Pictures| Mercedes S-Class 2021, a new design trend that sets the standards for luxury

The 2021 Mercedes S-Class is considered one of the most luxurious sedans in the world at all, and it can even be said that it is the undisputed queen of sedans thanks to its amazing design and awesome technology.

We review the seventh generation, the new direction in the design followed by the German manufacturer, the high technology in the interior, and the outstanding performance of this car that sets the standards of luxury in the automotive world.

Exterior Design: Perfect proportions for a classic look

The S-Class is designed to be a classic sedan with perfect proportions thanks to the well-thought-out length of the front and rear and long wheelbase. The large axle width, discreet wheels and modern designs give the car a powerful appearance. The so-called side lines have been drastically reduced, so that the streamlined surfaces combined with an elegant appearance create a special character under the light. The front part comes with an elegant and attractive design thanks to the high level of the front grille.

The headlights stand out at the front of the car, which includes the three-segment daytime running lights that are a hallmark of the S-Class, but are generally flatter and somewhat smaller. A new development is the aerodynamic, non-obtrusive door handles that pop out when the driver's hand approaches them, or when pressing on their exterior surface. The KEYLESS-GO function provides keyless entry to the vehicle.

Lighting: Innovative digital technology inside and out

The optional DIGITAL LIGHT system enters the production line for the first time in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, enabling completely new auxiliary functions such as:

Warning against maintenance work on known roads by drawing the image of the excavator on the road surface

Warning of the presence of pedestrians on the side of the road by directing a light on them when spotted

Alert traffic lights, stop signs, or non-entry signs by drawing a warning symbol on the road surface

Assisting in overcoming narrow road lanes (in road maintenance works) by drawing guide lines on the road surface.

Each headlight in the DIGITAL LIGHT system contains a lighting unit with three extremely powerful LEDs, with light controlled and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors, resulting in a resolution of more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle, and allowing for precise light distribution.

It also enhances the accuracy of Highbeam Assist by more than 100 times the light's 84 pixels, when oncoming vehicles or road signs are excluded from the beam of light.

Light/shadow gradations and light distribution for all other dynamic lighting functions are also implemented much more precisely, improving illumination through eg fog light, highway light or city light.

Thanks to LED technology, the new S-Class has also made great strides in cabin lighting: Mercedes-Benz has added an interactive interior lighting system for the first time.

Active ambient lighting (optional) is now integrated into the driving assistance systems and provides visual alerts. The same applies to comfort systems. When the climate control system or the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant is activated, for example, the driver can know the system’s response via ambient lighting.

Aerodynamics: Multiple Air Flow Experiments in Early Design

The S-Class is one of the best aerodynamic cars in the world, especially in the luxury sedan segment, with a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

Although the front A area of ​​the new S-Class has increased slightly to 2.5 sq m, the drag coefficient is lowered even more than the outgoing model, with the frontal area multiplied by 0.56 sq metres. It is 200 square centimeters less than the previous model after the last modification.

Aerodynamic measures affecting the chassis, underbody and attachments yielded good results in wind tunnels and in real-world driving experiences. Extensive airflow simulations using high-performance computers were already carried out during the early design stages.

The cabin: the epitome of luxury, luxury and high-tech

The S-Class has always been a comfortable place to be while on the go or working in it. But the cabin has completely evolved in this new generation to be a “third place” that combines the comfortable atmosphere of the home and the means of work. The feeling of spaciousness in the front and rear seats is also enhanced by the S-Class models equipped with the short and long wheelbases.

The cabin of the S-Class combines tradition and sophistication, as its innovative design reflects the beauty of the interior decoration, which mimics the aerodynamics found in yacht designs. The elegant shape of the dashboard, center console and armrests appears to float over a spacious interior. The deliberate reduction in the number of controls underlines the modern appearance of the cabin.

A thin spacer between the upper part of the dashboard and large decorative accents enhances the elegance of this part and accentuates the width of the cabin.

Highlights include the addition of large decorative touches to the dashboard and in the rear (with the Comfort Seat package for the rear seats), as well as up to five screens.

These touches enhance the cabin's ambiance and are an extension of the development. A very distinctive addition is the open-pore wood veneer inlaid with aluminum pieces. New design elements include the four central air vents that are discreet with horizontal adjustment tools, as well as two thin side vents, perpendicular to either side of the dashboard.

The driver display and media display have a comprehensive aesthetic. The appearance of the displays can be customized with a choice of four display modes (Discreet, Sporty, Exclusive and Classic) and three modes (Navigation, “Assistance” and “Service”)

Seats: advanced technologies to provide superior levels of comfort during long flights

The new seat design invites occupants to sit back and relax, as the streamlined three-dimensional design provides agility and lightness. Different materials give the seats a new character, for example, the longitudinal Lugano leather trim strips give the seats a luxurious and elegant look, while the diamond embossing in Nappa leather and Exclusive Nappa leather gives them a more classic and attractive look.

The front seats include up to 19 engines to provide the highest levels of comfort, indicating the advanced technologies used in seat design. But comfort alone is not enough: the seats also play a major role in terms of safety. And of course, when it comes to the highest levels of luxury and comfort, all available seats for the S-Class are Healthy Seating campaign certified.

The new S-Class features ten different massage programs that use vibrating motors and can enhance the relaxing massage function through the “hot stone” method. Therefore, the multifunction front seats are equipped with seat heating and inflatable air bags, and the air bags are closer to the surface of the seat, which leads to enhanced feel of massaging movements and ease of control.

Five different types of rear seats are available, with which the rear of the new S-Class can be customized for work or comfort.

Additional new features include the additional heated headrest cushion, which is available in the two power-adjustable rear seats. The adjusting range and angle of the front passenger seat, such as the driver's seat and the reclining seat, have also been improved.

ENERGIZING COMFORT . SYSTEM SOFTWARE

The comprehensive “Health and Fitness” program within the ENERGIZING COMFORT system can be activated at the touch of a button or with a voice command, providing an ultra-comfortable experience through the highly advanced comfort systems of the S-Class, as it combines several programs to shape this experience. At the same time, the system creates an optimum cabin atmosphere, enhancing activation in case of tiredness or decompressing and promoting relaxation.

The ENERGIZING COACH system makes recommendations for a suitable program to optimize comfort and fitness based on vehicle and trip data. It also analyzes information on sleep quality and stress level through a smart algorithm and displays it to the driver via a smartphone or fitness bracelet.

Autonomous driving and driving assistance systems: more driver assistance

Thanks to advanced technologies for detecting the car’s surroundings, parking systems make it easier for the driver to maneuver at low speeds, and the operation of these systems has become even easier thanks to their integration with the MBUX multimedia system.

The steering system on the rear axle is integrated as an optional equipment in the parking systems, with the function of planning the appropriate lane according to the situation. Emergency braking functions protect other road users as well.

Motor: More Electricity to Enhance Efficiency

A range of six-cylinder petrol engines with different power levels are available in the first range of engines in the new S-Class. A V8 engine with integrated starter (ISG) and 48-volt electric system will also be available shortly.