The all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is definitely an open secret these days, seeing as the flagship luxury sedan has already been spied with no camouflage whatsoever. Mercedes-Benz itself has revealed much of the interior earlier this month when it previewed the second-generation MBUX infotainment system that debuts in the new S-Class. That said, test prototypes continue to feature camouflage, albeit very little of it as this latest sighting proves.

It’s the second time since last week that the next-generation S-Class is spotted with less camouflage. This time, we get to see the full-size luxury sedan with only small patches of disguise around the headlights and taillights, as well as on the boot lid and hub caps.


You may recall that we already spotted another prototype with fully undisguised lights, so we can say the mystery of the 2021 S-Class’ design is pretty much gone. The headlights are teardrop-shaped and look similar to those of the facelifted E-Class, albeit more elongated. As for the taillights, they adopt a triangular shape that reminds of the CLA and CLS four-door coupes. Overall, the luxury sedan continues to look stately and elegant, especially in long-wheelbase configuration like this particular prototype (check out the size of the rear doors compared to those in the front).

Inside, we already know that the second-generation MBUX system in the 2021 S-Class includes a 12.8-inch portrait-oriented central display, a 3D digital instrument panel, and up to three other displays in the rear passenger area. As always, it will also offer the latest connectivity, comfort, and driving assistance tech available from Mercedes-Benz.

No powertrain details are available at the moment but we do know the new S-Class is built on the carbon fiber and aluminum-intensive MRA II rear-wheel-drive platform. This architecture will enable features like rear-wheel steering, Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, an active suspension, and electrification. Expect everything from 48-volt mild-hybrid to plug-in hybrid models but no fully-electric S-Class. Mercedes-Benz will reserve its most advanced battery-powered drivetrain for the EQS.