X

2021 Mercedes-Benz S580 blends wild tech, mild style

Who could imagine such bold cabin tech lurks beneath the new S-Class' conservative exterior design?

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com
Antuan Goodwin
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732651
1 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

As Mercedes-Benz's luxury flagship sedan, we expect nothing but the best from the 2021 S-Class. Unsurprisingly, it delivers.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732657
2 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Behind the bulging grille of the S580 spec lives a 496-horsepower, 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine. 

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732661
3 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The grille is also home to a sophisticated radar and camera sensor package 

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732663
4 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The new look builds on its predecessors, reimagining almost every individual element while still bringing together the classic S-Class aesthetic.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732664
5 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The 19-inch wheels are standard, but you have the option for 21-inch rollers. The big wheels don't compromise ride quality thanks to a well-tuned air suspension.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732667
6 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

One of the nicest new details are the motorized door handles that sit flush with the body.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732684
7 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Boasting a longer wheelbase than last year, optional rear-wheel steering helps to keep this long lad nimble and easy to maneuver around town. Two different systems -- one with 4.5 degrees of articulation and another with 10 degrees -- are available.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732679
8 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Check out our full first drive review to learn more about the S-Class' uber-refined performance and bold new cabin technologies.

2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732671
9 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732673
10 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732676
11 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732677
12 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732681
13 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732685
14 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732687
15 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732691
16 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732693
17 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732694
18 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732697
19 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732652
20 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732703
21 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732705
22 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732708
23 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732712
24 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732715
25 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732717
26 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732718
27 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732721
28 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732723
29 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732725
30 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732727
31 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732729
32 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732730
33 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732732
34 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732736
35 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732739
36 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732740
37 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732741
38 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732742
39 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732747
40 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732755
41 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732761
42 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732767
43 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732780
44 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732781
45 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732785
46 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732786
47 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732791
48 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow
2021-mercedes-benz-s-class-s580-4matic-732655
49 of 49Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
Do You Know About These 17 Hidden iOS 17 Features?
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

Do You Know About These 17 Hidden iOS 17 Features?

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos