2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class launched in India, prices start from Rs 2.17 crore

The best car in the world steps in the new generation in India. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is offered with two powertrain options - S400d at Rs 2.17 crore and S450 at Rs 2.19 crore. The first batch of the new S-Class is already sold out and CKD units will be offered soon.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new S-Class in the global markets last year. The S-Class offered a host of new-age tech and features and we are happy to report that, most of its highlighting features are also offered in India. Mercedes-Benz has launched the fully-loaded 'Launch Edition' of the S-Class in India and CKD model will be launched at a later date with some omission of features like rear-axle steering and all-wheel-drive.

The all-new S-Class wears the AMG line kit with the Launch edition and looks gorgeous. The tri-slat chrome grille at the front flanked with LED headlights give it a bold stance and the tri-pointed star continues to sit on the bonnet. We get the long-wheelbase model of the S-Class in India and that becomes apparent by looking at the long and low-slung side profile. The AMG line also adds sportier alloy wheels and side sills to the package. At the rear, it features split taillights adjoined by a shiny slab of chrome.

The new S-Class is very modern and sophisticated to look at and the interiors are no less than a tech fest. The centre of the dashboard is taken by a large vertically-stacked 12.8-inch MBUX infotainment system that also boasts a virtual voice assistant and personal biometrics. The S-Class carries on with quad AC vents sitting on the dash but they have gone rectangle this time. The front seats feature 19 motors to offer you the perfect seating and ten different massage programs to keep you relaxed. The rear passenger will be content with reclining seats with chauffeur's package that slides the front passenger seat and extends the footrest for the rear passenger for a complete lounge chair-like experience. 

The new S-Class is one more step towards the vision of accident-free driving. It features various active and passive safety features to avoid the accident and cosset you in case of any mishappening. The new S-Class is the world's first car to offer a frontal airbag for rear passengers that is said to contain neck and head injuries of rear passengers. Other features include rear-axle steering that turns the rear wheels by 4.5 degrees to shorten the wheelbase virtually, airmatic suspension to offer a sublime ride and Burmester audio system with headrest speakers for surround sound experience.

Powering the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class are straight-six petrol and diesel engine options. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine (S450) churns out 367PS and 500 Nm of torque and it does 0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel (S400d) produces 330PS and 700 Nm of torque and it does 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. Both the engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive as standard. The CKD models that will go on sale soon will be offered with only rear-wheel-drive without rear-axle steering. 

Text by Amit Saraswat