Having released multiple teasers, the all-new 2021 (W223) Mercedes-Benz S-Class has finally made its global debut. In Europe, the flagship tristar sedan is priced from 96,094 euros (RM470k) for the entry-level S 350 d and goes up to 117,786 euros (RM575k) for the top S 500 4Matic variant. But, the 2021 price in Malaysia is not yet announced.

In typical S-Class fashion, Mercedes-Benz has stuffed all the latest technology and gadgets into their flagship model.

For starters, the E-Active Body Control active suspension system adjusts the suspensions accordingly in reducing discomfort over bumps with the help of the stereo camera monitoring the road ahead.

Meanwhile, around the corners, body roll and passenger discomfort can also be reduced thanks to this system. 

In the event of a side impact, the S-Class will raise the entire vehicle using the E-Active Body Control suspension to divert the impact through stiffer structures.

Plus, the Pre-Safe safety system has been given an update. Once it detects an imminent side impact, it moves occupants to the centre of the car using air cushions in the seats.

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.

The all-new W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is the first production car to offer full-frontal airbags for rear passengers. Unlike traditional bags fitted on steering wheels, the rear airbags use a tubular design that reduces impact forces on the head and spine by 30 percent.

Then there’s rear-axle steering, a system that virtually 'increases' or 'decreases' your wheelbase, depending on the situation. The system switches from counter-direction to same-direction steering at more than 60 km/h. This improves low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.

With rear-axle steering, the turning circle is reduced by up to 2 metres with rear-axle steering compared to a model without it. The maximum steering angle is 10°.

Dimensions have grown in every aspect over the preceding model. The W223 S-Class (long wheelbase version) 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).

Moving inside, there’s the large 12.8-inch vertical screen, which many have likened to Tesla’s infotainment systems.

The active ambient lighting with 250 LEDs is integrated into the driving assistance systems, and is able to reinforce their warnings visually. Audio is fed through 31 speakers in the Burmester 4D surround sound system.

Mercedes-Benz claims the S-Class is quieter than previous model with several measures taken to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).

For example, the apertures for the cable grommets in the firewall have double seals, and firewall insulation has been extended into the side areas of the A-pillars and the floor area.

Mercedes-Benz is also using acoustic foam in certain bodyshell sections. This has improved sound insulation in the body structure – e.g. sound transmission through the C-pillar. To reduce wind noise, the bodyshell and sealing concept were improved as well as optimising the vehicle shape.

The driving assistance package of the all-new S-Class includes:

• Active Distance Assist Distronic 
• Active Steering Assist 
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Emergency Stop Assist 
• Attention Assist
• Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
• Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Pre-Safe Impulse Side

Multibeam LED headlamp is standard on the S-Class, featuring Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.

At launch, two petrol variants of the S-Class will be available – S450 and S500. Both of which are powered by the M256 3.0-litre in-line 6 engine with 48V mild hybrid technology.

The S450 makes 367 PS/500 Nm while the S500 makes 435 PS/520 Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels (4Matic) through a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Plug-in hybrid variants will be available in 2021. Also, fully-electric version of the S-Class will join the range in future, called the Mercedes-Benz EQS.

When will the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class arrive in Malaysia?

Our guess would be sometime in 2021, though with the uncertainty of the Covid-19 situation, the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class' arrival in Malaysia may be delayed. Prices and specifications for the W223 Mercedes-Benz S-Class in Malaysia will only be revealed as we approach its local launch.