The new Mercedes S-Class is here

The 2021 W223 Mercedes S-Class has been unveiled, in a now de-rigueur for this pandemic-ridden world, glitzy online launch.

As ever, the new S-Class promises to be an industry leader in innovative technology, refinement and luxury.

The styling follows the current trends and wears a larger front grille than it's predecessor, just like rivals Audi and BMW with their respective A8 and 7-Series models.

The rear apes that of others models in the Mercedes range, most notably the brand's CLS coupe/saloon.

The new S-Class has a longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, being 51mm longer in standard guise and 24mm longer in long-wheelbase set-up. This is key for markets in Asia where size matters.

The Mercedes flag-ship will be powered by an array of engines, including a plug-in petrol-electric hybrid, dubbed the S580e, that is claimed to have a 100km electric-only range. A must, as more and more urban environments move to emission free zones. Other engines offered will range from six cylinder petrol and diesels, all the way up to fire breathing V8 AMG offerings.

There will be rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive offerings and all will be mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mild-hybridisation will be available across the range also.

Surprisingly, Mercedes have promised that this new generation S-Class will have a V12 variant, a mainstay of the S-badged Mercedes since the W140 of the early 90s. The 6.0L V12 will appear in the range-topping Maybach model, due to follow next year.

The S-Class has always been famed for it's innovative technology and this new W223 is no exception. This new model will be equipped with Drive Pilot level three autonomy, allowing hands-free driving in areas where it is permitted. The system will also allow the S-Class to park itself, saving chauffeurs and valets around the world from kerbing expensive alloy wheels.

The strangest exterior option is the door-handles, where buyers can choose between normal grab handles or flush, electric options that will appear from the door when the car is unlocked.

The interior luxury of the S-Class is as important as the technology. The front seats will be heated and cooled, they will massage and have six-memory options, so the requirements of the whole family (or staff) can be saved for whoever's bum is in the seat. The rear seats will perform similarly and if you get the long-wheelbase option, they will fully recline, so rear passengers can sleep away the miles.

There will be several options when it comes to colour of leather and trim for the interior of the new S-class, with the possible combinations said to be in the millions. So it's quite likely no two cars will be identical.

The W223 S-Class will go on sale in the fourth quarter of this year with deliveries starting in early 2021. Prices? Well if you have to ask, you probably can't afford, but entry level cars will start at just a smidge over €100k before options. After that, the sky's the limit.