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2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Starting at: $110,850
Highs A showcase of high-tech features, beautifully-tailored and delightfully serene interior, rear-axle steering makes this barge surprisingly nimble.
Lows A noticeable lack of flashiness, some craftsmanship sacrificed for digital instrumentation, adaptive cruise had inconsistent behavior in heavy traffic.
Verdict As the flagship of Mercedes-Benz, the S-class has the company’s most innovative technology and unquestionably high levels of luxury.
Overview
Boasting spectacular levels of luxury and state-of-the-art technology, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-class sedan is the German company’s flagship and a rolling statement of success. Although its storied history is partly responsible for that prestige, the latest generation looks to improve on its impressive predecessor in every way, making it an Editors’ Choice winner. The new S-class has grander proportions, an even richer interior, innovative safety equipment, and some seriously futuristic features. The highlights include a 3D gauge cluster, a massive OLED touchscreen, rear-wheel steering for better maneuverability, and an active air suspension that makes cornering smoother and keeps passengers safer in the event of a collision. A pair of turbocharged powertrains and standard all-wheel drive should ensure that the 2021 S-class sedan can whisk you to business meetings or gala events on time, but its indulgent amenities and lounge-like back seat could be a reason to be fashionably late.
What’s New for 2021?
The 2021 S-class sedan ushers in an all-new generation. It attempts to improve on the outgoing model by offering more style, more luxury, more space, and even more technology. We expect the high-performance AMG variants and the ultra-luxurious Maybach model to debut sometime after that. While Mercedes has said that there won’t be a next generation of the S-class coupe and convertible (called cabriolet), those 2020 models will carry over into 2021 without any changes.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
S500 sedan: $110,850
S580 sedan: $117,350
S560 cabriolet: $132,450
S560 coupe: $132,450
Although its starting price is significantly higher than the 2020 model, the new S-class boasts a host of modernizations and improvements to justify it’s six-figure price tag. We think the ultimate luxury item is a powerful engine, so we’d pay extra to have the 496-hp V-8 and the more prestigious S580 trunklid badge.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Mercedes offers the sedan with either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system (called EQ Boost) and pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. There will also be a plug-in-hybrid model that’s said to have about 60 miles of all-electric range. The S560 coupe and convertible also feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but it’s not electrically enhanced and makes 463 horses. Still, the last coupe we tested had smooth, expeditious acceleration that didn’t disrupt passenger comfort. It also provided precise feedback from the steering and needed 178 feet to stop from 70 mph. As for the new sedan, we’ve now sampled both it in its native Germany and on our shores, which both showcased its different suspension and steering modes. While every model rides on an air suspension, the E-Active Body Control has a “curve” function” that subtly leans the car into corners. However, Mercedes says this feature won’t be available until next year. The S-class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering system that makes the big-bodied Merc surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A cutting-edge infotainment system has become a hallmark of modern luxury cars, and Mercedes makes good on that with its latest and greatest interface. The sedan’s center stack is dominated by a huge 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen that sits portrait-style, but it doesn’t come with any sort of touchpad or rotary controller. What it does come with is an enhanced version of Mercedes’ MBUX software that features improved voice-command functions and smartphone-esque capability, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Of course, popular staples such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless charging are standard. The S-class sedan also has a standard Burmester 3D sound system, but a more powerful Burmester 4D stereo is available, too.
Read More https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-benz/s-class
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