The 2021 Mercedes S-Class is all-new and getting a significant price hike as the model will start at US$ 109,800 when it arrives in the United States next year. Costing US$ 15,550 more than its predecessor, the redesigned flagship aims to set “new standards not only for the brand, but for the industry as a whole.” The S-Class will be offered in “three highly-equipped, strategically curated trim lines for the U.S. market to meet the needs of even the most discerning customers.”

Kicking things off is the S 500 4MATIC Luxury Line, which comes equipped with an air suspension, a panoramic glass sunroof and 19-inch alloy wheels. The model also has LED lighting units, soft close doors and flush-mounted door handles. Moving into the cabin, buyers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch OLED infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Other highlights include active multicontour front seats with heating, ventilation and massage.


 

Elsewhere, there’s a wireless smartphone charger, power rear sunshades and an Air Balance fragrance system. The model also has illuminated door sill plates, a 64-color ambient lighting system and a Burmester 3D surround sound system. An assortment of options will be available including a heated steering wheel, Nappa leather upholstery and different trim. Buyers can also order 20-inch wheels, a Burmester 4D surround sound system, and a 3D Technology Package which adds a three-dimensional digital instrument cluster and an MBUX augmented reality head-up display.

The model can also be equipped with a Warmth & Comfort Package which adds a heated steering wheel, heated front / rear armrests, heated electric rear seats, and an “Energizing Comfort health and wellness system that boosts drivers’ attentiveness and well-being while reducing sleepiness and stress.”


On the safety front, the model comes standard with the Driver Assistance Package which includes Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Route-Based Speed Adaptation, Active Stop-and-Go Assist, and Active Steering Assist with Active Emergency Stop Assist and Active Lane Change Assist functions. Other standard features include Active Brake Assist with a cross-traffic function, Active Speed Limit Assist with Traffic Sign Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist with Exit Warning, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. There’s also Active Parking Assist with PARTRONIC, PRE-SAFE PLUS with PRE-SAFE Sound and Car-to-X communications technology.

Power is provided by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 429 hp and 521 Nm of torque.  The model also has an EQ Boost function that can deliver an additional 21 hp and 249 Nm of torque for improved acceleration. Speaking of performance, buyers can upgrade to the S 580 4MATIC Luxury Line which starts at US$ 116,300. It has a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 that develops 496 hp and 700 Nm of torque. The powertrain also has the aforementioned EQ Boost function.

 

Moving up the trim ladder is the AMG Line variant, which starts at US$ 114,100 for the S 500 4MATIC and US$ 120,600 for the S 580 4MATIC. As the name suggests, the model has an AMG body kit, AMG wheels and AMG-branded floor mats. While the changes are relatively minor, the AMG Line variants can be equipped with additional options including rear-axle steering, 20- and 21-inch wheels, and a Night Package.

Sitting at the top of the range is the S 580 4MATIC Executive Line, which starts at US$ 131,450. It’s focused on luxury and comes equipped with a four-zone climate control system, a rear seat wireless smartphone charger and active multicontour rear seats with power adjustment. The model also has the Warmth & Comfort Package, an MBUX rear tablet and a rear seat entertainment system with two 11.6-inch touchscreen displays. Later down the road, we can expect the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class which features an available V12 and a wheelbase that has been stretched by 18 cm.