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

The all-new Mercedes S-class (W223) will also have a head-up display with augmented reality and the next generation MBUX infotainment system.

Published On Jul 07, 2020 03:58:00 PM

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

Plug-in hybrid variant of new S-class to have 100km electric-only range
Large, tablet-style touchscreen to feature next-gen MBUX system
New S-class to make its world premiere in September 2020

In a new promo, Mercedes-Benz has revealed a few more details of the next-gen S-class, and given the world a glimpse of its new MBUX infotainment system, details of which will be revealed on July 8.

What does the promo reveal about the new Mercedes S-class?

Highlights of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-class – including its infotainment, safety and comfort features – will be revealed in a series of online videos, with the first one focusing on the next-gen MBUX system, which will debut on the new S-class.

As a prelude to this series, Mercedes-Benz released a promo hosted by Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. Schäfer introduces a camouflaged test unit of the new S-class, and confirms the model featured in the video is the plug-in hybrid variant, which will have an electric-only range of up to 100km. What’s clearly visible in the promo is the new S-class’ massive, tablet-style touchscreen infotainment system, which will run the next generation of the MBUX system.

While he refrains from giving away too much, Schäfer mentions the new S-class will have a head-up display featuring augmented reality, and goes on to use the voice command feature, hinting at the new S-class’ MBUX system featuring evolved artificial intelligence and natural language processing.

What do we know about the new Mercedes S-class so far?

The first official image – revealed a few weeks ago – confirmed the face of the new S-class echoes that of the E-class facelift. It has similarly-shaped LED headlights (with LED daytime running lights placed on top) and a large, chrome-heavy grille with three horizontal blades. Spy shots have previously revealed that at the back, too, the new S-class has wraparound LED tail-lights that echo the design of the refreshed E-class' tail-lights but have sharper edges and unique detailing.

The all-new S-class (W223) is expected to get a variety of powertrain options, including petrol, diesel and hybrids. 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?

Mercedes-Benz has previously confirmed its plan to launch the new S-class in India next year. Speaking during the #LiveWithAutocar conversation on Instagram, Santosh Iyer, vice president, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India, confirmed the all-new S-class is set to be launched in 2021, but the launch will most likely be in the second half of the year, keeping in mind any delays caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Also see:

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS India review, test drive

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS video review

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