2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, unlike the 2020 model, is offered in two different trims only, the automaker has scrapped two other trims which leaves only two major trim models for this year. The S 500 and the S 580 thaw their way into the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class lineup. The feature list for both these models has not been revealed yet but it is expected both these models will be placed somewhere in the middle of the $96-104,000 range. Therefore, given below is the list of trims and features which were included in the 2020 S-Class.

The base trim S 500 starts at $96,000 and comes loaded with most of the essential features as well as advanced driver assistance and safety tech. It is equipped with a 3.0 Liter Inline-6 engine with EQ Boost. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard along with the latest MBUX infotainment system, and the premium Burmester Surround System takes care of the acoustic department.

The S 580, which would ask you to pay up close to $104,000. It comes with a 4.0 Liter Biturbo V8 engine to the stack. It further adds an Integrated starter alternate(ISG) to oversee the hybrid functions. Both these models can be had in the RWD setup, with a standard rear-axle steering feature. Further standard features include the Driver Assistance Package, including the rear-seat airbags, and also the latest MBUX system.

Which trim should you buy?

The question of which trim you want to buy comes down to the matter of the price of this car. The starting model S500 itself is pretty well equipped and a great car for executive quality travel. However, if you would love and like to show off some engine muscle then the more expensive S580 does the job even better while showing the expensive and exquisite character.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has two engine options for the two models, the 3.0L Inline-6 that produces a good 429 hp on the S500 and a 4.0L Biturbo V8 on S580 that produces 496 hp. Mercedes from the previous year has been focused on turning its whole lineup into electric vehicles. The 2021 S-Class's powertrains get a mild hybrid system named EQ Boost, and is also currently offered in the E-, CLS-, GLE-, and GLS-Class cars. This is a 48-Volt electrical system (EQ Boost) that supplements more power; it adds 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 horses, while also improving fuel efficiency. Transmission duties are handled by the 9G-TRONIC automatic shifter and a 4Matic all-wheel-drive is introduced. With 429 hp and 384 lb-ft torque, the S500 can drive smoothly but the S580’s twin-turbo V8 with 496 hp and 516 lb-ft is even better. Both the cars come with RWD as standard.

The base S-Class can outperform every rival in terms of the powertrain configuration and excellent performance. The Lexus LS 500 alone comes equipped with a 10-speed auto transmission and seems to deliver rather more decent figures when compared to the other rivals of the Mercedes. The Lexus also comes with the highest torque of 442 lb-ft which is followed by the Mercedes-Benz and the Audi and BMW at the final position.

How well does the Mercedes-Benz S-Class handle?

The S-Class’s handling prowess is really good and the adaptive air suspension it comes fitted with makes sure to soak up any undulations on the surface to guarantee a comfortable ride to the ones inside. The Brakes too do their job to perfection including that with the optional 4WD system and this long car starts to maneuver itself like a small one. 

Being the flagship it has the potential to be the best handling car. The car runs smooth and the suspension might seem stiff but they make sure you do not feel the undulations. The air suspension fitted on this car helps it to maintain good cornering speeds. The center of gravity of the car is kept low to make the car feel planted as possible.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Braking Performance

The S-Class manages to provide a properly smooth and balanced quality in terms of ride. The proper equilibrium between rapid acceleration and sudden braking is a commendable characteristic it possesses. The S-Class comes with one of the largest brakes in its segment and the pedal feels soft while the stopping is done in a hardcore manner, the ABS, traction control, and stability control do their duties and responsibilities very effectively.

The BMW 7 Series comes to a complete stop under 112 ft which is good. This luxury car from BMW is quite big and almost the same in terms of dimensions as the S-Class. The Audi A8L has a similar braking performance as the BMW. But, if we were being very specific there is a difference between the A8 and the 7 series where the BMW comes to stop 6ft lesser than the A8 that comes to a stop at 118ft. The Merc and Lexus braking figures are not known yet but considering the competitive nature of the car makers we expect the Mercedes to be close to the BMW.

The fuel economy ratings of the 2021 S-Class are not yet revealed but with the new powertrains and a mild-hybrid system, the sedan is expected to return a combined mileage of 25 MPG. The older Mercedes S-Class delivered 19 miles to the gallon in the city and about 28 MPG on the highway.

The 2021 S-Class is built for luxury and performance and the features like ISG and EQ Boost, validate this for a flagship sedan that has embarked to set benchmarks in the luxury sedan industry with its overall performance, the 2020 S-Class fares well on the MPG front. Similar figures from the model as well. The S-Class comes with a bigger 21.1-gallon fuel tank maximizing the range of the car.

Luxury sedans aren’t too eco-friendly from any angle, most of them manage to give a satisfactory fuel efficiency. The BMW 7-Series manages to offer a 24 MPG combined fuel economy and a 597 miles highway range. The Lexus does a 651 miles highway range with its efficient 30 MPG highway mileage figure.

The 2021 S-Class redefines the definition of what we have known as luxury and to a level that has become difficult to live up to. The new Merc flagship has an interior that is extensively customizable and feels very costly and luxurious. The 2021 S-Class combines the next-gen MBUX interface and amazing interior aesthetics. The Dash is newly designed and gets 5 screens. 

The car also makes it a point to cater to all kinds of people that end to travel in them. The new car provides more space for the occupants and equipment. The rear seat now offers more head and legroom hinting that this car is well crafted and organized for maximum comfort and nitpicking is one way to complain about the lack of space.

