Latest Update: The updated Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury saloon has finally been launched in India at a starting price of Rs 2.17 crore (ex-showroom). Click here for more details.
The luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz seems to have an aggressive strategy for the Indian market this year. After launching more than four new cars including the Maybach GLS in the last five months, the brand is now all set to launch the next-generation S-Class on 17th June 2021. In fact, select dealerships across the country have already started accepting its bookings for a token amount of Rs 1 lakh.
Mercedes will import the S-Class as a completely built unit (CBU), and the first lot of saloon will be sold as the 'Launch Edition'. It is expected to be available with both 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol (S450 4Matic variant) and diesel (S400D 4Matic variant) engines driving the rear wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.
In the S450 trim, the petrol mill makes 367PS/500Nm; whereas, the output for S400D stands at 330PS/700Nm. Globally, it also gets the S350d and S500 variants that generate 286PS/600 and 435PS/520Nm. Even the bigger S500 trim also gets a 48-volt EQ Boost mild hybrid system that contributes 22PS/250Nm. In fact, Mercedes claims that the 2021 S-Class is one of the most aerodynamic cars in the world with a drag coefficient of 0.22cd.
The Indian-bound S-Class Launch Edition will get the AMG kit, featuring sporty design elements including bespoke bumpers, and AMG-specified alloy wheels. Design-wise, it will sport a familiar S-Class chrome grille starring three horizontal blades, flanked by LED headlamps with a 'Digital Light' system that projects guidelines & symbols on the road surface. It will also get flush-fitting door handles, twin exhaust tips with chrome finish, and wider horizontal LED tail lamps with a connecting chrome bar.
The interior of the new Mercedes S-Class will be revived and so is the list of features. It will get a 2nd-gen 12.8-inch tablet-style MBUX infotainment system (with facial, voice, and fingerprint recognition), 12.3-inch 3D instrument cluster, two rear-seat entertainment, and one MBUX tablet on the rear armrest to control various in-car functions from the comfort of twin lounge-like rear seats.
The other prominent features of the 2021 Mercedes S-Class will include front & rear massage function, neck warmers, Burmester 4D surround sound system, wireless mobile chargers, connected car tech, panoramic sunroof, power-enabled sun blinds, 64-colour ambient lighting, four-zone climate control, and more.
The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be available in a total of five colour options – Designo Diamond White, Onyx Black, Anthracite Blue, Rubellite Red, and Emerald Green. Expect it to be priced around Rs 1.50 crore (ex-showroom). On its arrival, it will rekindle its rivalry with BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8L.