[ĐÁNH GIÁ XE] Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 "captures" everyone's heart even in prototype form

Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class line has long been considered the most advanced luxury sedans, bringing luxury and class to customers.

Each new generation of the S-Class becomes the focus, attracting the interest and attention of the entire global car market. Perhaps everyone is looking forward to seeing what features, comfort equipment and safety technology will be equipped for the new generation S-Class.

Initially, according to the previously proposed plan, Mercedes-Benz will launch the 2021 S-Class in the second quarter of 2020. However, due to the complicated and unpredictable developments of the global Covid-19 pandemic, this launch plan was forced to be canceled. And soon after, Director of Research and Development of Mercedes-Benz – Mr. Jurgen Weissinger announced that the 2021 S-Class will be scheduled to launch in September.

Coming to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 prototype tested this time, although it still wears a camouflage layer, it can be seen that the car still has a large wheelbase length and a long hood – similar to its predecessor. Behind the camouflage layer, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 may also receive a larger grille than before, while the hood is pushed higher to create a strong, healthy feeling.

When viewed horizontally, the overall design of the 2021 S-Class still maintains its characteristic soft and elegant design language. Notably, all door handles on the new version have a more beautiful design with a hidden form, like on the Tesla Model S. Meanwhile, the rear of the S-Class 2021 is designed to be higher than before with an overall more angular look thanks to a few clearly embossed ribs. The wind resistance coefficient of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 depends on the different versions, with the highest-end variant declared at 0.22, surpassing the 0.24 figure of the Tesla Model S.

Coming to the interior compartment, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 still maintains its style by providing a spacious space with luxurious and sophisticated design. The car uses high-quality and expensive materials, each detail feels soft and pleasant to the touch. The steering wheel still has the familiar D-Cut shape design with a large three-pointed star logo placed in the middle.

Located behind the steering wheel is a large digital screen that displays the vehicle’s operating parameters with impressive sharpness. The S-Class 2021 is also equipped with a HUD head-up display that applies augmented reality technology, providing the driver with the most easily observed navigation instructions.

The infotainment system on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 receives a giant 12.8-inch central screen, applying OLED technology to bring the most vivid and realistic experiences. This screen also allows users to comfortably adjust various functions in the car, including the automatic air conditioning system, navigation, DAB radio and especially the new generation MBUX infotainment system. Almost every feature on the 2021 S-Class is integrated into this large central screen, so the familiar physical buttons on the previous generation have been mostly eliminated.

Entering the 2021 version, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is equipped with a new generation MBUX infotainment system with many outstanding upgrades. The highlight is the ability to operate more intuitively and intelligently with 3D display mode that significantly enhances the driver’s ability to read and actual experience. This system will continuously monitor the driver’s eyes to adjust the 3D effect to the best fit.

Equipped with a 4-wheel steering system that allows the rear wheels to rotate at angles of 4.5 degrees and 10 degrees, significantly reducing the turning radius of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021. When traveling at low speeds, the 2 rear wheels will rotate in the opposite direction to the 2 front wheels, helping to improve the vehicle’s flexibility on narrow roads. At speeds of 55 km/h or more, this system is known to increase the stability of the 2021 S-Class by rotating the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels.

As always, the German automaker takes the safety features of the 2021 S-Class to a whole new level. Notably, there are up to 16 airbags on the new generation S-Class, including inflatable belts and new airbags placed in the back of the front seats to protect rear passengers. In addition to adding new airbags, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class also receives safety support features on the side of the car in collision situations. When radar sensors detect a risk of collision, the E-Active Body Control active suspension system will automatically lift the vehicle to put the entire impact force on the stronger structure below.

The E-Active Body Control active suspension system is an optional upgrade package for the 2021 S-Class instead of the standard air suspension system. Notably, with the “Curve” feature, the E-Active Body Control suspension system will automatically adjust to eliminate all centrifugal force and increase/decrease the height of each individual wheel, allowing the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 to become more flexible and stable when entering sharp turns.

Regarding engines, for the European market, the 2021 S-Class will offer a full range of powertrain options similar to its predecessor, including an I6 diesel engine. Meanwhile, the US market will receive the 2021 S-Class with a standard I6 gasoline engine and the option to upgrade the 4.0L V8 engine. There is also a plug-in hybrid version with an electric motor combined with an I6 engine to help optimize fuel economy for the S-Class. The AMG version will use a 4.0L V8 engine with up to 600 horsepower, while the Maybach will continue to be equipped with a 6.0L V12 engine.

Thus, on September 2, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 will officially present at the launch ceremony held in Sindelfingen, Germany with a number of special measures to ensure the number of participants and strict compliance with regulations on Covid-19 epidemic prevention.

Quang Hung (Tuoitrethudo)