New Mercedes-Benz S-class spotted in SoCal

The new Mercedes-Benz S-class must be hustling toward the developmental-cycle finish line, because it's been spotted en masse in places such as Toronto (where it must be undergoing cold-weather testing) and Irvine, Calif. (where it must be gauging the interest of Benz-crazy vox populi). Because as devoid as it is of bodywork-breaking pillboxes, camera-obfuscating swirl paint, and surly engineers, the fact that it's seen here in little more than some sticky paper and a pair of cheap sunglasses on the driver means that the elder statesman of the automotive world is readying its next debut.

Hence, the 2014 S-Class, which we spotted in light camouflage going up the 405 Freeway in surprisingly light traffic. (He hasn't hit the La Cienega exit yet.) The new S-class will be even more opulent and important than before, having 1.) to take over where dearly departed, ultra-sybaritic Maybach left off, perhaps even with a Gro

By Blake Z. Rong