I'm just wondering...with the facelift, the ML430 has increased to the ML500, and with new generations have come an increase from E430 to E500 and I think CLK430 to CLK500. What does this mean for the S-Class, which already has a S430 and a S500?

On an additional note, the deal with 3.2L and 3.5L. The R230 has changed from SL320 to SL350. Does this mean that 320's will also begin this thread? Doesn't seem likely. I mean - the new generation has stayed with the E320 and CLK320, and the facelift keeps the ML320. Yet the SL350 will come out AFTER all of these. Will the facelift/next generation of the S-Class turn out another S320 or perhaps an S350, as rumored on sites like jes-mercedes.de ?

 

I heard somewhere that they may eliminate the S430 and include an S320 and lower the cost. Both the 430 and 500 are too close in HP....

 

True, Stan. Close in HP AND close in cost. Here in Hawaii (I don't know if this is true elsewhere) the number of S500s far outweigh the S430s.

The return of the S320 in the US would be interesting. Is there even still a market for a V6 S-Class? I would expect more people would just head for the E500 or such. Probably a better value. (Or something like that... )

 

P.S. This could also indicate an increased likelihood to introduce the budget E240, perhaps?

That is, IF they release the S320 first...