Mercedes-Benz S-Class: A first look at the 2021 S-Class!

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been the pioneer luxury sedan for the longest time now. Up until the very recent past – in fact, only till 2019 – the S-Class was the Mercedes-Benz model that introduced the world to the new technology that was developed in the four walls of the Stuttgart factory. As a testimony to that, the S-Class brought ABS in 1978 and was also the first production car to get an electronic four-wheel multi-channel anti-lock braking system from Bosch, and independent suspension to turbocharged diesel engines.

So, as it seems, the S-Class is a very important model for the Stuttgart-based carmaker. However, this was the case up until last year, as the newly unveiled A-Class debuted the company’s new MBUX infotainment system and disrupted the established order, in terms of infotainment anyway.

But wait, there’s more. Since the S-Class is set to get a major makeover early next year, the company has held some of the few attractive gizmos for the luxury sedan. After all, it’s the majesty of the S-Class that allows the other models from Mercedes-Benz to feature revolutionary features.

Only this time around, the interiors of the S-Class are supposed to get an all-screen layout. The S-class truly shines on the inside, which is fitted with the latest in tech that Mercedes-Benz has to offer; and it seems to be the case with the new-gen model as well. The interior of the new S-class is a complete departure from that of the outgoing car – or any current Mercedes model, for that matter.

Here’s more to the upcoming S-Class, and how it compares to the ongoing model.

Specifications

The Mercedes-Benz  S-Class will certainly change a lot in terms of design. It’ll borrow elements from the sportier and sexier CLS, especially the so-called ‘predator’ face, with sleek headlights and a prominent grille. At the back, the new S-Class will follow a similar design of distinctly horizontal taillights.

The overall dimensions of the new S-Class, however, are likely to remain the same. For reference, the ongoing model measures in at 5,246mm of length, 1,899mm of width, and 1,494mm of height. The standard 18-inch wheels are separated by a massive wheelbase of 3,165mm. Apart from that, it has a boot space capacity of 530-litres and a fuel tank capacity of 70-litres. The base-spec S 350Dvariant tips the scale at 2,113kg.

Under the hood, the current-spec S-Class comes powered with four engine options, one in each variant. The range starts with a 3.0-litre in-line six diesel engine, which is good for 282bhp and 600Nm of torque. It comes mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

The base-spec petrol engine is a 3.0-litre V6 engine, which makes 362bhp and 500Nm of torque. As we climb up the range, next comes a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, good for 463bhp and 700Nm of torque, followed by a 6.0-litre V12 petrol motor, which churns out 621bhp and 1000Nm of torque. All the petrol engines are mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

Mileage

In the case of fuel efficiency, do not expect the Merc to deliver any mind-numbing numbers. Of course, the diesel engine here is rated to deliver better fuel efficiency around 13km/l. As for the petrol engines, expect somewhere around 5-7km/l.

Features

Talking about safety front, it comes equipped with Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Braking Assist and Active Distance Assist, traction control and EBD. Moreover, you also get a panoramic sunroof, multi-function steering in Nappa leather, two 12.3-inch displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, thermotronic automatic climate control, Burmester surround sound system with 13 speakers and ambient lighting in 64 colours, amongst other goodies.

Colours

The S-Class, as of mid-2020, comes in thirteen shades, namely, Obsidian Black Metallic,Iridium Silver Metallic,Magnetite Black Metallic,Ruby Black Metallic,Selenite Grey Metallic,Designo Diamond White Bright,Designo Mocha Black Metallic,DesignoAllanite Grey Magno,Designo Cashmere White Magno,Polar White Metallic,Cavansite Blue Metallic,Emerald Green, and Anthracite Blue.

Brochure

All the details regarding the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, namely, the engine, specifications, variant wise equipment, colours, dimensions, interiors, and exterior details are extensively covered in the brochure.

Variants and Prices

As of mid-2020, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is available in four variants, either in the diesel-automatic or the petrol-automatic configuration. The prices start at Rs. 1.36 crores for the S 350D variant going all the way to Rs. 2.79 crores for the Maybach S 650 variant (all prices ex-showroom, Delhi). For the variant-wise on-road prices, visit us at autoX. Also, grab the latest info on the new cars, only at autoX.