2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class teased ahead of world premiere

• First official image reveals face of new Mercedes S-class

• Production set to commence in September 2020

• All-electric EQS will be built alongside the new S-class

A few weeks ago, it was seen fully undisguised courtesy some spy shots, and now, Mercedes-Benz has revealed the first image of the all-new S-class. In addition to sharing the image, Mercedes-Benz has also confirmed the next-gen S-class will make its world premiere in the second half of 2020 as originally planned, along with revealing a few more details of its upcoming flagship sedan.

The first official image confirms the face of the new S-class – codenamed W223 – echoes that of the E-class facelift revealed in March. It has similarly-shaped LED headlights (with LED daytime running lights placed on top) and a large, chrome-heavy grille with three horizontal blades. Mercedes has refrained from sharing any more details at this time, but in its statement, says the new S-class reaches ‘a completely new level in terms of artificial intelligence and needs-based electrification'.

Spy shots have previously revealed that at the back, too, the new S-class has wraparound LED tail-lights that echo the design of the refreshed E-class'. However, the S-class' units have sharper edges and unique detailing. Also part of those set of leaked images were pictures of the new S-class’ interior, which is a complete departure from that of the outgoing car; or any current Mercedes model, for that matter. The dashboard is as minimalistic as it gets, dominated by two screens – a landscape-oriented display for the digital instrument cluster, and an even bigger, waterfall-style screen for the infotainment system. This flows into the centre console and is expected to run the latest version of Mercedes' MBUX system.

The all-new S-class (W223) is expected to get a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Production of the new S-class is set to commence in September 2020 at what Mercedes-Benz calls its “most modern plant”, Factory 56, in Sindelfingen. The company has also confirmed it will start manufacturing the all-electric version of the S-class – the Mercedes EQS – at the same facility in 2021.

Mercedes-Benz has previously confirmed its plan to launch the new S-class in India next year. Speaking during the #LiveWithAutocar conversation on Instagram, Santosh Iyer, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, confirmed the all-new S-class is set to be launched in 2021, but the launch will most likely be in the second half of the year, keeping in mind any delays caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

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