You could argue that buyers in the large luxury sedan category don’t worry much over price. And Mercedes would back your argument. The marque has revealed details on the 2021 edition of the flagship Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan, and the headline is a $16,000 price increase. That’s right – you’ll be able to buy a 2021 S-Class for roughly the cost of a 2020 S-Class and a 2020 Hyundai Accent.
Our editors, for what it’s worth, found the last version of the S-Class a superb driving experience, but a bit too expensive when compared to its rivals. Full-size luxury cars are all marvels of engineering, with acceleration that will top some sports cars, handling that belies their massive size, and opulent materials at every place a drive or passenger will touch. They’re built like linemen and dance like ballerinas. But there are several on the market, and a price increase for one of the more expensive options is a bit of a surprise.
Equipment changes boost prices
There are some changes to justify the price bump. For 2021, every edition of the S-Class will come with 4matic all-wheel drive as standard equipment. All trim levels also claim a new, 12.8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and an all-around camera system that displays a 3D model of the car and its surroundings.
Trim levels are slightly confusing on the S-Class. There are two available engines, and three sets of features. The low-end S500 model carries an inline 6-cylinder engine making 429 horsepower (a jump from the old model’s 362) with a so-called “mild hybrid” system to save a bit on fuel and emissions. The more powerful S580 features a twin-turbo V8 making 496 horsepower.
The entry-level S500 Luxury now starts at an MSRP of $110,850. With the larger engine, the S580 Luxury costs $117,350.
A step up gets you the AMG Line model, available with either engine. It adds rear-wheel steering, a head-up display, heated seats at all four positions instead of just the front, and a heated steering wheel. The S500 AMG will cost you $115,150, while the S580 AMG will set you back $121,650.
A top-of-the-line Executive model will be available on the S580, though not the S500. It adds massaging seats at all four positions, rear entertainment screens, and a sportier rear-wheel steering system.
That’s not the entire lineup. Mercedes tells us an ultra-sumptuous Maybach edition will bow later in the model year. The brand’s AMG performance shop will also offer a performance-tuned model. Price is unknown for both of those.
