The sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class is turning seven years old in 2020, so the German company acted accordingly and introduced a brand-new version of the sedan. In the absence of auto shows due to the coronavirus pandemic, the seventh-generation S-Class, codenamed the W223, broke cover online with revised styling, a brand-new interior with modern tech, and a pair of electrified drivetrains for the U.S. market.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a sleek full-size sedan

As expected, the new S-Class isn't a massive departure from the old model design-wise. The front grille looks about the same, but the chrome frame is much thinner now, so it looks as if the nose extends farther away from the body, resulting in a more aggressive fascia. The grille is now flanked by thinner and longer headlamps that extend from the upper corners of the grille all the way into the front fenders. The front bumper retains the traditional A-shaped vent layout, but the center outlet is slimmer while the side vents feature bigger winglets and black and chrome trim for an exotic look.

The roof also seems to sit just a tad lower, so the new S-Class looks sleeker overall. The rear end of the S-Class is far from surprising. As expected, given redesigned versions of the CLS and E-Class, the S-Class adopted the wide, triangular taillights in a two-piece design. This is a big change from the previous model with fat and horizontal lights that did not extend into the trunk lid. The latter features a similar cutout and integrated spoiler, but the license plate recess is smaller (but it still mimics the shape of the front grille). The bumper remains the same save for the thin red lights repositioned higher, so it features the same rectangular exhaust pipes with chrome trim over the black diffuser-like element.

Size-wise, the new S-Class is only marginally bigger. It's 1.3 inches longer, two inches wider, and 0.4 inches taller. Its wheelbase is just two inches longer.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class exterior dimensions

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class debuts a brand-new interior design

While the exterior still reminds of the old S-Class, the interior is brand new. The display layout with the instrument cluster and infotainment screen placed under the same hood was phased out. Instead, there's a much bigger, free-standing display behind the steering wheel and a huge, tablet-style screen over the center stack. The four A/C vents are placed atop this display while the rest of the dashboard is clean and elegant.

The new S-Class looks decidedly luxurious. It's packed with fine leather and complex stitching patterns, as well as massive slabs of trim, available in a variety of materials, on the dashboard. The seats are available with up to 19 power functions for outstanding comfort, as well as ten different massage programs. The seat heating is now combined with the inflatable air chambers for improved comfort over long trips.

For the first time ever, the German company is offering a heatable cushion for the head restraints.

Interior room remains about the same, with mild improvements for elbow room and an extra inch of rear-seat legroom. The trunk is now rated at 22 cubic feet, one more than the old model.

More good news comes from the technology department, as Mercedes is debuting the second-generation MBUX infotainment system in the S-Class. This new system makes the S-Class "more digital and intelligent" and includes features like a 3D driver display without having to wear special glasses, augmented reality content, and an Active Distance Assist function that displays images virtually at a distance of 32 feet in front of the driver. It also includes a more advanced voice assistant with increased dialogue capability.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class interior dimensions

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is powered by mild hybrid drivetrains

The new-generation S-Class will be initially offered in two trims in the United States, both powered by gasoline engines paired to integrated starter-generators and 48-volt electrical systems. The 48-volt system adds an extra 21 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Both figures are identical to those of the outgoing model, so there's no change in performance here. No word on 0-to-60 mph acceleration yet, but top speed is rated at 130 mph.

Next up is the S 580 4Matic, a new trim that replaces the old S 560 model. This version combines a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 engine to the same 48-volt system. The V-8 mill cranks out 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. While torque is similar to the old S 560, output is up by 33 horsepower. Top speed is also locked in at 130 mph.

Both engines mate to a 9G-Tronic, nine-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. Both models come with the Airmatic air suspension as standard plus the fully active Body Control system that improves both comfort and agility.

In Europe, Mercedes-Benz also offers two diesel models, the S 350 d and the S 400 d 4Matic.

2021 Mercedes-benz S-Class - U.S. lineup

When is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class coming to U.S. dealers?

The brand-new full-size sedan is scheduled to hit U.S. dealers in the first half of 2021. That's a bit later than Europe, which will get the luxury four-door starting December 2020. Pricing information is not yet available, but the S 500 should come in at around $105,000, while the S 560 trim will retail from around $115,000 before options.