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Mercedes-Benz Australia has released pricing and specification details for the seventh-generation S-Class upper-large sedan ahead of it entering showrooms next month.
From launch, the S-Class is available in two entry-level variants, with the standard-wheelbase S450 priced from $240,700 plus on-road costs, while the long-wheelbase S450 L commands a $24,200 premium. For reference, the sixth-generation range started from $206,590.
While yet to be revealed, let alone priced, an S580 L variant will be added to the line-up in the fourth quarter of this year, with it motivated by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine.
Speaking of engines, the S450 variants are powered by a 270kW/500Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo inline six-cylinder petrol unit with an EQ Boost 48V mild-hybrid system that provides up to 16kW/250Nm of electric boost for short periods.
This set-up is mated to a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, a local first for the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8 and Lexus LS rival.
A 320kW/520Nm version of that combination is used by S500 variants overseas, but neither them, nor the S350d and S400d variants are set for Australia.
Off the cards due to declining demand for diesel-powered passenger cars, the latter two are motivated by 210kW/600Nm and 243kW/700Nm tunes of a 3.0-litre single-turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine respectively.
That said, for those that after fuel efficiency, an S580e L plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant with about 100km of electric-only driving range is expected to join the line-up next year.
An AMG flagship, likely an S63 L, is also all but confirmed for 2022. However, a second hi-po range-topper, dubbed S73 L, could also arrive down the line. Either way, a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine should be under the bonnet, with either the latter or both going PHEV to earn an ‘e’.
For reference, the S450 measures 5179mm long (+50mm), 1954mm wide (+55mm) and 1503mm tall (-2mm), and has a 3106mm wheelbase (+71mm), while the S450 L and all other variants extend the length and wheelbase to 5289mm (+30mm) and 3216mm (+51mm) respectively.
Of note, rear-axle steering can be optioned for the first time, with it turning the front and rear wheels in the opposite direction when travelling at 60km/h or less, but in the same orientation when going faster. This helps to reduce the turning circle by up to two metres.
Either way, the boot’s cargo capacity is 550L (+20L), although storage space is affected by optional equipment, including the reclining rear seats and refrigerator box, as well as the PHEV powertrains.
Inside, 27 physical buttons are done away with in favour of a portrait 12.8-inch central OLED touchscreen, which is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s second-generation MBUX multimedia system.
Also included is three-dimensional (3D) 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while an augmented reality (AR) head-up display can be optioned to replace the standard non-AR unit, with the same true of active ambient lighting, which integrates with vehicle systems.
An optional rear entertainment package adds an 11.6-inch touchscreen multimedia system to each front seat backrest, while a removeable tablet can also be added to the second row’s fold-down armrest for a total of five displays.
Safety-wise, a centre airbag is adopted to reduce head clashes between the driver and front passenger during a side impact.
Then there are the rear front airbags for the outboard seats (long-wheelbase variants only), which join their rear side and curtain counterparts to provide second-row occupants with even more protection in an accident.
And when it comes to advanced driver-assist systems, the S-Class features more advanced versions of autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist (including emergency), adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, active blind-spot monitoring, exit warning, park assist and surround-view cameras.
Other standard equipment in the S450 variants includes adaptive air suspension, Multibeam LED headlights, power-closing doors, auto-folding side mirrors with heating, keyless entry, rear privacy glass and a panoramic sunroof.
Push-button start, satellite navigation with live traffic, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 710W Burmester sound system with 15 speakers, wireless smartphone charging, a power-adjustable Nappa leather-trimmed steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats with heating and cooling, and dual-zone climate control also feature.
And the S450 L goes even further with power-adjustable rear seats and rear climate control.
Both S450 variants can sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the S450’s fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test is 8.2L/100km, making it 0.2L/100km more fuel efficient than the S450 L.
2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pricing before on-road costs
| Variant | Transmission | Cost |
| S450 | automatic | $240,700 |
| S450 L | automatic | $264,900 |
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