2021 Mercedes S-Class - intelligent Drive
The 2021 S-class sedan hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Every four-door S-class comes with an array of standard driver-assistance technology, including the ability to park itself and even take preventative measures to protect passengers when it detects an imminent collision. The sedan will also be available with innovative features that include rear-seat airbags and an active suspension that will lift the car up to reduce the severity of damage during a collision. Likely safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
Mercedes offers the sedan with either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system (called EQ Boost) and pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. There will also be a plug-in-hybrid model that's said to have about 60 miles of all-electric range. The S560 coupe and convertible also feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but it's not electrically enhanced and makes 463 horses. Still, the last coupe we tested had smooth, expeditious acceleration that didn't disrupt passenger comfort. It also provided precise feedback from the steering and needed 178 feet to stop from 70 mph. As for the new sedan, we recently rode in a prototype S-class that showcased the sedan's different suspension and steering modes. While every model rides on an air suspension, we sampled the E-Active Body Control, which has a "curve" function" that subtly leans the car into corners. However, Mercedes says this feature won't be available until next year. The S-class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering system that makes the big-bodied Merc surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the new S-class receives a new design that prioritizes screens. Lots of them. The sedan is available with up to five, including a giant center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The latter works in concert with other technology to create a three-dimensional effect, but—thankfully—it can be turned off if you'd prefer the screens have a conventional appearance. There's also an enhanced head-up display that will show navigation directions in augmented reality. Basically, arrows move and turn in real-time to supposedly better assist the driver. We expect the build quality and cabin materials to meet or exceed Mercedes' upscale standards, and we know the sedan will continue to provide limousine-like accommodations for all passengers, specifically those riding in the back. ...
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability
Mercedes offers the sedan with either a 429-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine on the S500 or a 496-hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 on the S580. Both powertrains are supplemented by a 48-volt hybrid system (called EQ Boost) and pair with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4Matic all-wheel drive. There will also be a plug-in-hybrid model that's said to have about 60 miles of all-electric range. The S560 coupe and convertible also feature a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8, but it's not electrically enhanced and makes 463 horses. Still, the last coupe we tested had smooth, expeditious acceleration that didn't disrupt passenger comfort. It also provided precise feedback from the steering and needed 178 feet to stop from 70 mph. As for the new sedan, we recently rode in a prototype S-class that showcased the sedan's different suspension and steering modes. While every model rides on an air suspension, we sampled the E-Active Body Control, which has a "curve" function" that subtly leans the car into corners. However, Mercedes says this feature won't be available until next year. The S-class can also be equipped with an all-wheel steering system that makes the big-bodied Merc surprisingly easy to maneuver in tight spaces.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the new S-class receives a new design that prioritizes screens. Lots of them. The sedan is available with up to five, including a giant center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The latter works in concert with other technology to create a three-dimensional effect, but—thankfully—it can be turned off if you'd prefer the screens have a conventional appearance. There's also an enhanced head-up display that will show navigation directions in augmented reality. Basically, arrows move and turn in real-time to supposedly better assist the driver. We expect the build quality and cabin materials to meet or exceed Mercedes' upscale standards, and we know the sedan will continue to provide limousine-like accommodations for all passengers, specifically those riding in the back. ...