Next Mercedes-Benz S-Class: First official images

The first official images of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class have been revealed as part of an online presentation by Daimler CEO Ola Kallenius overnight.

Previously leaked pics of the redesigned luxury limousine, which is now confirmed for launch later this year, have already revealed that the W223-series S-Class will not represent a radical departure from the current model in terms of exterior design.

Instead, our first official look at the new BMW 7 Series rival shows it will borrow styling cues from the outgoing model, although it will adopt a new pair of headlights like those seen on the CLS and the recently-refreshed E-Class.

At the rear, again, the big new S-Class gains a pair of tail-lights that look lifted from the swoopy CLS.

However, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be hailed as the most technically advanced ever, with the German car-maker's boss describing it as a "technological tour de force".

Inside, the next S-Class will get a futuristic cabin dominated by a Tesla-style portrait-style infotainment touch-screen and Benz's next-gen MBUX operating system.

Instead of traditional buttons, smooth touch-capacitive surfaces will operate minor functions like the climate control, helping provide a minimalist look and feel.

Under the bonnet, expect to find a full range of electrified powertrains with even the entry model coming with the car-maker’s 48-volt mild-hybrid tech.

The engine line-up will be dominated by either 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-petrol or 2.9-litre inline-six turbo-diesel mills, depending on the market.

An updated version of Mercedes-AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 is also expected, but the current model’s smooth and powerful AMG V12 has been pensioned off due to emissions regulations.

From launch, Benz will also offer full plug-in hybrid versions of the W223. There’s no official confirmation, but it’s thought larger lithium-ion batteries should ensure that the large hybrid limo will be capable of covering at least 100km on pure-electric power alone.

Both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive will again be offered too, but what will be lacking is a pure-electric version to challenge the upcoming battery-powered Jaguar XJ.

That’s because the S-Class has been developed alongside the Mercedes-Benz EQS -- a large flagship four-door ‘coupe’ that sits on the car-maker’s dedicated MEA (modular electric architecture) platform.

Both models will introduce Mercedes-Benz’s latest autonomous driving aids, including a Level 3 highway assist function that will drive the car itself but only when permitted by GPS mapping and road conditions.

The next S-Class will remain based on (a heavily updated version of) Daimler’s Modular Rear-wheel drive Architecture (MRA) platform, which should bring weight-savings over its W222 predecessor.

Powered by a new 48-volt electrical architecture, new technologies will include next-gen AirMatic+ active suspension, which uses cameras to scan the road surface and pre-arm the air suspension and dampers for bumps ahead.

New active anti-roll bars will also ensure flat cornering, even at very high speed.

Unlike the model it replaces, it’s rumoured that Mercedes will only produce a long-wheelbase version of the new S-Class, which could see the W223 measure in at an imposing 5.3 metres long.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is set to be launched in Europe this September, before first deliveries begin before the end of the year, followed by an Australian release in early 2021.