Mercedes-Benz begins 2014 S-Class production

Mercedes-Benz has officially begun production of its all-new 2014 S-Class flagship sedan at the company's Sindelfingen, Germany, plant.

In order to mark the occasion, Mercedes held a small ceremony at the Sindelfingen facility, where the automaker has spent $1.33 billion in order to ready the factory for S-Class production. Attendees included Andreas Renschler, head of Mercedes-benz manufacturing, and Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board and head of Mercedes cars.

"2013 is the year of the S-Class. We are driving forward our model offensive in the luxury segment. The new S-Class is opening up additional opportunities for us in the market," said Zetsche.

Unveiled in Germany last month, the 2014 S-Class will arrive in the United States this fall. The S-Class will initially launch in S550 guise, although several other variants are planned, including a plug-in hybrid.

The 2014 S-Class boasts a number of new technologies, including full LED lighting and a self-driving mode. Mercedes hasn't announced U.S. pricing for the 2014 S-Class, but expect a base MSRP nearing the six-figure range.