Table of Contents
Introduction
The 2021 Mercedes S-Class isn’t just a luxury sedan—it’s a flagship statement of what modern automotive innovation should be. Known for its refinement, cutting-edge technology, and sumptuous comfort, the S-Class has consistently raised the bar for what’s expected in executive sedans.
The 2021 model continues this tradition with dramatic design upgrades, an advanced MBUX infotainment system, and next-level driver-assistance features. This article comprehensively examines the 2021 Mercedes S-Class, examining every detail from design and engine to expert impressions and real-world performance.
| Category | Details |
| Model Name | 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class |
| Available Trims | S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC |
| Engine Options | 3.0L I6 turbo w/ EQ Boost (429 hp), 4.0L V8 Biturbo w/ EQ Boost (496 hp) |
| Torque | 384 lb-ft (S 500), 516 lb-ft (S 580) |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph Time | ~4.4 seconds (S 580) |
| Top Speed | Electronically limited to 130 mph |
| Fuel Economy (MPG) | ~17–21 city / 26–30 highway |
| Exterior Design | Sleek silhouette, Digital Light LEDs, the aerodynamic drag coefficient of 0.22 |
| Interior Highlights | Nappa leather, wood/aluminium trim, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof |
| Infotainment System | 12.8” OLED touchscreen, MBUX 2.0, voice control, AR navigation |
| Rear Seat Tech | Up to 3 rear screens, rear MBUX tablet |
| Driver Assistance | Adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, emergency braking, rear-axle steering. |
| Suspension System | AIRMATIC with E-Active Body Control |
| Rear-Axle Steering | Yes, up to 10° rotation for a tighter turning radius |
| Safety Innovations | Pre-Safe Impulse Side, advanced airbag deployment |
| Trim Options | Executive Line, Warmth & Comfort, Night Package, Rear Entertainment |
| Base Price | ~$110,000 (S 500), ~$117,000 (S 580) |
| Max Price (Fully Loaded) | ~$140,000+ |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles limited warranty |
| Expert Verdict | Benchmark for luxury sedans, unmatched ride, tech, and refinement |
Exterior Design: Elegance Refined
Sophisticated Styling
The 2021 S-Class adopts a sleeker, more minimalist exterior than its predecessor. Smooth lines, a stretched silhouette, and a gracefully contoured hood give it a stately presence. The grille is bold but elegant, flanked by LED Digital Light headlamps that offer impressive lighting intelligence.
Mercedes engineers have optimised the aerodynamics to a drag coefficient of just 0.22, making it one of the most aerodynamically efficient luxury sedans. The body is composed of lightweight materials like aluminium and high-strength steel, which improves efficiency and crash safety.
2021 Mercedes S-Class Interior Design
Materials and Craftsmanship
The cabin of the 2021 S-Class is a masterclass in Luxury. Expect Nappa leather upholstery, wood trim options including walnut and ash, and brushed aluminium accents. Every detail, from the stitching to the ambient lighting, is engineered to deliver a sensory experience.
Comfort and Space
Front and rear passengers benefit from increased legroom and enhanced seat ergonomics. Rear Executive seats include features like massage functions, memory settings, and even heated armrests. The panoramic sunroof adds to the feeling of openness.
Powertrain and Engine Performance
Engine Options
The 2021 Mercedes S-Class comes with two main engine variants in the U.S. market:
- S 500 4matic: 3.0-litre inline-six turbo with EQ Boost, producing 429 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
- S 580 4matic: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with EQ Boost, producing 496 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines come mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive.
Performance Metrics
- 0–60 mph: Approximately 4.4 seconds (S 580)
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 130 mph
- Fuel Economy: Around 17–21 mpg city / 26–30 mpg highway, depending on the engine
Technology and Infotainment
The 2021 S-Class introduces the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system. The highlight is a massive 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen seamlessly integrated into the centre console. Additional features include:
- Augmented Reality Navigation
- Natural Language Voice Control
- Personalised driver profiles
- Over-the-air software updates
Rear Seat Technology
Rear passengers aren’t left behind. The S-Class features up to three screens in the back with touchscreen functionality, plus an MBUX tablet in the rear centre armrest that controls most vehicle functions.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Driving Assistance Package
Mercedes doesn’t compromise on safety. The 2021 S-Class includes the latest iteration of its Driving Assistance Package, which features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Lane-Keeping Assist
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Ride Quality and Handling
The S-Class features the E-Active Body Control system paired with AIRMATIC air suspension. This setup scans the road ahead and adjusts damping at each wheel to smooth out imperfections, offering a “magic carpet” ride.
A game-changing feature is rear-axle steering, which can turn the rear wheels to 10 degrees. This dramatically improves manoeuvrability in tight spaces and adds stability at high speeds.
Expert Impressions
Critics’ Praise
Automotive journalists universally hail the 2021 S-Class as a leader in the luxury sedan segment. Notable highlights from expert reviews include:
- Car and Driver: “A high-tech sanctuary with unparalleled comfort.”
- MotorTrend: “Luxury, reimagined. The S-Class remains untouchable.”
- Top Gear: “An S-Class through and through—elegant, intelligent, and dominant.”
Real-World Driving
Drivers have commented on the car’s whisper-quiet cabin, silky-smooth transmission, and near-telepathic driver assistance systems. Whether on winding roads or urban streets, the S-Class perfectly balances performance and serenity.
Trim Levels and Options
- S 500 4MATIC
- S 580 4MATIC
Optional packages include:
- Executive Line Package
- Warmth & Comfort Package
- Rear Seat Entertainment Package
- Night Package (adds black exterior accents)
Buyers can personalize the S-Class extensively with over a dozen paint choices, wheel designs, and cabin configurations.
Pricing and Value
The starting prices for the 2021 S-Class are:
- S 500 4MATIC: ~$110,000
- S 580 4MATIC: ~$117,000
Fully optioned, prices can exceed $140,000. While costly, the value lies in the unmatched refinement, comfort, and technology that define the segment.
Ownership Experience
Warranty and Maintenance
Mercedes offers a 4-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Optional prepaid maintenance packages are available for extended peace of mind. The S-Class is also eligible for the Mercedes Connect suite, allowing remote control and monitoring via smartphone.
Longevity and Resale
S-Class sedans are known for their longevity and solid resale value, especially when well-maintained. Buyers often keep these vehicles for over a decade thanks to their timeless design and robust engineering.
Conclusion
The 2021 Mercedes S-Class remains the gold standard in the luxury sedan market. With its elegant redesign, powerful yet refined powertrains, and a cabin that feels more like a five-star lounge than a car interior, the S-Class continues to define what modern luxury looks and feels like.
This vehicle isn’t just a car—it’s a statement, an experience, and a testament to the pursuit of automotive perfection. For those who demand the absolute best in comfort, innovation, and performance, the 2021 S-Class delivers on every front.
Apart from that, if you are interested to know about “The New Mercedes EQS Exterior” then visit our “Automobile” category.
FAQs
Yes, the S 500 and S 580 models come with the Mercedes’ 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system as standard.
The base price is around $110,000 for the S 500 4MATIC and approximately $117,000 for the S 580 4MATIC. Fully loaded models can exceed $140,000.
The S 580 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.4 seconds, thanks to its powerful V8 engine and EQ Boost.
Key features include a 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen with MBUX 2.0, augmented reality navigation, biometric login, voice control, and optional rear-seat entertainment systems.
