model, with a number of optional wheel and tire combinations. The S550 will come with nine-spoke 18-inch wheels with an optional five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel or a chrome version of the same wheel or a 19-inch 22-spoke alloy wheel with 255/40R19 front and 275/40R19 rear tires or a 19-inch split spoke design with the same staggered tires. The S600 starts with a beautiful five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel with 255/45R18 front and 275/55R18 rear tires. An AMG alloy wheel is available for the staggered 255/275 19-inch tire combination as well.

An optional AMG Sport package adds the big AMG wheels, a new front bumper with lower intakes and lamps, a new rear bumper, exaggerated side sills, and twin dual-outlet chrome exhaust tips.