History/Overview
The 2021 model year ushers in an all-new version of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class flagship sedan. This is the seventh generation of this full-size luxury car, which continues to be – in our opinion – one of the best examples of what the traditional upscale sedan class has to offer.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
With the arrival of the new S-Class sedan, AMG-tuned versions of the four-door go on hiatus. However, the S-Class’s coupe and convertible variants carry over from 2020, so you can still get those cars with the speedy AMG powertrains.
Available Trims
Along with the S-Class sedan’s new design, there are new trim designations for 2021. The big four-door starts as the short-wheelbase S 500 with a turbocharged 3.0L mild-hybrid inline six-cylinder engine, and the long-wheelbase S 580 trades up to a turbo 4.0L mild-hybrid V8.
The S-Class coupe and convertible start in S 560 form, powered by a non-hybrid 4.0L turbo V8, and the AMG 63 S gets a more potent version of the same engine.
A nine-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range, and all cars but the cabriolet get AWD.
Standard Features
S 500 SWD models get 19-inch wheels, air suspension with adaptive damping, all LED lighting inside and out, a panoramic sunroof, high-gloss poplar wood trim, a heated wood/leather-trimmed steering wheel, passive keyless entry, a hands-free trunk with power closer, soft-close doors, and rain-sensing wipers.
Safety features include a dashcam, radar cruise, active lane change/lane keeping/evasive steering assists, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, collision detection with automatic braking, and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic assist.
Inside the S 500 sedan cabin, you get 16-way power front sets, ambient lighting, heated armrests and rear seats, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview and side mirrors, and a 115-volt power outlet.
The S 500’s list of high-tech items comprises a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, biometric authentication, a Burmester 3D sound system, over-the-air software updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, MBUX infotainment interface, and wireless smartphone charging.
The S 580 adds 20-inch wheels, a long-wheelbase layout, and the V8 powertrain’s extra performance.
S-Class coupe and convertible models contain many of the same items as the sedan, but feature OLED taillights, 360-degree cameras (which are optional in the sedan), 12-way front seats, and a smaller non-OLED central touchscreen.
Key Options
A sport package adds AMG styling cues, sport brakes, and stainless steel pedals.
Premium and premium plus rear seat upgrades bring items like power-adjustable outboard seats with massage and climate comfort, neck heating, power side sunshades, a chauffeur package, rear climate control, rear-seat wireless device charging, and air purification and fragrance systems.
An exclusive package adds Nappa leather, upgraded floor mats, a dinamica roof liner, lighted door sills, and chrome trunk trim.
Fuel Economy
As of this writing, Mercedes-Benz had not published fuel consumption estimates for any of the 2021 S-Class models. However, last year’s ratings should still apply for the carry-over coupe and convertible: 13.8/8.8 L/100 km (city/highway) for the S 560 coupe, and 13.8/9.1 for the convertible; and 14.0/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway) for the AMG S 63 coupe, and 15.8./9.8 for the convertible.
Competition
If you’re looking to make an informed choice about how to spend your big bucks on a big German sedan, cross-shop the S-Class sedan against the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. You can expand your shopping list by considering the value-packed Genesis G90, too.
The S-Class coupe and convertible go up against a wide range of grand touring cars, like the BMW 8 Series, the Porsche 911, and Aston Martin Vantage.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
