New Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrives with world-first tech

The seventh-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class goes on sale in Australia next month with a mild-hybrid turbocharged six-cylinder engine under the bonnet and arguably the most extensive suite of infotainment and driver assistance tech yet seen in a luxury saloon.

Just two variants will spearhead the introduction of the new limo: the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC priced from $240,700 plus on-road costs, and the stretched-wheelbase (+110mm) 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 L 4MATIC starting at $264,900 plus ORCs.

Both are powered by a 270kW/500Nm turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system that can generate an additional 16kW/250Nm for “short periods, to create smoother and more responsive acceleration”.

Mercedes-Benz claims 0-100km/h of 5.1sec for both S 450 variants. Fuel economy is 8.2L/100km for the S 450, with the 450 L 0.2L/100km thirstier.

Both four-door luxury sedans feature all-wheel drive and optional rear-wheel steering.

Mercedes says the rear-steer set-up chops around 2m from the turning circle, claiming the S-Class’ 10.9m figure is less than that of an A-Class hatch.

The W223-generation S-Class debuted in September 2020 and has cemented the flagship model line at the very pointy end of Mercedes-Benz tech rollout.

The new S-Class models feature the second-generation MBUX infotainment and operating system and will be offered with an optional augmented reality large-format head-up display.

Unique active safety features include a side-impact sensing system which uses the active suspension to raise the car to position more robust body parts in harm’s way such as the door sill.

In addition to a centre front airbag, the S-Class has also made headlines for the introduction of a rear passenger airbag. This is fitted to the 450 L only.

Although we’ve already driven the big Benz in Europe, first local drives of the new S-Class will not take place until late next month.

But as much as the drive experience gets a strong thumbs up (especially from back-seaters), the real story of the S-Class is the tech and luxury it debuts and/or refines.

The new S-Class cabin features very high levels of fit and finish and a blend of both manmade, recycled and organic materials in its execution.

Some of the highlights of the new W223-series 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 4MATIC and 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 L 4MATIC tech and amenities include:

This features multiple screens to deliver the driver and passengers “easier than ever” control of vehicle and comfort functions. There’s more functionality delivered to back-seaters and comms can be individualised via smartphone and other connections.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “Options for personalisation and intuitive operation are more extensive, for both rear seat passengers and also the driver. The voice assistant ‘Hey Mercedes’ is available on every seat, while certain actions – such as accepting a phone call – can be performed even without reciting the keyword.”

The S-Class large head-up display offers optional augmented reality tech based on cinema projectors to overlay information in the driver’s eyeline.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “The latter [augmented reality display] projects a particularly substantial image that appears virtually on the road ahead at a distance of 10 metres. For the driver, this blends into the surroundings ahead of the vehicle, and can contribute to further reduced distraction. When navigating, for example, animated turn-off arrows are virtually and precisely projected onto the road lane.”

Taking a leaf from Tesla’s book, the new S-Class features a large portrait-style centre display featuring OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) technology.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “[This] allows longer lists to be displayed ... The appearance of the driver display and central display screens can be individualised with a choice of four display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).”

Mercedes-Benz calls the S-Class’ new gesture control functionality MBUX Interior Assist. The system allows touchless operation of some controls including external mirrors and includes a number of more intuitive assistance modes.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “Using cameras in the overhead control panel and learning algorithms, the S-Class recognises and anticipates the wishes and intentions of the occupants. It does this by interpreting head direction, hand movements and body language ... For example, if the driver looks over his/her shoulder towards the rear window, Interior Assist automatically opens the sunblind. If the driver is looking for something on the front passenger seat in the dark, it automatically switches the light on. Natural hand movements are also recognised, allowing the driver or passengers to open the sliding sunroof with a gesture.”

Like your smartphone or laptop, the new S-Class can be personalised using face recognition and fingerprint (or good old fashioned PIN) to access your profile.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “A personal profile can be created directly in the S-Class and synchronised with the existing profile data of the Mercedes me account. Up to seven different profiles with around 800 parameters are possible in the vehicle.”

It goes without saying, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S 450 L 4MATIC pampers its occupants.

Says Mercedes-Benz: “Up to 19 motors in the front seats indicates the complexity of the technology installed. Ten different massage programs are optionally available ... These use the vibration motors and can enhance the effect of a relaxing massage with warmth on the hot-stone principle. To this end, the seat heating is combined with the inflatable air chambers in the active multi-contour seats. Five different rear seat variants make it possible to configure the rear of the S-Class as a working or rest area.”

Additional S-Class variants including the Mercedes-Benz S 580 L 4MATIC V8 mild-hybrid will be introduced from later in 2021.

Look out for our first local drive of the 2021 S-Class next month.

How much does the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class cost?
S 450 4MATIC – $240,700
S 450 L 4MATIC – $264,900
* Prices exclude on-road costs