We’ve seen countless spy photos of the 2021 Mercedes S-Class, but an undisguised image has surfaced online on a number of forums and social media accounts. While it’s hard to pinpoint the photo’s origin, it shows the redesigned flagship will have an evolutionary design which is in keeping with newer models such as the GLE and GLS.

The front end is dominated by a prominent grille which protrudes from the fascia. It appears rounder than the current grille and features chrome bars. On either side of the grille are redesigned headlights which are sleeker than the ones used on the current model. They reside above a large air intake which features a chrome surround.

While the top half of the car is partially obscured, we can see the model will have evolutionary body work. The low quality of the image masks some details, but the S-Class appears to have a pronounced shoulder line that resides just below the door handles. Elsewhere, we can see new mirrors and rounded fenders. The model also has a familiar chrome accent beneath the doors.


Bigger changes occur inside the cabin as the S-Class will ditch its traditional 12.3-inch infotainment system. It will be replaced by an all-new display which rises out of the center console and features a portrait-orientation. Little is known about the display at this point, but it’s massive and has a row of buttons at the bottom.

Mercedes has kept the rest of the interior under wraps, but the model will have a new steering wheel, piano black trim and premium leather upholstery. We can also expect wood trim and metallic accents as well as heated and ventilated seats with a massage function.

Specifications are a bit more mysterious, but the model will ride on the MRA platform and feature a host of different engines. Choices remain unconfirmed, but could include a hybridized 3.0-liter inline-six that produces 362 hp and 500 Nm of torque. There could also be a hybridized twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 pumping out 483 hp and 699 Nm of torque.Previous reports have also suggested we can expect plug-in hybrid and electric variants as well as an assortment of models with a V12 engine. Of course, we can also expect a handful of high-performance AMGs.