New Mercedes-Benz S-Class: the flagship saloon’s next generation

Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the models and prices for its flagship new S-Class saloon.

Available to order now, the 2021 S-Class will arrive in the UK late this year and feature five equipment lines: AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus, AMG Line Premium Executive and AMG Line Premium Plus Executive.

When unveiling the latest S-Class, Auto Express reported that Mercedes made a simple but bold claim, stating that it is “the best car in the world”. The website says the German automotive marque might have a point if it’s referring to the tech on offer.

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Sporting an “evolutionary design and a massive push towards modern technology”, Carbuzz reports that the S-Class will be “one expensive limo”.

Describing the S-Class as one of the “most luxurious and high-tech cars on sale”, Carwow says that “when Mercedes announces they’re going to make a new one, it’s a pretty big deal”.

How much will it cost?

Prices start from £78,705 on-the-road for the S 350 d AMG Line (standard wheelbase). The S 350 d features an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, which produces 286 hp and 600 Nm of torque. It can reach 62mph from standstill in 6.4 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

Priced from £94,135, the S 400 d 4MATIC - only available in long wheelbase – uses an inline six-cylinder diesel engine, producing 330 hp and 700 Nm. It can travel from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds and also has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

The petrol-powered S 500 4MATIC – with prices starting from £89,105 – produces 435 hp and 520 Nm of torque and can sprint to 62mph in just 4.9 seconds.

All models come as standard with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission. The S 400 d and S 500 are also now available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive.

‘Hey Mercedes’: what’s in the cabin?

The new S-Class features the next generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with a 12.8in OLED touchscreen central display and a 12.3in digital driver display.

The driver display is optionally available with 3D technology, including facial recognition which can monitor driver drowsiness and exterior mirror settings.

An MBUX tablet, available as part of the Executive line, can also be used as a fully-fledged tablet outside of the vehicle, including the ability to download Android apps.

The “Hey Mercedes” virtual assistant now recognises instructions or requests from any seat in the car. Driving Assistance Package is standard on all S-Class variants.

In pictures: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class