Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class has long been Mercedes-Benz's flagship vehicle platform to showcase the company's capabilities in luxury, comfort and technology. For 2021, Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively redesigned the S-Class and looks to continue the tradition of innovation and elegance that has long defined this iconic sedan

The most recognizable changes can be seen inside the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It flaunts a larger touchscreen and fewer physical buttons, proof that Mercedes has delved further into using technology to enhance the comfort and driving experience. Even with a tech-heavy appearance, there's still the opulence and attention to detail S-Class buyers expect. Of course there are many, if not more, changes beneath the subtle metal restyling. A retuned suspension, more sophisticated advanced driver aids and an impressive rear-wheel steering system are among them.

With its full redesign, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class leaves no doubt that it offers one of the most technologically advanced and refined driving experiences on the market. Bristling with technology that provides not only comfort but also intense personalization as well as safety, the S-Class again sets a new standard for a luxury sedan. It might take some buyers a bit of time to adjust to the radically new interior, but our time in the new S-Class has left us deeply impressed.

There's nothing wrong with selecting the turbocharged six-cylinder, but sedans at this price level really should have a powertrain that's as impressive as the rest of the vehicle. For that reason, we'd select the S 580 and its V8. Most buyers will be served well by the base Luxury Line trim, which features a rock-star lineup of desirable features. However, if you want backseat passengers to experience the same luxuries enjoyed by those in front, the Executive Line is the way to go.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a large luxury vehicle sold in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The sedan is completely redesigned for 2021, while the coupe and convertible are essentially carried over from the previous generation. Since little has changed for the coupe and convertible for 2021, be sure to check out last year's review for a full list of standard and optional features for these models.

The 2021 S-Class sedan is available with your choice of two powertrains. The S 500 is driven by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (429 horsepower, 384 lb-ft of torque) paired to a mild hybrid system. The hybrid component can provide an extra boost of 21 hp and 184 lb-ft under certain conditions. The S 580 also uses this mild hybrid system, but this time it's paired with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (496 hp, 516 lb-ft). Both models feature all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

New for this year are three trim levels. The Luxury Line and AMG Line are available with either engine, while the range-topping Executive Line can only be optioned on the S 580.

Luxury Line Regardless of engine choice, the base S-Class trim is known as the Luxury Line. It has a vast set of standard features that include:

19-inch wheels
Power trunklid
Panoramic sunroof
Air suspension (can raise or lower the ride height of the vehicle)
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Dual-zone automatic climate control with fragrance atomizer
Ambient interior lighting
Heated, ventilated and massaging front seats
Leather upholstery (S 500 only)
Premium leather upholstery (S 580 only)
Power front and rear sunshades
Navigation system with augmented reality driving directions
12.8-inch OLED touchscreen
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality
Wireless charging pad
15-speaker Burmester audio system
Eight USB-C ports

The S 500 also comes with a comprehensive list of advanced driving aids, such as:

Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Mercedes and the car in front)
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automated lane-change assist (guides the vehicle into the next lane when the turn signal is used)
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Safe exit assist (alerts passengers when opening a door into traffic approaching from behind)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
Rear and cross-traffic automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle, or a vehicle or pedestrian crossing in front of the vehicle)
Front-mounted dashcam (records an image of the road ahead, which can be reviewed at a later time)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Mercedes-Benz and its surroundings for tight parking situations)