Some of the features in luxury vehicles are just cool. Do you need them? Do they really make traveling better? Maybe or maybe not, but that doesn’t matter. Ambient lighting is one of those cool features. It’s found in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the ambient lighting is impressive but also plays a few practical roles too.

Ambient lighting

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will introduce new ambient lighting, according to Motor1. It’s intended to form a continuous line that runs throughout the car. The lighting is made of hundreds of transparent fiber optic fixtures, each made up of about 250 LED lights. The ambient lighting is used as part of the driver-assist features. That means that blind-spot monitoring, for example, could alert the driver by turning on red light throughout the interior.

The ambient lighting is also part of the Energizing Comfort Control feature, a part of the Warmth and Comfort package. The Energizing Comfort Control features help to create a nice atmosphere in the cabin, providing music, climate control, massaging seats, and fragrances. The system can be controlled either with a button or by voice commands.

The interior of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is known for being posh. Drivers can expect lots of leather and features plus top technology in this full-size luxury sedan. The 2021 model year is expected to be even more luxurious and will sport an updated design for this new generation. There will also be plenty of legroom due to the wheelbase that is longer than in the previous generation. The additional acoustic foam ensures the interior is super quiet.

The dashboard especially has an all-new layout. There are expected to be up to five screens and many fewer knobs and buttons. The system will include two head-up display options, including one with augmented reality for the first time. Voice controls using the “Hey Mercedes” assistant will respond to 27 languages. Additional hand gestures will be supported to take care of functions like using the sliding sunroof.

In addition to the ambient lighting, the BMUX infotainment system will be all-new and include a 12.8-inch vertical touchscreen and an updated digital instrument cluster. The instrument cluster will have an option to switch between a 2D and 3D view. It’s able to prioritize information and switch back to 2D if the driver isn’t currently looking at the information.

An overview of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 S-Class will be built on a second-generation MRA platform. It will be offered with a standard, long, or extended wheelbase, including possibly Benz, AMG, Guard, Maybach, and Pullman versions. However, the coupe and convertible options will likely not be available. Car and Driver expects only the long and Maybach versions to be available in the United States.

The standard wheelbase will be 2.8-inches longer than in the previous generation, with a new wheelbase of 122.2 inches. The long wheelbase version will be two-inches longer, for a new wheelbase of 122.6 inches. The Maybach version will be even longer, and there is the possibility of an extra-long Pullman version being developed to drive royalty or government leaders.

The exterior for this new generation will stay pretty similar, although with different taillights and optional electronic pop-out door handles that improve the car’s aerodynamic efficiency. Multiple engines are expected for the different S-Class versions. The U.S. will have available an inline-six engine and a 4.0-liter V8 option. The Mercedes-AMG version will have a 4.0-liter V8, and the Maybach will still have an optional 6.0-liter V12 engine.

In Europe, inline-six diesel engines will also be available. There will be a plug-in hybrid option and eventually also an EV. An all-wheel steering system will reduce the S-Class’s turning-circle diameter, making it easy to navigate in tight spaces.

Safety features include up to 16 airbags, including ones in the seatbelts and ones that pop out from behind the front seats. Those are set to work differently if a car seat is installed. The car’s body can rise more than three inches if a side impact is detected, positioning stiffer structural elements ahead of the crash.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class will have its official premiere on September 2nd, so more information on this exclusive luxury sedan will be known then. It’s likely that many of its cutting-edge features, like ambient lighting, will eventually be available on other Mercedes vehicles.