MAH Channel - The long history of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will continue. There are no signs that this Mercedes-Benz flagship will end its life.
In fact, Mercedes-Benz continues to prepare the S-Class to be given to its loyal fans around the world.
The greatness of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be both a blessing and a curse. The reason is, the latest S-Class must be better than its predecessor.
However, at the same time it cannot change too much so that the distinctiveness of this luxury sedan is maintained.
Here's the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class that has done that balance really well.
With gracefully updated style, quiet road behavior and Rolls-Royce class comfort.
Both for the S500 inline-six and S580 variants with V8 engines. Most notably, of course, is the impressive 14.1-inch infotainment screen.
There is also an improved driver assistance feature that is equivalent to Level 3 autonomous control.
Equipped with mild-hybrid EQ Boost technology and optional augmented-reality heads-up.
These modern features ensure that the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains competitive but does not detract from the legendary driving experience of this magnificent sedan.
German Darwinism
At first glance, this 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 doesn't look much different from its predecessor and only with a few notable changes.
Sharp, long shoulder folds and smooth rocker surfaces add some structure that visually comes from the fuselage-like front grille.
The narrow headlights share a three-element LED design with the Mercedes GLS and electric Mercedes EQS SUVs.
While the taillights borrow the design from the CLS four-door coupe. Gives some aggression to the graceful rear quarter panels.
Viewed from the profile, the arched window opening hides the more square rear roofline.
Prevents the Mercedes-Benz S580 from looking too boxy without sacrificing interior space.
At the front, the largest four-door Mercedes-Benz uses an eight-segment front grille and a graceful hood ornament.
Nice placement of the plate-sized badge that appears on every other Mercedes-Benz sedan grille.
This styling was previously a styling feature reserved for coupes and SUVs but is entirely in keeping with the traditional nature of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
However, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 is very different from its predecessor on the interior.
For starters, the dual flat-screen infotainment and old Mercedes-Benz instrument array are gone.
It is replaced by a 12.3-inch single-gauge cluster and a tilted 12.8-inch square center OLED touchscreen.
The cabin design is less organic and fluid than the 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with square footwells and rectangular HVAC vents appearing on the top and sides of the dashboard.
A flat panel of wood cuts across the dashboard behind the infotainment screen and indicator panel before sweeping the door panels down.
These trims can be termed Piano Lacquer Flowing Lines and are present in the unit we tested. The effect given is also very good.
The cabin also offers dynamic ambient lighting. These lights appear on the dashboard, console, door panels and rear parcel shelf for a 360-degree effect.
Have another important purpose, for example, if a passenger is about to open the door and the car senses an approaching vehicle in the adjacent lane, the ambient light will flash red.
Exciting Cruises
This 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 offers the smoothest ride our colleagues at Motor1.com Global have ever experienced.
In Comfort mode, the standard air suspension covers minor imperfections, only shaking passengers slightly as they pass through rather large holes.
Sport Mode provides almost all sedan driving compliance. Sharper Sport+ mode provides better reflexes.
All of that comes together with a very capable comfort that only the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 can provide.
Just look at the standard multi-contoured front seats with heating, ventilation and massage. Unfortunately, finding the perfect position is difficult.
First, the adjustment control installed in the door is very rigid. And secondly, changing the service must access to the middle screen.
There is an incomprehensible matrix asking the driver and front passenger to decide how high and how far away they are.
What's wrong with using the much simpler four arrow keys? Too sophisticated sometimes troublesome
However, when the settings are right, the front seats are great, offering plenty of support and comfort for long trips.
Long, traffic-free road trips also allow passengers to explore the nearly perfect interior of this Mercedes-Benz.
The wood trim and optional headrest pillows are a simple way to make the cabin feel extra luxurious.
There's a cheap-looking piano black finish on the center console, slightly flimsy door handles, and plastic seat frame trims are the downsides of an excellent cabin.
For an additional fee, this test car features a Warmth and Comfort package. There are heaters on the steering wheel, front door and back door.
Then, on the middle armrest and rear seat. Thus, the back becomes as comfortable as the front.
With more than enough room to stretch and cross your legs. Once again, comfort is highly thought of by this automaker.
Controlled Body Roll
Despite the extravagant city trips, this Mercedes-Benz S580 is surprisingly agile on busy roads.
Its large size limits driver confidence within narrow limits, but the optional 4.5-degree rear steering does something different.
There is stability in high-speed sweepers and tight reflexes in sharp turns. So, this big body is very helpful for cornering in narrow angles.
Even without E-Active Body Control, this Mercedes-Benz S580 still does an excellent job of keeping body movements under control.
There's still body roll but never a worry and bumps in the road don't bother the chassis much.
Just like the Sport and Sport+ modes that can be used on the road, Comfort is actually very adept at bringing speed on two winding lanes.
Assisted by cross-drilled disc brakes hiding behind 21-inch rims that ensure steady stopping power even with repeated use.
The Mercedes-Benz S580 2021 4Matic we tested uses a very smooth 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 496 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque.
Also, a 48-volt Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This moderate electrification does not add to the total power output of the engine.
But like a system like this it can smooth gear changes, reduce turbo lag to almost zero, and allow the engine to idle-stop almost imperceptibly.
However, the fuel consumption is quite wasteful, which is 1:8.5 although it can still be forgiven if you look at the dimensions of this car.
If you want more satisfying performance because the engine is V8, then that will be AMG's next task.
Whereas in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580, power comes strong and smooth through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Note, the driver can be a little surprised when shifting to a lower gear when decelerating.
