The 2021 Mercedes S-Class is all-new and getting a significant price hike as the model will start at $109,800 when it arrives in the United States next year.
Costing $15,550 more than its predecessor, the redesigned flagship aims to set “new standards not only for the brand, but for the industry as a whole.”
The S-Class will be offered in “three highly-equipped, strategically curated trim lines for the U.S. market to meet the needs of even the most discerning customers.”
Kicking things off is the S 500 4MATIC Luxury Line, which comes equipped with an air suspension, a panoramic glass sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels. The model also has LED lighting units, soft close doors and flush-mounted door handles.
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Moving into the cabin, buyers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include active multicontour front seats with heating, ventilation and massage.
Elsewhere, there’s a wireless smartphone charger, power rear sunshades and an Air Balance fragrance system. The model also has illuminated door sill plates, a 64-color ambient lighting system and a Burmester 3D surround sound system.
An assortment of options will be available including a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery and different trim. Buyers can also order 20-inch wheels, a Burmester 4D surround sound system, and a 3D Technology Package which adds a three-dimensional digital instrument cluster and an MBUX augmented reality head-up display.
The model can also be equipped with a Warmth & Comfort Package which adds a heated steering wheel, heated front / rear armrests, heated electric rear seats, and an “Energizing Comfort health and wellness system that boosts drivers’ attentiveness and well-being while reducing sleepiness and stress.”
On the safety front, the model comes standard with the Driver Assistance Package which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Route-Based Speed Adaptation, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, and Active Steering Assist with Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist functions. Other standard features include Active Brake Assist with a cross-traffic function, Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. There’s also Active Parking Assist with PARTRONIC, PRE-SAFE PLUS with PRE-SAFE Sound and Car-to-X communications technology.
Power is provided by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 429 hp (320 kW / 435 PS) and 384 lb-ft (521 Nm) of torque. The model also has an EQ Boost function that can deliver an additional 21 hp (16 kW /21 PS) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque for improved acceleration.
Speaking of performance, buyers can upgrade to the S 580 4MATIC Luxury Line which starts at $116,300. It has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that develops 496 hp (370 kW / 503 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. The powertrain also has the aforementioned EQ Boost function.
Moving up the trim ladder is the AMG Line variant, which starts at $114,100 for the S 500 4MATIC and $120,600 for the S 580 4MATIC. As the name suggests, the model has an AMG body kit, AMG wheels and AMG-branded floor mats.
While the changes are relatively minor, the AMG Line variants can be equipped with additional options including rear-axle steering, 20- and 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package.
Sitting at the top of the range is the S 580 4MATIC Executive Line, which starts at $131,450. It’s focused on luxury and comes equipped with a four-zone climate control system, a rear seat wireless smartphone charger and active multicontour rear seats with power adjustment. The model also has the Warmth & Comfort Package, an MBUX rear tablet and a rear seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreen displays.
Later down the road, we can expect the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class which features an available V12 and a wheelbase that has been stretched by 7 inches (18 cm).
Note: Prices exclude a $1,050 destination and delivery charge