Distilled to its core classes, the Mercedes-Benz lineup includes 16 different cars, SUVs, and vans. But within each, wide varieties of body styles, powertrains, and equipment make it seems as though the choices are endless.
For 2021, Mercedes adds a hot new 720-horsepower version of its AMG GT sports car, an ultra-plush version of its GLS SUV, and a completely redesigned version of its S-Class sedan. The entry-level GLA SUV is also redesigned, and the long anticipated EQC electric SUV might finally go on sale.
Across the Mercedes lineup, the company’s Active Brake Assist technology (think: automatic emergency braking on steroids) is standard, and the optional Driver Assistance Package adds several active systems related to speed, steering, and parking. New Dashcam technology now included with the available augmented video navigation system in selected models.
Other changes to individual model lines are listed below in alphabetical order.
The entry-level Mercedes A-Class sedan adds standard 18-inch aluminum wheels, 64-color ambient cabin lighting, and a blind-spot warning system as standard equipment. Buyers can choose the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Interior Assistant, which offers intelligent proximity and predictive control of touchscreen and touchpad functions, as a stand-alone option this year.
Mercedes expands the AMG GT family with the new, more expensive 720-horsepower GT Black Series coupe and the new, more affordable 362-hp GT 43 4-Door. The 4-Door models also gain a standard MBUX infotainment system with “Hey Mercedes” natural voice control, while augmented video for navigation, a dashcam, and MBUX Interior Assistant are options.
For 2021, the C-Class continues in 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible (Cabriolet), and 4-door sedan body styles. All three add a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel as standard equipment, while the coupe and sedan also boast standard heated front seats. A Night Edition version of the C-Class sedan is available, equipped with blacked-out trim and AMG design and seating upgrades. The AMG C 63 Sedan now includes a panoramic glass roof.
Based on the A-Class, but equipped with swoopy coupe bodywork, the Mercedes CLA is the more stylish of the pair. Its updates mirror those for the 2021 A-Class.
The rakishly penned CLS 4-door coupe gains a standard 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel along with the MBUX infotainment system.
Mercedes gives the midsize E-Class a makeover for 2021. It continues in coupe, convertible (Cabriolet), sedan, and station wagon body styles, and all E-Class models benefit from added standard equipment and a thorough technology upgrade. Coupes, convertibles, and wagons get the automaker’s EQ Boost mild-hybrid 6-cylinder engine as standard equipment, and Mercedes gives the E-Class Wagon a Subaru Outback-style All Terrain treatment to see if an SUV costume will sell more of them.
The new Mercedes EQC is a 5-passenger electric SUV. Originally expected as a 2020 model, Mercedes delayed its introduction for unknown reasons. It is expected during calendar-year 2021, priced from less than $70,000. Competitors include the Audi E-tron and Jaguar I-Pace.
For 2021, this boxy off-roader adds a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel as standard equipment, while the AMG variants now include wireless smartphone charging. A Night Package Magno and more personalization options are available for all G-Class models.
Mercedes redesigns the entry-level GLA crossover SUV for 2021. Available in GLA 250, AMG GLA 35, and AMG GLA 45 model series, the new 2021 Mercedes GLA offers more power, improved design, and a significant upgrade in technology.
Introduced last year, the Mercedes GLB 250 adds blind-spot warning as standard equipment for 2021. A new performance-tuned AMG GLB 35 debuts, too, equipped with a 302-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a performance all-wheel-drive system.
The popular Mercedes GLC is a compact SUV offered in standard and fastback “coupe” body styles. For 2021, most models add standard equipment, including a variety of parking assistance technologies. It is unclear if the plug-in hybrid GLC 350e will continue.
Mercedes redesigned the GLE midsize SUV for 2020, so it makes few changes to the core models. Satellite radio, ambient cabin lighting, wireless smartphone charging, and an alarm with parking damage detection are now standard, and Mercedes offers a head-up display and MBUX Interior Assistant as stand-alone options.
New for 2021, redesigned GLE Coupes join the lineup. These are fastback-styled 4-door SUVs that cost more but have less interior and cargo space. They come only in 429-hp AMG GLE 53 and 603-hp AMG GLE 53 S, each using the automaker’s EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology.
Redesigned for 2020, the GLS 7-passenger SUV adds 20-inch aluminum wheels, ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and a parking damage detection system as standard equipment.
The GLS lineup also expands for 2021, adding the performance-oriented AMG GLS 63 and the plush Maybach GLS. The former is equipped with a 603-hp EQ Boosted twin-turbo V-8 engine and wheels up to 23 inches in diameter, while the latter has a 550-hp version of that engine and maximum luxury.
A compact van sold mainly to commercial buyers, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz Metris gets minor styling and interior modifications for 2021, a new 9-speed automatic transmission, a new infotainment system, and several safety systems. It continues in both cargo and passenger configurations.
In their final year of availability, the S-Class coupe and convertible (Cabriolet) add standard variable heated massaging front seats and a surround-view camera.
The 2021 Mercedes S-Class sedan is completely redesigned, setting new flagship luxury sedan standards in the process. Initially offered in S 500 and S 580 model series, the new S-Class exudes sophistication with its next-generation instrumentation, infotainment, convenience, and safety technologies. Electrified EQ Boost 6-cylinder and V-8 engines are available, each paired with standard all-wheel drive. The base price jumps about $15,000.
Mercedes has added a new engine to the Sprinter family. It’s a 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder whipping up 161 hp and 266 lb.-ft. of torque, and it uses a 7-speed automatic to drive the van’s rear wheels. All-wheel drive is unavailable with the new turbodiesel four, and it comes only in cargo van configuration with different wheelbases and roof heights.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate on December 17, 2020, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.