We’ve already seen the interior of the
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class on different occasions, so what’s the big news, you
ask? Well, the carmaker will hold an official unveiling of the luxury sedan’s
MBUX infotainment system on July 8, at 5:30 a.m. EST (11:30 a.m. CEST).
Officially teased by the German automaker, the customizable screen will be used
to access different functions of the car, from the HVAC system to the rear
window defrost, sat-nav, DAB radio, mobile phone and so on, and is expected to
support over-the-air updates.
These have been integrated into the huge
portrait-oriented display as the rest of the dashboard has dropped most
buttons. As a result, the overall looks of the cabin will represent a radical
departure from the current car. It will also boast a two-layer-like dashboard
panel, free-standing digital instrument cluster, rectangular air vents,
redesigned multi-function steering wheel and the usual selection of plush
upholstery and trims.
The front end of the new generation
S-Class is partially visible in the teaser image, revealing the evolutionary
slim headlamps, imposing grille, larger air intake in the front bumper and
muscular hood. The back end will mirror the executive E-Class, with angular
taillights and a small chrome strip positioned on top of them. Previous scoops
have also revealed a more rounded rear bumper and dual exhaust pipes.
Like the current car, the 2021 S-Class
will be offered in standard- and long-wheelbase variants, as well as a posh
Mercedes-Maybach and fast Mercedes-AMG. The engine lineup remains unconfirmed,
but we could be looking at several hybridized units, including the 362 HP
3.0-liter inline-six and 483 HP 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, in addition to the
plug-in hybrids and 6.0-liter V12. While the MBUX infotainment system will be
presented in two days, the flagship sedan is understood to launch in September,
so it could be uncovered sometime this summer. In all likelihood, it will
arrive in North America in the first half of next year.
