2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class interior partially revealed

The new-gen Mercedes-Benz S-class (W223), which is set to make its debut later this year, will feature a “revolutionary” interior design that will offer new technology and design features aimed at enabling unprecedented levels of comfort. Mercedes has released a series of new teaser images of the S-class’ interior, and provided further details of some of the new ‘luxury and well-being’ features.

• Dashboard features open-pore wood veneer with aluminium inlays

• Gets a portrait-oriented touchscreen with Mercedes’ latest MBUX system

• India launch likely to be in the second half of 2021

What do 2021 S-class interior images show?

Mercedes says the interior of the new S-class has been designed to offer “a feel-good ambience with lounge character”. The brand says it has taken design cues from both interior architecture and yacht design. It claims the interior offers “a third place” that serves as a “refuge between home and workplace”.

There is an entirely new dashboard design, featuring an ergonomic display arrangement. The interior includes large trim elements built into the dash and are offered in the car’s rear as part of the ‘First Class rear suite’. They are made from open-pore wood veneer with aluminium inlays.

Mercedes will also introduce new versions of the ‘Energizing Comfort’ features in the car. They include a new air filtering system, which will filter out fine dust, pollen and odours, and – in certain markets – will show the exterior air quality.

There are also additional programmes that alter various interior settings, such as the massaging seats. The new ‘coach’ function can sync with fitness and wellness trackers to suggest comfort settings for planned trips by analysing data about an owner’s sleep quality or stress level.

What else do we know about the new S-class? 

The German carmaker has previously confirmed the seventh generation of its flagship sedan will be the first to feature a new version of its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment.

The new MBUX can be connected to the Mercedes smartphone app, which will allow owners to set up to seven different profiles – preferred automatic seat, radio and lighting settings – and activate them by scanning a QR code on entry. As part of the upgrades, Mercedes has also tightened the security of its infotainment. Along with requiring a PIN to enable certain functions, it will use a combination of fingerprint, face and voice recognition to give access to individualised settings or verification of digital payment processes.

Compared to the current model, there are 27 fewer traditional buttons and switches in the new S-class, with a heightened emphasis on swiping, voice control and hand gestures. Some functions, however, such as the headlights and windscreen wipers, can be operated using familiar physical controls. Augmented reality will feature, too, projecting three-dimensional directional arrows onto the road ahead to reduce the need for the driver to take his or her eyes off the road. 

Additionally, rear passengers will also have access to the same infotainment functions as those in the front, controlled via up to three touchscreens; each of which can be specified with OLED technology and haptic touch feedback.

The all-new S-class (W223) is expected to get a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and hybrid. Production of the new S-class is set to commence shortly after its world premiere in September 2020 at what Mercedes-Benz calls its “most modern plant” – Factory 56 in Sindelfingen. The company has also confirmed it will start manufacturing the all-electric version of the S-class – the Mercedes EQS – at the same facility in 2021.

When is the new Mercedes S-class coming to India?

Earlier, Mercedes-Benz India confirmed its plan to launch the new-gen S-class by next year. Speaking to Autocar India on Instagram, Santosh Iyer, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, confirmed that the all-new S-class is set to be introduced in 2021, but the launch will most likely be only in the second half of the year.

In terms of rivals, the Mercedes-Benz S-class competes with the BMW 7 Series, the Audi A8 and the Jaguar XJ. 

Also see:

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class PHEV to have 100km electric-only range

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class teased ahead of world premiere

Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe, GT 63 S 4-door video review