First Images Of 2021 Mercedes S-Class Point To An Elegant Continuation For The Luxury Icon

Since the days of the ‘Sonderklasse’, Mercedes’ flagship model has stood as the pinnacle of German engineering as far as possible achievements in comfort and technology. Today, we get a brand new generation W223 S-Class and this is what it looks like.

While the pics, courtesy of AutoExpress, aren’t nearly as high-res as we would have hoped, they still suffice as far as us being able to tell exactly what the new S-Class looks like.

The Big Benz has been “sensually purified” from head to toe, which is what Mercedes calls its latest design philosophy. The entire body is sleeker than before, the profile less busy, the front end has less bulky headlights and the rear end features horizontal taillights – which hasn’t been the case since the days of the first and second-gen models. It will definitely take some getting used to for those of you who loved the previous model.

Read: Electrified Mercedes-AMG S63e Will Have Over 800 HP And Hit 62 MPH In Less Than 3.5 Seconds

Just like before, you’ll probably want your S-Class styled with an AMG kit, as it makes it seem more imposing – especially when viewed from the front.

The interior meanwhile has been less of a mystery thanks to Mercedes dropping various images and teaser clips last month. Sure, the car itself is quite the tech fest, but visually the dashboard is a great deal more minimalist than in case of the W222 model.

Mercedes argue that the interior design has been inspired by the world of luxury yachts, resulting in a lounge-like ambiance. You also end up with a total of five digital screens, the main one being the large 12.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen resting against the center console.

Other interior highlights include the latest in driver assistance systems, extensive mood lighting and an advanced ‘Energizing Coach’ system aimed at reducing driver fatigue and stress levels.

Mechanically, the new S-Class will utilize an innovative suspension system dubbed E-Active Body Control, boasting adaptive dampers, five multi-core processors, a camera and a total of 20 sensors, all tasked with monitoring the road and the driving style some 1,000 times per second making on-the-go adjustments.

Other sensors will even recognize an imminent side impact, telling the suspension to lift the car by up to 8 cm (3.15 inches) in order to direct impact forces towards the stronger part of the chassis.

Then there’s the new rear-wheel steering system, which Mercedes claims will reduce the 2021 S-Class’s turning circle by two meters (6.56 feet) compared to the outgoing model. You’ll be able to get this system with a rear steering angle of up to 10 degrees or up to 4.5 degrees.

As for its engine range, the incoming press release should clarify exactly which versions are coming to a showroom near you. Still, you can expect a wide range of gasoline and diesel-powered models, as well as hybrids. Some reports suggest that the flagship S63e AMG variant will pack in excess of 800 HP thanks to a twin turbo 4.0-liter V8 mated to a 201 HP electric motor powering the rear wheels.