2021 Mercedes S-Class Spied Testing at the Nurburgring, Looks Good

This is the most important model being developed by one of the brands with the highest revenue in the world, so we need to check out every crease and fold. As we've mentioned before, the S-Class is based around a new platform and it's different from the current model in most ways.

The long wheelbase will become standard, which combined with the wider tracks increases the presence of the vehicle. Its design is changed as well, with many features that will immediately feel the current W222 generation feel outdated, like the wrap-around taillights or the flush-fitting door handles.

Autonomy is another key aspect that defines this flagship, as is the case with most cars in this class. BMW has a system that retraces your steps in reverse while Audi's computers talk to fish... or is that traffic signs? Based on how many times we've seen the 2021 S-Class in convoy, we believe it will have more advanced car-to-car communication in addition to the Level 3 autonomy which Mercedes already promised.

While you're busy not holding onto the steering wheel, the ever-larger infotainment screens might keep you busy. The 12-inch one right in front of the driver will be joined by a tablet slanted onto the middle of the dash and controlling all the major car functions, a bit like what you've seen in Tesla. Are Mercedes going minimalist with the buttons? Probably not.

Nothing is official about the engines at the moment, but this prototype sounds like it's got an inline-6 like the one in the GLE 450. Of course, the Europeans are still going to enjoy diesel units, but the big battle will be fought over the ultra-green plug-in hybrids which will have about twice the range of the S 500 Plug-in Hybrid we tested a while back. For the fully-electric experience, Mercedes is also working on the EQS.