• One variant only - the plug-in hybrid S580e
• Total output stands at 510 PS/750 Nm
• First production car with rear airbags

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new (W223) 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. There is only one variant on offer at launch, the locally-assembled (CKD) plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Mercedes-Benz S580e. Price is yet to be confirmed.

However, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said that the price will be higher than its predecessor. For reference, the W222 Mercedes-Benz S560e was priced at RM 658,888.

The W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class made its global debut back in September last year with a host of new tech and features, some of which are available in our Malaysian spec 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

To start with, rear frontal airbags. The all-new W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the first production car to offer rear frontal airbags. The rear airbags use a tubular design that reduces impact forces on the head and spine by 30 percent.

Dimensions have grown in every aspect over the preceding model. The W223 S-Class (long wheelbase version, which technically makes it V223) measures 5,289 mm long (+34 mm), 1,921 mm wide (+22 mm), 1,503 mm tall (+12 mm), with a wheelbase measuring 3,216 mm long (+51 mm).

The W223 S-Class features Digital Lights which act in a similar fashion to video projectors with functions like projecting warning symbols on the road or customisable light shows.

As standard, our 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580e rides on Airmatic suspension and loses out on the rear-wheel steering as seen on some overseas markets.

Inside, taking centre stage in the front is the 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen which features an updated MBUX. Audio is fed through a 760-watt 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system.

The updated MBUX system includes biometric authentication, multi-seat connectivity user experience, personalised media for passengers and augmented reality (AR) technology. Over time, it will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Propulsion for the Mercedes-Benz S580e comes in the form of an electrified 3.0-litre turbocharged in-line 6 engine, mated to a 9-speed automatic.

It puts out a combined system output of 510 PS/750 Nm. Enough to propel the 2,400 kg luxobarge from 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds.

The 28.6 kWh battery allows a maximum full-electric range of up to 100 km on a WLTP cycle.

In terms of advanced driver-assistance features, the Mercedes-Benz S580e comes with:

• Active Distance Assist Distronic
• Active Steering Assist 
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Attention Assist
• Pre-Safe Impulse Side
• Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus

The hybrid battery in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580e is covered by an 8-year/150,000 km warranty, whichever comes first.

Also read: Launching in Malaysia in 2021, the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is peak luxury