Since its official introduction in 1972, the S-class series of full-size luxury sedans and limousines has remained the flagship vehicle of Mercedes-Benz. Currently in its seventh generation which was unveiled in September 2020, the S-class has consistently been used to debut most of the company's latest innovations. The Mercedes Benz S-class was redesigned for 2021 and boasts the best of German craftsmanship, class-leading comfort, and infotainment features.
With prices starting from $110,850 for the S500 sedan, the current S-class lineup is the benchmark of how refined super lux cars should be. It packs the latest and most insane levels of technology in a cabin designed to caress your senses in every way. From the duo of robust engines to the jaw-dropping plush interior, the Mercedes S-class is in a class of its own leaving the likes of the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8 trailing. Join us on a deluxe tour of how the Mercedes S-Class stays above the luxury sedan competition.
10 Silky Ride
With a chassis totally focused on comfort, the Mercedes S-class offers a refined and comfortable ride quality that befits a full-size luxury sedan. Fitted with an adaptive air suspension system, the S-class floats smoothly over bumps on the road. The system scans for imperfections on the road and adjusts the dampers separately for each wheel to ensure that the car always remains level.
In addition to increasing or reducing the ride height, when cornering, the system also keeps the vehicle firmly planted on the road by reducing swaying.
9 MBUX Infotainment System
All S-class models feature a giant 12.8-inch MBUX infotainment screen that gracefully flows from the dash area to the center console. Angled upwards for optimum visibility, the portrait-oriented touch screen has large bright icons which are responsive and easy to use.
Apart from the voice control available to the rear seat passengers, eight USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are also available. Other infotainment features include navigation, satellite radio, a 15-speaker sound system, and as options, three screens for the rear seats, and a 30-speaker sound system.
8 Lush Interior
Being an ultra-luxury vehicle, the Mercedes S-class doesn't leave much to the imagination in terms of the quality of materials used in the cabin. As you bask in the sea of comfortable leather thick carpeting, the cabin air fragrance system combines with the ambient lighting to give you a calming feel.
The ultra-quiet cabin boasts standard features like dual-zone automatic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Superbly crafted and extensively equipped, the S-class offers a class-leading level of comfort in the spacious interior.
7 Safety/Driver-Assist Tech
The Mercedes S-class sedan comes fully kitted with a mind-boggling lineup of high-tech safety and driver-assist features. Some of the safety features are the front and rear collision warning, driver drowsiness warning, road sign recognition, and automatic emergency braking.
Unlike the common adaptive cruise control that helps maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, the version offered in the S-class has a stop-and-go feature. Furthermore, the reliable new S-class also packs features like blind-spot monitoring, a lane departure warning, and a lane keep assist, among others.
6 Strong Powertrains
To push the large vehicle around, Mercedes offers a choice of two robust power plants - a V6 and a V8. Under the S500's hood is the base engine, a 3-liter turbocharged and supercharged I-6 unit that churns out 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque. The S580 is powered by a 4-liter V8 that grinds out 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Boosted by a 48-volt mild hybrid system, both engines feed all the wheels through a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission system and propels the S-class to speed easily.
5 Rear Wheel Steering System
In a fine display of innovation and technical superiority, Mercedes has come up with a solution to the problem of maneuverability in the stately sedan. Navigating a 208-inch sedan through tight city streets can be a pretty frustrating and intimidating affair considering the large turning circle.
To solve this problem in the S-class, a rear-axle steering system is used to shave up to 6 feet from its turning circle. In addition to tightening the turning circle for low-speed maneuvers, the rear-wheel steering also improves stability at high speeds.
4 Car-To-X Communication
To enhance safety in the S-class, each is fitted with car-to-x communication allowing the cars to network with their surroundings. With this system, the vehicles communicate with other cars and traffic infrastructures to help alert upcoming vehicles of impending road hazards.
Apart from warning against dangers, the system also scans for available parking spaces and broadcasts it to other vehicles, thereby saving drivers the stress of looking for parking. Working on WiFi or mobile radio, the system provides a real-time ability for vehicles to see ahead.
3 Rear Seat Packages
Several options are available to turn the rear quarters of the S-class into a mobile palace. The Rear Seat package provides quad-zone automatic climate control and footrests for the rear passengers, while the Executive Rear Seat package adds massaging function.
With the Rear Seat Entertainment Package, the back seat gains two 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreens and two wireless headsets. For the ultimate rear-seat comfort, the Executive Rear Seat Plus adds a center console, folding tray tables, and heated/cooled cup holders to the Maybach S580.
2 Head-Up Display
Ever at the forefront of innovative technology, Mercedes Benz offers the S-class with an optional Augmented Reality Head-up Display. To make sure you drive safely, a virtual image of information like your speed, GPS navigation, lane guidance, and others are projected on the windshield.
For instance, if you get too close to the vehicle in front of you, it will glow red, warning you to back off. In addition to warning you if you are in danger of veering off the road, navigation information is also displayed to guide you with arrows to your destination.
1 PARKTRONIC With Active Parking Assist
If the idea of parallel parking scares you like it does some people, your Benz S-class has the perfect solution for you. Apart from taking away the stress of finding a parking spot, the S-class also helps you determine if the available space will be enough for the car.
Relying on sensors located in the bumpers, the system will then steer your vehicle into the spot while you control the brakes. Responsibility for safe maneuvering remains with you, and as such, you have to watch out for objects below or above the detection range.