2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class First Drive Review

Mercedes-Benz S580: A Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury

For the past 21 years, Mercedes-Benz has consistently communicated its commitment to excellence through the “best or nothing” marketing slogan. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 sedan embodies this philosophy, representing the automaker’s dedication to providing a superior vehicle experience.

Advanced Technology and Features

To ensure the S580 meets the highest standards, Mercedes-Benz has integrated cutting-edge technology throughout the vehicle. This includes an innovative infotainment system designed to learn and anticipate the driver’s preferences. Furthermore, enhancements to the advanced driver assistance systems and the inclusion of rear-steering capabilities elevate the driving experience.

Priced starting at $110,850, this luxury sedan is tailored for discerning executives who demand a top-tier Mercedes-Benz with all the modern conveniences and advancements available.

Dimensions and Performance

Staying true to S-Class tradition, the sedan maintains its imposing presence. The latest iteration boasts increased dimensions, growing 1.3 inches in length and 0.4 inches in height. This provides enhanced comfort and space for both passengers and luggage.

The base 2021 Mercedes-Benz S500 is equipped with all-wheel drive and a newly developed inline six-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 429 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, representing a significant power increase compared to the previous generation.

The S580 model, which was tested, also features all-wheel drive and a remarkably smooth, powerful, and quiet 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This engine generates 496 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Both versions incorporate a 48-volt mild hybrid system for improved efficiency.

A History of Innovation

Mercedes-Benz has long prioritized “human-centered innovation” within its S-Class vehicles. Initially, this focus centered on safety improvements, such as preventing accidental door openings during collisions in the 1950s and implementing crumple zones in the 1960s.

Since the 1990s, the brand has shifted its attention to streamlining the driving experience. This included features like an optional voice recognition system introduced in 1996, enabling voice-activated carphone operation.

The Future of Luxury

Mercedes-Benz continues to push the boundaries of automotive technology, exemplified by the launch of the all-electric EQS, a counterpart to the S-Class. While the 2021 S-Class represents a new generation of executive transportation with its impressive array of technologies, it doesn’t quite surpass the capabilities of the fully electric EQS model.

The S-Class remains a benchmark in the luxury automotive segment, offering a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and innovation.

Driver Assistance Systems

Driver assistance systems are increasingly common features in modern vehicles. These technologies aim to enhance safety and convenience for drivers and passengers alike.

What are Driver Assistance Systems?

These systems utilize a variety of sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. They then provide alerts or even take corrective actions to prevent accidents or make driving easier.

Types of Driver Assistance Systems

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): LDW alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LKA actively steers the vehicle back into its lane if it detects unintentional lane departure.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): AEB detects potential collisions and automatically applies the brakes to mitigate or avoid impact.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM): BSM alerts the driver to the presence of vehicles in their blind spots.
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): RCTA warns the driver of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space.
• Parking Assist: This system helps drivers maneuver into parking spaces, often controlling the steering while the driver manages the accelerator and brakes.

How Do These Systems Work?

The functionality of these systems relies on sophisticated data processing. Sensors gather information about the environment, and onboard computers analyze this data to make decisions.

For example, Automatic Emergency Braking uses radar and cameras to identify obstacles. If a collision is imminent and the driver doesn't react, the system applies the brakes.

Benefits of Driver Assistance

Driver assistance technologies offer several key advantages. They can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and lessen the severity of those that do occur.

Furthermore, these systems can reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. They contribute to a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience.

Limitations and Considerations

It’s important to remember that driver assistance systems are not a substitute for attentive driving. They have limitations and may not function perfectly in all conditions.

Factors like inclement weather, poor road markings, and sensor obstructions can affect their performance. Drivers should always remain aware of their surroundings and be prepared to take control of the vehicle.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has consistently been at the forefront of advanced driver assistance system development, initially introducing its Distronic adaptive cruise control in 1998.

The 2021 S-Class showcases a significant enhancement to these systems, known as Drive Pilot. This iteration incorporates a comprehensive suite of 22 sensors and cameras strategically positioned around the vehicle.

These components relay data to five powerful multicore processors capable of analyzing the driving environment 1,000 times per second. This allows for dynamic adjustments to the suspension system, optimizing ride quality and safety.

Essentially, the vehicle actively perceives and reacts to various road conditions, including the presence of other vehicles, traffic signals, pedestrians, and cyclists. It then aims to respond in a manner mirroring that of a human driver.

During a 130-mile journey from Los Angeles to Montecito, encompassing both winding roads and congested freeway traffic on the 405, the S580’s adaptive cruise control was utilized extensively. The system functioned effectively, smoothly accelerating and decelerating within traffic flow from the 105 to the 101.

Notably, the drive concluded without the fatigue and frustration often associated with prolonged stop-and-go traffic. Even a near-miss incident, caused by a distracted driver changing lanes abruptly, was handled effectively by the adaptive cruise system.

