The current series (W222) was launched in 2013 and received a facelift in April 2017. In the second half of 2020, the eleventh generation is the Mercedes S-Class at the start. The luxury Benz should debut in September 2020, then it should also be available to order. The 2021 Mercedes s class will then roll out to dealers from November. Now there is a first official teaser photo of the S-Class face.
In the 2021 Mercedes s class photos, the new Mercedes flagship is only slightly camouflaged. The proportions with the short overhangs, the slightly sloping trunk lid and the long bonnet are classic. Overall, the model looks filigree, with narrow rear lights and a dynamic window line as well as low headlights. In May 2020, photos taken under dubious circumstances appeared on Instagram.
Meanwhile, Mercedes has presented the first details about the cockpit and connectivity. The eye-catcher is the central chrome-framed monitor in the extension of the centre console. The top version comes with OLED technology, haptic feedback and a screen diagonal of 12.8 inches. In the basic version, the display is 11.9 inches and does not have OLED technology. All that is required for operation is the approach of the hand, the operating icons are then aimed at the user.
Four cameras in the Mercedes s class 2021 interior make this possible. With the mega display, Mercedes is also dissolving the intimate togetherness of the two cockpit screens. What remains is the digital cockpit behind the steering wheel. The new model also has a head-up display (HUD) with an augmented reality function. The system projects driver information onto the road ten meters in front of the vehicle – turning arrows can be displayed or sources of danger highlighted. The disadvantage, the HUD requires a 27 litre opening in the dashboard. Electrics and electronics can be brought up to date “over-the-air” in the new S-Class.
Mercedes is not only making the S-Class more intelligent with the new MBUX system. Thanks to numerous innovations and updates, the luxury liner is also safer and more comfortable.
E-Active Body Control: This hydropneumatic system comes with five multi-core processors and more than 20 sensors as an option. It is also linked to a stereo camera. The system regulates the spring and damper forces per wheel and is intended to reduce rolling, pitching and lifting movements. The control unit analyzes the driving situation more than 1,000 times per second and adjusts the chassis accordingly. For this purpose, the dampers are connected to a motor-pump unit in the 48-volt network via hydraulic lines.
- The Comfort driving program uses a camera to record the lane in front of the vehicle. The suspension struts are then controlled in such a way that the body movements when driving over bumps are greatly reduced.
- In the Curve drive program, the body leans into the curve without the passengers having to forego driving comfort.
A new Pre Safe function is also available as part of E-Active Body Control. In the event of an impending side accident, “Pre-Safe Impulse Side” lifts the body of the S-Class in a few tenths of a second. The impact then takes place on the resilient crash structure in the lower part of the vehicle.
As an additional safety feature and also at an additional cost, Mercedes is installing a new rear airbag. It consists of a cylindrical tubular structure that forms a sphere. Thanks to the smaller volume, the airbag can be deployed more quickly. The air does not escape if the rear passenger impacts. The new airbag is also combined with the belt bag – an inflatable seat belt. The other safety equipment:
- illuminated seat belts (surcharge)
- Child seat recognition on the front passenger seat via camera including instructions on how to fasten the seat belt
- Middle airbag between driver and front passenger
With the rear-axle steering, also as an option, Mercedes wants to improve the handiness of the large S-Class. Depending on the speed and the steering angle, the rear wheels are turned in the same direction or the opposite direction as the front wheels. At more than 60 km / h, steering is switched from opposite to same-directional steering.
The maximum steering angle on the rear axle is ten degrees. This reduces the turning circle with the all-wheel steering by up to two meters – for the long S-Class, it is less than eleven meters. In the special snow chain mode, the driver can reduce the steering angle on the rear axle and thus influence the steering behaviour on snow. A steering angle of up to 4.5 degrees is also available as a second option.
Mercedes is also upgrading the new S-Class in terms of driver assistance systems :
- Active Blind Spot Assist: As soon as the driver or front passenger touch the door handle, a warning is issued, a red warning triangle appears in the exterior mirror and a light warning via the ambient lighting
- Active steering assistant: it supports the creation of an emergency lane
- Active parking assistant: Better scope thanks to 12 ultrasonic sensors
- Integration into the MBUX system including improved operation via the touchscreen
- Emergency braking function when reversing if objects or other road users have been detected.
Parking package with a 360-degree camera :
- Also, four cameras at the front, the rear and the exterior mirrors
- Automated parking also works for parking spaces with line delimitation
- Camera images produce a three-dimensional image on the central screen with dynamic viewing angles and a zoom function
- Improved side view for manoeuvring on curbs or garage walls
- Vehicle model shows the status (braking, flashing, etc.)
- Visual restrictions, for example, due to open doors or folded mirrors, are visualized
The new 2021 Mercedes S class is larger in the new generation to be able to offer the passengers even more space. The wheelbase has increased by 71 millimetres to 3,106 millimetres. The long version has a wheelbase of 3,216 millimetres – 51 millimetres more. Accordingly, a lot has to be saved in terms of weight; not least thanks to carbon and aluminium, it will sink significantly. The model currently weighs around two tons. Mercedes is using the new rear-wheel-drive platform MRA II for the first time because the current model W222 is still based on the further development of the old W221 platform.
As of today, little can be said about the possible engines. But one thing is certain: to reduce consumption, every drive is electrified – as a mild hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. Besides, of course, a 48-volt onboard network is being used. The V12, which will remain the top engine in the S-Class.Unlike the current S-Class, Mercedes is no longer diversifying its new series as much. In addition to the normal version, there will only be the long version, the AMG versions and the luxury version Maybach. Coupé and convertible are no longer available.
The eleventh generation of the Mercedes S-Class remains true to itself. Customers don’t have to change much. However, digitization is continuing, the outer sign (in the interior) are the many, sometimes huge displays. And the design, especially at the rear, is reminiscent of other current Mercedes models such as the CLS. The new S-Class is packed with numerous features designed to make the life of the driver and passengers easier and safer.
