2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class unveiled

The new-generation S-Class features a fresh exterior and interior design, the second-generation MBUX infotainment system, and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Its India launch expected in the second half of 2021.

The ‘Best car in the World’ has entered into a new dimension for its 2021 iteration, as the new-generation model finally broke cover today. And as has been the trend, the new S-Class takes the game up a notch in terms of luxury, technology, and safety.

This new model mirrors the same design cues that we first saw in the 2021 E-Class, which was unveiled earlier this year in March. Upfront, the grille continues to be all chrome, but for some reason, it doesn’t sit flush with the front-end, rather it sticks out a wee bit. Headlights on either side of the grille are now smaller than before. Mercedes offers Multibeam LED headlamps as standard, along with the choice to get the new Digital Light with an optional pack. Other changes to the front-end include a newly designed bumper with larger intakes. In profile, the new S-Class gets door handles that sit flush with the body, adding to the car’s overall plushness. The tail section has also been redone and now gets triangular LED taillamps and twin chrome-finished exhaust tips.

As far as dimensions go, the new S-Class is now 34mm longer, 22mm wider, and 12mm taller than before. Mercedes-Benz also claims the new S-Class' interior is more spacious, thanks to a 51mm larger wheelbase. The boot space has now increased to 550 litres – 20 litres more than the model it replaces.

The interior has been completely reimagined as well and now gets two large screens – a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch tablet-like unit for the infotainment system. The latter features Mercedes-Benz’s second-gen MBUX system, which can understand voice command in 27 languages. Aside from these screens, the S-Class’ interior has a very minimalistic approach, with 27 buttons less than before. The steering wheel is all-new as well. Rear seat passengers also get two large screens. The new S-Class uses new-age tech to ease the life of the driver and passengers. From adjusting the driver seat position with the help of face or voice recognition to using sensors to illuminate dark areas where passengers reach out to get some stuff, the S-Class comes loaded with technology.

The powertrain options for the new S-Class include 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, both of which are offered in different states of tune. The petrol-powered S-Class comes in the S 450 and the S 500 options, producing 362bhp and 429bhp, respectively. Torque rating for both these variants stands at 500Nm and 520Nm, respectively. This motor also gets assistance from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can add 21.6bhp and an impressive 250Nm of torque. The S-Class will also be on sale in two diesel variants – S 350d and S 400d, pushing out 282bhp and 600Nm and 325.4bhp and 700Nm, respectively. All variants of the S-Class will continue to be paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz is also expected to add V8, AMG, and Maybach iterations to the range.

With the exception of the S 350d, all other variants will feature Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This 2021 S-Class also gets rear-axle steering with a maximum angle of 10 degrees. Mercedes claims that this system has helped reduce its turning circle by up to 2 metres. With the E-Active body control system, the S-Class promises a fine blend of comfort and agility. This system also protects the passengers from a side impact by raising the car by up to 8cm within a fraction of a second.

Mercedes-Benz will bring in the new-generation S-Class to India in the second half of 2021. Our Italian partners, Quattroruote, got a preview of the new-S-Class. Here’s the report.

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