Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 Review
Written by Justin Delaney, an Independent Reviewer, Journalist, and Motor expert.
Here it is, the car that so many look to as the benchmark for future technology. The latest generation S-Class has arrived in Ireland in both standard and long wheelbase trim. This is Mercedes-Benz flagship offering and a car that introduced ABS back in 1978, a drivers Airbag in 1981 and Electronic Stability Control circa 1995. These were massive milestones for the S-Class and this tech would not just filter through all other Mercedes-Benz vehicles but around the world with other manufacturers taking note.
Designed with what Mercedes now calls ‘a high-status grille’ highlighting its 200 sq. cms larger nose, it has classically elegant appearance that will no doubt please existing S-Class owners and possibly tempt new buyers to the brand. It has always had presence on the road and this latest variant is further complimented by a stunning profile with door handles that retract flush with the body when not in use or traveling extend automatically when you approach. Add to this the striking and powerful rear end and you have one good-looking car!
Features
Every time Mercedes-Benz announce a new S-Class you know you can expect an even higher level of standard specification than its predecessor. Now standard items include AMG Design Line, rear Thermatronic Climate Control, Nappa leather upholstery, heated rear seats, metallic paint and OLED Touchscreen with Augmented Reality. Interior spaciousness and comfort was another priority for Mercedes-Benz and when you sit in it is noticeably bigger with driver and rear passenger elbowroom increased by 38mm and 23mm respectively. Headroom is also plentiful with 16mm more travel to the headliner and the boot can now swallow 550-litres which is 20-litres up on the outgoing model. When the driver’s door is closed the ambiance is altogether quieter and more comfortable. Its hard to hear the engine when started thanks to improved acoustics and when driving additional air and hydraulics adjust the suspension and dampen body movement to give you that magic carpet feel.
The S-Class makes use of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz MBUX User Experience with 3D display and 50 percent better computing power. Some of the features include eye-tracking spatial perception using cameras and algorithms that anticipate occupant wishes and interpret body language along with head and hand movements to manage functions. Essentially the S-Class is reading your mind as you drive! The ‘Hey Mercedes’ function, available to every seat occupant and recognises voice commands in twenty-seven languages. You can even chit-chat and ask general knowledge questions whilst on the move! A multi-speaker 4D sound system with any amount of personalisation functions and a new ‘over-the-air’ system that automatically updates software is also present! Hell the S-Class can even protect itself against vandalism but we will let your dealer talk you through that.
Power
Back up to the business end now and Mercedes have went with two petrol and three diesels offerings for now. A plug-in hybrid is also set to follow but all have a smooth V8 or 6-cylinder in-line engines paired with a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The petrol S450 and S500 are powered by the 2999cc engines, 4-MATIC all-wheel drive with a top speed of 250km/h.
The 0-100km/h comes up in 5.1 secs and 4.9 secs and torque of 500 and 520Nm respectively. Diesel variants include the S350d, S350d 4MATIC and S400d 4MATIC with top speeds of 250km/h, 0-100km/h acceleration from 6.4 to 5.4 seconds and torque of 600, 600 and 700Nm respectively.
Safety
Improved driver assistance packages that include the regular blind-spot monitoring, lane change assist and evasive steering assist are all present but an active body control feature which raises the vehicle up to 8 centimetres when a side impact threatens is also now installed on the S-Class. Add to this new headlamp technology which projects warning symbols onto the road ahead, Adaptive brake lights and attention assist to ensure the driver remains focused are all-present. The emergency call system can alert the emergency services automatically if the car is involved in a serious collision. As always you are in safe hands with the S-Class.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 Prices
Prices vary depending on your engine choice and specification but demand is expected to focus on the standard wheelbase 350dwhich is kicking off at €121,865. Naturally there are various tailored finance packages available through your local dealer.
Summary
Our time with the S-Class was short lived with Cork based dealer MSL kind enough to loan us an S-Class to film with. As expected it was sublime to drive wafting through the countryside making light work of virtually any road surface. Our test car had the optional supplementary ambient lighting making it a really nice place to spend time. The Start/stop function works much better on the big S-Class without turbo lag thanks to a powerful electric booster and integrated starter generator. It might look like a big fuel guzzler on the road but in actually fact between 35 and 42mpg can be achieved with ease in the 350d. In fact Mercedes are more conscious of their footprint these days and claim recyclable materials have been used in 120 components with more than 98kg made from resource-conserving materials and a further 40 kg from renewable raw materials.
It really aims to be the best luxury car it can be in every department and who are we to argue. If you are lucky enough to be searching for a car in this category, then be sure to take a test drive. It’s hard to be disappointed!
To see our YouTube video review, please click here.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 Pros
Style
Class
Drive
Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2021 Cons
Naturally expensive
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