2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sets New Luxury Tech Benchmark

Here it is, the next generation of Mercedes-Benz’ venerable S-Class flagship. Just as it has for decades before, each and every time a new generation debuts, it sets a high-water mark for the entire luxury class. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is bigger, smarter, and more comfortable than ever before, sure, but it also showcases the sort of tech we can expect to trickle down to the rest of the automotive world over the next decade.

There’s a lot to digest here: the accompanying press release is 83 pages long. Eighty. Three. From augmented reality to plug-in hybrid power, here’s what stands out most about die neue S-Klasse.

Drivetrains and bodystyles

Two different rear-wheel steer systems will arrive on the 2021 S-Class. The Executive Line trim allows up to 10 degrees of rear-axle angle, while others stick to 4.5 degrees. That allows the Executive Line a turning circle on par with the little A-Class, while also aiding high-speed stability.

Mercedes showed off a plug-in hybrid version of the S-Class at the digital reveal event. This model has an estimated EV-only range of 62 miles (100 km). The German automaker also reiterated that the EQ S is coming, an all-electric full-sizer with a targeted range of 435 miles (700 km). The hard-charging AMG models are surely in the pipeline.

The S-Class will come in standard- and extended-wheelbase forms. Sorry, two-door fans: the coupe and convertible will disappear when this W223-generation car arrives. There’s still the SL for your big convertible needs.

Second-generation MBUX: faster, smarter

Central to the new S-Class experience are user profiles. The S-Class can store up to seven, tailoring preferences for each person. The system uses the Mercedes Me mobile app, and users can confirm their profile on startup PIN, as well as voice, facial, and fingerprint recognition. It’s some real Tony Stark stuff.

Tons of tech

Every 2021 S-Class also gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. It’s hugely configurable, but the big new addition is an available 3D option. We’ve experienced this elsewhere before, and the result is subtle. It uses the driver-facing camera to pull off the illusion, meaning quickly shifting your focus from the road and back can sometimes “trick” it, but it’s cool nonetheless. Those that prefer the good old-fashioned 2D display can also disable the feature. It comes bundled with the aforementioned, larger HUD option.

Speaking of dimensions, there’s an available 30-speaker Burmester sound system, which Mercedes is calling 4D. How come? It features motors in the seats to augment the sound. Naturally every seat can tailor the intensity of this bun-rumbling.