to worry that I might be ratted out if I talked too
critically during an evaluation.
Display is another expression of 21st century
technology and the S-Class is all aboard with not
only big OLED screens, but three-dimensional
presentation in the heads-up display. And the
robust, optional Burmeister sound system will
surround you with 30 speakers, including two
subwoofers and even adjustable bass vibration
in the front seats. Those same seats can also
heat, cool, and massage as a part of six different
settings in an Energizing Comfort program. No
wonder there's a microprocessor shortage in the
automotive industry.
Despite a host of worthy rivals at this flagship
level, Mercedes-Benz' S-Class remains the standard
of luxury.
The newest S-Class is offered in three model trims:
the S500 with a perfectly reasonable and smooth
429HP, 3.0-liter engine, the S580 with its 4.0-liter,
496HP twin turbo V8, and the Maybach edition that
adds ultra-luxury touches. An AMG version is no
longer offered since the S580's nearly 500HP will
launch the vehicle to 60 MPH in just four seconds.
Start a Conversation
If you wish for something from S580, just ask. "Hey
Mercedes" summons a quick response from an
improved Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX)
and the voice recognition's deep vocabulary will
nearly always deliver the operation you request,
from wipers to music selection and navigation. The
system's first generation was so attentive it would
occasionally interrupt a human conversation as if it
were eavesdropping. Thankfully, that's fixed. I used
Front engine,
all-wheel-drive
4.0-liter Twin Turbo V8
496 @ 5,500 RPM
516 lb.ft. @ 2,000 RPM
$116,300
$143,240
17 city
25 highway
20 combined
TYPE:
ENGINE:
HORSEPOWER:
TORQUE:
BASE PRICE:
AS TESTED:
FUEL
CONSUMPTION:
2021 Mercedes-Benz S580
ranchandcoast.com @ranchandcoast
RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2021
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