2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 2.17 Crore

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new-generation S-Class in India with prices starting at Rs. 2.17 Crore, ex-showroom. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one of the 15 products the German carmaker has had in its pipeline for this year and Mercedes-Benz has also introduced the service package for the new S-Class with prices starting at Rs. 82,900. It's been a long time coming for the flagship sedan as it's come to our shores almost a year later of its global debut, of course due to the ongoing pandemic situation. The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a huge step up over the outgoing model in every aspect and was also crowned the World Luxury Car Of The Year at the 2021 World Car Awards.

Also Read: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class India Launch: Highlights

Exterior

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has grown in dimensions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is longer by 34 mm, wider by 51 mm and taller by 12 mm. The wheelbase has also been extended by 50 mm, along with the front track by 35 mm and the rear track by 51 mm. The sedan sports a new design language that looks sleek. The bonnet is longer than the predecessor while the LED headlamps with new digital light technology look sleeker. The C-pillar blends more seamlessly in the boot, but the big change is the LED taillight design, which is horizontally positioned, a first for the luxury sedan. Another big change is the new flush-fitting door handles to optimise airflow on the S-Class while the ORVMs come with aerostripes, which the company says helps improve airflow and bring the drag coefficient down to just 0.22 cd.

Interior

The new 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen unit offers most controls via touch or voice command. It also replaces 27 buttons over the older model.

The cabin has gone a notch up as well in terms of opulence and looks futuristic enough, courtesy new set of screens. The magnum opus of course is the 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that takes centre stage along with a digital console. Mercedes says there are 27 fewer knobs and dials on the new S-Class over its predecessor. Then, the new-generation S-Class offers 38 mm more elbow room at the front, while the rear gets 24 mm more legroom and marginally more elbow room and headroom than the outgoing model.

The rear seat gets 24 mm more legroom while the Interior Assist function with the help of cameras in the cabin will track movements of the occupant and proactively trigger functions.

Now coming to the design part, the cabin also sports new horizontal AC vents replacing the aircraft-styled units on the outgoing model. The cabin can be had with carbon fibre finish and piano black wood with pinstriping on the dashboard, depending on the finish you choose. The interior is also finished aluminium and gloss-black finish all over and the options further help set the tone of the cabin including the music, ambient lighting, air conditioning, seat position to create the desired effect.

Features

The new MBUX system also gets significant updates including the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant.

Other upgrades in the creature comforts department include capacitive controls on the steering wheel, Burmester high-end 4D sound system, ambient lighting with over 263 optic LED lights throughout the cabin and voice command among others. The new MBUX system also gets significant updates including the "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant, and the memory function that adjusts the cabin according to the driver. The MBUX system also gets location-specific services, bringing improved assistance for the passengers. The seats come with massage functions, as expected and also get the six 'Energizing' options that can be accessed via the touchscreen.

Engine

The new S-Class comes with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that get the EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology.

Engine options will include the 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel with the EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The 3.0-litre diesel mill in the 400d is good for 325 bhp and 700 Nm on the S450 and it clocks triple-digit speeds in 5.4 seconds. As for the 450 4Matic petrol, the 3.0-litre motor belts out 362 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque, and this variant is a split second quicker to 100 kmph, doing the sprint in 5.1 seconds. All engines are mated to the nine-speed automatic gearbox and top-speed is limited to 250 kmph. Moreover, along with the 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, the new S-Class also gets rear wheel steering for a tighter turning circle radius.

Safety

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor. India will get the long wheelbase version of the sedan.

The W223 S-Class is also the world's first car to get a frontal airbag for rear-seat passengers. It also gets pre-safe Impulse Control, E-Active Body Control adaptive suspension, and possibly Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities.