Germany has launched a new Miele cylinder/canister under the S6 tag. See it here:

http://www.miele.de/ex/microsite/de/S6/index.html

Known stats:

4.5kg
Double pedalled standard suction floor head and bumper
Remote control handle suction with auto sensor suction.
Soft reverse fitted for end plug
10 metre radius  - NOT neccessarily cord length
Uses the 3.5/4 litre FJM dust bags.
Tool storer clip on bottom end hose

Im not entirely sure if the S6 is designed to replace the S5 - after all with the ill-fitted tool storer on the hose, surely if there was a replacement model, the tools would fit in behind a door like the current S5 and the design mirrors the S2 on many similar aspects. This is taken from German website http://www.elektro-bude.net/miele/staubsauger/bodenstaubsauger/s6-kompakte-premium-baureihe/
It is more of a replacement for the S4 series since both come under "Compact Premium," and the S4 has been narrowed down in range choices.

Models: S6350, S6760, S6240, S6360

Also press release:

Press Release
No. 102/2010
New Miele S6 vacuum cleaner is compact, efficient and good-looking
Unique velvet surface finish

Gütersloh/Berlin, September 1, 2010. - With its new S6 compact premium cylinder vacuum cleaner due to be launched in autumn, Miele is once again setting new standards in floor care. This newcomer excels in terms of cleaning excellence, user convenience, hygienic deep cleaning and a range of attractive and innovative surface finishes. In short, the S6 complies with all Miele's self-imposed quality standards with respect to convenience, durability and robustness.

The S6, produced by Miele's Bielefeld plant, sports an energy-efficient 1200 W motor. Despite the relatively low wattage, dust pickup is truly excellent and results from combining the motor with the new streamlined AirTeQ floorhead, specifically designed for low-wattage motors. This floorhead has switches on both sides to adapt to various floor coverings. The AirTeQ floorhead is also sound-optimised and, together with the encapsulated motor, ensures a low operating noise level of only 71 dB (A). This sound abatement package runs under the heading Silence System Plus.

Suction power is selected either via a rotary selector or using three-stage RF controls on the DeLuxe handle, depending on the model. The latter also allows the selection of an Automatic setting, available for the first time on the compact premium range. The new one-touch cable rewind is another convenience feature: Simply tap the rewind button once and the cable gently disappears into the housing.

The term 'compact' applies equally when it comes to storage: Thanks to the new Compact System, the suction pipe and the handle can be attached to the left and right of the casing, resulting in a handy, 50 cm wide unit standing no more than 72 cm high. Suction pipe and handle holders on both sides also facilitate safe transportation.

New velvet surface finish

The S6 is available in many new colours and surface finishes. Alongside 7 high-gloss colours, Midnight Purple Pearl Finish represents a new matt metallic coating reminiscent of mother of pearl. This surface finish is particularly robust and wear-resistant.

New to vacuum cleaners is a velvet surface finish with a very special look and feel. 'Velvet' is a flock coating familiar to many from appliqués on football shirts. Its introduction on the S6 represents a debut in the world of domestic appliances. The surface finish is smooth and even and has textile-like properties. Flocked items are extremely durable and resistant to wear. Collisions during vacuum cleaning leave no marks or scuffing. The surface itself is easily cleaned using the dusting brush or wiped clean using a damp cloth.

Like all vacuum cleaners from Miele, the S6 uses HyClean dustbags. Together with the motor protection and exhaust filters, this dustbag makes for hygienic cleaning and the ultimate in suction constancy. Special features of HyClean dustbags include the HyClose self-closing collar which automatically seals the bag on removal from the machine, protective netting to safeguard against damage caused by sharp debris, air guides to direct the flow of air into the far corners of the bag and 9-ply material to ensure that dust stays safely in the bag. These features guarantee Miele's high standards of hygiene and cleanliness and have been instrumental in achieving numerous international test wins..."

Points from me:
71 decibels isn't as quiet as previous Miele vacuums. Material body though is certainly novel - Venson - I'm sure you would approve!!
Velvet attracts dust though.

Hello Vacmanuk:

Thanks for the MIELE info and commentary.  Verry nice.  Glad to see/hear the S6 line is German made and has wattage that has parity between both USA and Europe.  Winning features.  HAve to think the S6 line will result in culling of some of the MIELE canisters and line over time.

Carmine D.

http://www.miele.de/ex/microsite/de/CatandDog5000/index.html

There's also a smaller more compact pet hair turbo brush coming out as seen on this microsite for a new S5 cat and dog/pets model. Strange that it doesn't have the active air or hepa filter fitted as standard and Miele have copied Dyson here on the tool design. Goes under the model name STB 20

New Miele S6 has just been launched in the UK.

http://www.miele.co.uk/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder-cleaners/

S6210 with 2000 watt motor.
S6240 with 1200 watt Eco motor.
S6220 Cat and Dog with 2000 watt motor.
S6290 Silence with 1200 watt motor
S6730 with 200 watt motor.

As with most Miele's the specs change as per model - however all of them sport a rather handy feature of the auto cord rewind pedal being pushed just once to rewind the cable back in, rather than having to keep your foot or hand constantly pressed down.

vacmanuk wrote:

Hello Vacmanuk:

Thanks for the update.  Here's a youtube video on the launch:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoORF9VcfR0 

Appears USA will have the S6, or at least the ones rated for US electrical specs, in the autumn of 2011.

Carmine D.

This will eventually replace the S4 series There is presently another version of the old S500 out again with the new large PH for in store sale only. 1st shipment already sold out in 1 week.

Lucky1 wrote:

Wonderful. 

Here's the current line-up of USA MIELE canisters:

Lucky1 wrote:
Ah but the Hybrid S4 will stay in production for the moment.

Woo hoo my S6240 arrived today - decided on the ECO model following problems with my S4 Eco model.

First impressions:

1. Slightly bigger than the S4.
2. Tool storer can optionally mount at the top of the hose behind the handle or at the bottom of the hose in front of main body.
3. Upholstery tool mirrors that of the S5 with natural bristles as opposed to synthetic.
   
4. One touch auto cord rewind - can be pushed down by foot, or just one tap and the cord automatically returns. It is also longer than the S4's amount.
5. Bag fill indicator smaller than the one on the S4.
6. General performance is excellent thanks to a longer hose, longer amount of cord on offer and copies SEBO for putting a near 360 degree turnable hose on the main body.
7. Still retains park position to the right hand side & 3 rotational castors with new direction guides.
   
8. New AirTeq suction only floor head is a heavy beast but it is better made with thicker pedals that suggest longevity. Heavier weight also means the S6 doesn't have to be turned up to get the best suction.
9. All tools and floor heads have fancy brand name tags with borders. Does nothing for me but may appeal to others!
   
10. Slightly tricky to store - although the clip on handle to the side for parking will be on higher priced models, not the 1200 Ecoline one.
    
11. Lack of body protection to the plastic - sadly the "felt/Fabric" body seems to be a trait exclusive to top end priced models.
12. Better made than the S2 - the suction dial doesn't flex for example when the lid is opened.
13. REVIEW NOW ON HERE.

Also, You tube video from a German member at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH-hpFpdLw8

The biggest shock is when they tap the bumpers on both S5 and S6; the S6 not being as well made.