Price (as tested) 💲: $143,240
Powertrain ⚙️: Twin-Turbocharged 4.0-liter V8
Output 💪: 496 hp/516 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 9-speed automatic
0-60 MPH 🚦: 4.4 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 130 mph
MPGe (as tested) ⛽️: 17 city/25 hwy/20 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 4,950 lbs
The S-Class is central to the Mercedes-Benz brand. The German automaker’s first saloon, the Mercedes-Simplex 60 PS, debuted in 1903. Twenty-seven years later, the Mercedes-Benz Nürburg (W 08) became the company’s first production model with an eight-cylinder engine. In 1937, the Mercedes-Benz 320 (W 142) added new luxuries to the passenger car segment. The three-box design was later championed by the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 220 (W 180). Soon after, the 220 SE (W 111) “Fintail” integrated safe design into a series production car. Air suspension arrived in a sedan as early as the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 (W 109). In 1972, Mercedes-Benz’s full-size sedan finally became know as the S-Class with the 116 model.
Seven generations later, Mercedes-Benz is introducing the all-new S-Class. As with each of its predecessors, the new S-Class is endowed with the company’s best technology and amenities. Touting class-leading driver assistance features, ride quality, and conveniences, the 2021 S-Class (S 460 + S 580) is primed to take on the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 as the king of full-size luxury sedans. Find out whether the 2021 S 580 takes the crown in this in-depth review.