New Mercedes-Benz S-class launched at Rs 2.17 crore

The all-new Mercedes-Benz S-class luxury sedan has just been launched in India with prices starting at Rs 2.17 crore (ex-showroom, India). For now, Mercedes is offering the luxury limousine in a sole fully-loaded, Launch Ediditon which is based on the AMG Line trim level. More than half of the 150 units of the new CBU, S-class Launch Edition have already been booked. The latest generation of the S-class – internally known as the W223 (V223 for the long-wheelbase version) – made its international debut late last year.

• The new Mercedes S-class is currently only available in the Launch Edition trim
• It is available with in-line 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engine options
• Mercedes is set to introduce the Maybach S-class in the coming months

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: exterior styling

The design of the 2021 S-class is an evolution of the older model, and it has much in common with the new E-class’ design. The exterior of the new S-Class features Mercedes’ new ‘Digital Light’ LED headlights, a new chrome grille with three horizontal blades, a new front bumper with larger air intakes, pop-out door handles and wraparound LED tail-lights. The Launch Ediditon also gets the AMG Line trim's sportier look with more aggressive design elements and alloy wheels.

For now, Mercedes is offering customers the choice of five colour options – Designo Diamond White, Onyx Black, Anthracite Blue, Rubellite Red and Emerald Green.

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: interiors and features

On the inside, the dashboard is dominated by Mercedes’ new 12.8-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system which is accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The new OLED touchscreen runs the latest Mercedes MBUX system (NTG7) and supports features like facial, voice and fingerprint recognition. Interestingly, the system has 320GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, this should ensure that it stays snappy for the foreseeable future. Also, part of the package is a 64-colour active ambient lighting, a premium Burmester 4D surround sound system, and massaging seats up front.

At the rear, the S-Class is available with a bench style seat that has electric adjustment for the outer seats. Rear passengers can adjust the leg-rest and massage function electronically as well. There is also a chauffeur package that adds co-driver seat adjustment from the rear, rear seat entertainment touchscreens and a central tablet controller for various in-car functions.Another unique safety feature in the new S-class is the front airbags for the rear seat passengers.

Also, worth mentioning is the fact that there are two interior colour schemes available - Macchiato Beige or Sienna Brown nappa leather upholstery – that vary depending on the exterior colour.

New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: engine and gearbox

Powering the new fully imported Mercedes-Benz S-Class are two engine options- a petrol and diesel. The S 400d comes with the familiar OM656 in-line 6-cylinder, diesel engine that produces 330hp and a notable 700Nm of torque. The S 450 petrol engine is also an in-line 6-cylinder, turbocharged unit, that churns out 367hp and 500Nm. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive system and a 9-speed automatic gearbox come standard on both variants.

The new S-class also comes with rear-wheel steering, which should make it a lot more agile and easier to manoeuvre, than the model it replaces.

Mercedes Benz S Class: competition check

The all-new Mercedes S-Class continues to take on the other luxury limousines in our market, such as the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. In the coming months, Mercedes-Benz is also set to introduce its flagship Maybach S-Class luxury limousine in India.