In the new generation, the seats offer heating, cooling, and even massaging for comfort. There are 19 motors deployed in the front seat for bettering the comfort quotient. The controls are logical and easy to access from the center console. Those that wish to spend time in the back can add the optional Executive Rear Seat Plus package, which comes with rear-seat folding tables, an extended center console, additional rear-seat wood trim, and temperature-controlled cup holders. Also offered as options are electrically operated rear doors, a refrigerator, and Maybach-branded champagne flutes. Some of the interior features are:

• Exquisite Leather
• The 64-color interior ambient lighting system
• heated and ventilated front seats with massage and four-position memory settings
• heated rear seats with power adjustments and massage
• air ionizing system with a signature fragrance
• panoramic sunroof.

What’s there to keep you entertained in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class?

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class can be called anything from a well-equipped executive sedan to an eccentric and outstandingly lavish vehicle when we see Mercedes's latest infotainment system. The base trim comes as well equipped as any top trim of other luxury sedans out there. There is a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen display in the middle and then comes the ambient lighting option, with 64 different colors. The audio department is taken care of by two sound systems, a premium Burmester 3DSurround Sound Audio system, which gives crisp & clear audio with rich bass, and the other is Burmester 4DSurround Sound Audio system which further betters the sound quality.

Wireless charging is also available for your charging needs as well. The 2021 S-Class incorporates all these features and, besides, brings even more upscale tech with MBUX to the floor such as the Augmented Reality Head-Up Display. There is also the use of artificial intelligence virtual assistants and advanced voice commands. All the physical buttons have been transformed to touch and gesture controls. The Merc S-Class has portrayed Minimalism wonderfully. Some of the infotainment features in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are:

• latest MBUX infotainment interface 
• 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen. 
• A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster 
• augmented-reality 
• car's head-up display.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless connectivity
• 6 USB-C ports
• 30-speaker Burmester stereo system
• a wireless smartphone charging pad, 
• rear-seat entertainment system

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class resembles excellent craftsmanship and elegance in all of its three body styles. Focussing on the sedan part, it sets the benchmark for a luxury flagship sedan. The sleek and sophisticated and minimal characteristic lines flowing throughout feels and look, unlike the older generations. The 2021 S-Class is comparatively longer than other rivals. Also, the grand radiator grille upfront with the " Silver-arrow" symbol plays a great role in shaping the flagship's bold exterior.

Coming to the side of the car, the body lines of the sedan, although minimal, swoop down elegantly, masking the overall length of the sedan. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz won't get any significant exterior updates apart from the longer and thicker C-pillar that helps in masking its humongous length, yet it'll be more stately and elegant with some minor touches. Moreover, the longer wheelbase and rear balanced overhang are visible design architecture this time.

The S-Class or its competition do not compromise on any factors like dimensions and the Merc remains the tallest among this race, and its body lines and curves excellently blend in and complement its large dimensions. Although the Audi A8 L seems a big brother to all luxury sedans in terms of weight and width. Some of the exterior features in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class are:

• Slimmer Front headlights
• Diamond framed taillights
• Hidden Door Handles
• 19’ or 20” wheels

Being a flagship car is no small title and that for Mercedes is a very serious take. The New S-Class comes equipped with almost every thinkable safety feature and with the most modern renditions of that like self-parking, speed management, following distance, automatic emergency braking, and lane-changing, etc. Mercedes-Benz has introduced the world's first rear-seat airbags and E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension, innovative driver-assist technology is immense. There is also the PRE-SAFE Impulse Side function, that belief is certainly sure-footed. The list of safety features include:

• Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
• Active Steering Assist
• Traffic Sign Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Lane Changing Assist
• Active Emergency Stop Assist
• Active Brake Assist with cross-traffic function
• Active Blind Spot Assist and exit warning function
• Evasive Steering

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-ClassVs. BMW 7 series

The BMW 7 Series is a Strong Contender to the S-Class and manages to offer the same amount of comfort on the inside. Compared to the Merc, the BMW feels quite roomy from the inside and also provides a decent cargo space. Also, BMW seems more like a "Driver's Car" with its exceptionally sharper and engaging handling, but then with the 2021 S-Class beats it at its own game too. 

In comparison, the Merc prioritizes passenger comfort and offers world-class technology and interior space. For the chauffeured and love being cuddled in luxury, the new S-Class will offer the best experience. The driving dynamics aren't bad either, it's just that Mercedes prioritizes comfort. Also, the price of the 2021 S-Class can go upwards, surely, the 7-series undercuts it.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vs. Audi A8

The Audi A8 L is a large luxury sedan with subtle yet appealing looks and a beautiful interior design structure. On the Inside, it is as modern and future-focused as it can get, and the dashboard is smartly crafted and makes anyone fall in love with it. But, it is not as comfortable and spacious in the rear as the Mercedes S-Class. The A8 L also feels slightly sluggish. The Audi manages to show its age in certain aspects and it is a quite dated car. The technology and the car have been here for some time now with very few updates. The Merc on the other hand is a brand new car from the ground up which might make you feel refreshed and good.

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Vs. Lexus LS 500

Lexus has not been too much on Mercedes’s heels, they have not always been a competition to these giants, and with the S-Class, they are supposed to be outclassed and outmatched with a margin but Lexus surprised us with a comeback. Even though their Lexus LS 500 is not up to the S-Class league it does show good potential and that is a positive note considering that it comes in as a good alternative to a car with a massive price tag.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is an excellent choice and might be a great addition to the fleet of cars and a new definition of luxury. It drives well and can be driven with great pleasure too with a powerful engine and great handling. The car does make a good argument for itself but the price only seems to be the down point here.