Mercedes-Benz has implemented measures to ensure driver attentiveness while utilizing ADAS features. Touch sensors integrated into the steering wheel and interior, coupled with eye-tracking and facial recognition cameras, continuously monitor the driver’s state.

Should the driver remove their hands from the sensors, a visual alert appears on the display, and the ADAS system disengages after a short period. Furthermore, the system detects signs of drowsiness or inattention through facial and eyelid movement analysis, prompting the driver to take a break.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz asserts that the 2021 S-Class is engineered to support Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities. Company executives indicated in September that “Level 3 conditional driving is imminent,” with the vehicle’s hardware designed to facilitate this progression.

The 22 sensors and cameras are capable of identifying speed limit signs, construction zones, and other potential road hazards. While generally beneficial, this feature occasionally proved disruptive, particularly when the vehicle abruptly slowed to match lower speed limits in faster-moving traffic.

The new S-Class also features a lane-changing assistant designed to facilitate safe lane changes without deactivating the ADAS system. Activating the turn signal while on cruise control (with hands on the wheel and eyes forward) prompts the S-Class to execute the maneuver, centering the vehicle in the new lane.

Beyond ADAS enhancements, Mercedes-Benz has upgraded its parking assistant. When equipped with the Intelligent Park Pilot, the S-Class has the potential to autonomously park itself in compatible multilevel automated valet parking (AVP) facilities.

However, this functionality is contingent upon the availability of appropriately equipped parking structures and adherence to relevant national legislation. The S-Class has grown in size, comparable to many mid-size SUVs, leading to the integration of rear-axle steering.

This system allows the rear wheels to turn up to 10 degrees in either direction, reducing the turning radius by almost seven feet. Complementing this is an advanced air suspension system, designed to enhance ride comfort and adapt to varying road surfaces.

Moreover, the suspension system contributes to safety by utilizing the vehicle’s sensors and cameras. In anticipation of a side impact, the system can rapidly raise the vehicle’s body by approximately three inches, providing increased passenger protection.

AI Assistant

The S580 model, priced at over $148,000, differed from the EQS tested by Tamara Warren in that it lacked the expansive 56-inch Hyperscreen. Instead, it featured a centrally located 12.8-inch OLED screen extending from the dashboard to the armrest, serving as the vehicle’s primary control interface. This screen allows for adjustments ranging from the in-cabin fragrance emitted from a glovebox diffuser to accessing Mercedes wellness functionalities.

The screen’s brightness and clarity remain excellent even under direct sunlight, without producing glare, and it proves surprisingly non-distracting during nighttime driving.

Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

A particularly noteworthy aspect of the new S-Class is its exceptionally clear and immersive 3D augmented reality head-up display, projected onto the windshield. The display remains visible from various head positions within the driver’s seat, and is even partially viewable by the passenger.

Utilizing the MBUX infotainment system – an abbreviation for Mercedes Benz User Experience – and inputting a destination triggers the appearance of blue augmented-reality arrows in the HUD. These arrows overlay a live video feed of the road ahead on the center stack, guiding the driver into the correct lane for upcoming offramps, turns, and the final destination.

Drivers can deactivate this feature or customize the instrument display using touch-capacitive controls on the steering wheel.

Mercedes reports a 50% increase in MBUX’s computing power compared to the previous generation, alongside a memory bandwidth of 41,790 MB/s, powered by an NVIDIA Xavier processor (a significant upgrade from the prior Tegra 3). This enhancement results in minimal system lag, stuttering, or operational confusion.

This increased power also significantly improves the accuracy of the natural language voice recognition system. Activation is possible through steering wheel buttons or the voice command “Hey, Mercedes.”

The system can handle a wide range of requests, including information searches (requiring connectivity), temperature adjustments, activation of pre-programmed wellness programs, initiating phone calls, or providing navigation to new locations, with remarkable precision. The only observed limitation occurred when attempting voice-guided navigation to addresses exceeding four numerical digits.

In such instances, reverting to the intuitive touchscreen on the center stack proved more effective.

Although extensive testing of the S-Class’s advanced AI capabilities wasn’t possible, Mercedes states that MBUX can integrate with smart home systems and learn driving habits. For example, it could potentially turn on home lights or initiate a coffee machine based on the driver’s routine.

The system learns from frequently traveled routes and repeated requests, proactively offering to call contacts or navigate to preferred destinations at customary times.

The S-Class is equipped with a wealth of features, technologies, and amenities designed to enhance comfort and reduce driving stress. This has already earned the vehicle several awards, including World Luxury Car of the Year (it should be noted that the author is a World Car Juror). If luxury is defined by seamlessly integrated technology that transforms long journeys into relaxing experiences, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers exceptionally well.