In a world where the engines are getting smaller, Mercedes is still building big V8 engines in its flagship sedan.
The 496hp twin turbo V8 rockets the Mercedes S580 Sedan with authority when you mash the gas. Most drivers will enjoy the smooth, effortless acceleration at a more relaxed pace. This is the second S class I have driven in the last year, and I’m surprised by how much more confident the big sedan is in the corners compared to previous generations.
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Not many will push the car to the extreme, but everyone will welcome its smooth and hushed highway manners as the S580 glides on the road.
With rear axle steering, this big car drives smaller and allows tighter turns in parking lots. The 4Matic AWD system provides grip in all weather conditions and helps put all that power to the ground.
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Open the door, and you can see that the cabin is well-appointed with loads of space.
Grab a seat in the multi-contour heated/ventilated and massaging seats and the miles and any stress simply melt away. Sitting in the back seat is also luxurious, with all the comfort of the front seats without the hassle of driving.
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The interior is covered in leather, wood and aluminum trim. It looks great, and it feels nice to the touch.
Mercedes gives the S class some high tech, too, with the 3D technology package. You get an augmented reality head-up display and a 3D instrument panel. After a few minutes of adjusting to something new, it is very impressive.
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The S580 sedan continues the tradition of the Mercedes flagship when it comes to the styling. It sports a long-stretched body but with a more modern look than previous S class models. The new nose boasts a distinctive grill, and sleek LED headlight clusters carry the familiar Mercedes hood ornament.
The power door handles make it easy to get in and out and give the S class a sleek look when retracted. The optional AMG 21 inch-wheels and AMG body styling kit give the Mercedes a touch of sport to go along with the luxurious lines of the Benz.
Not many cars can pull off Emerald Green, but the Mercedes S580 Sedan looks tremendous in the hue, even in a week of mostly rain.
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Cost: $117,700; as tested, $125,890
MPG: 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway; I managed 20.7 mpg in 316 miles of mixed driving.
Safety: active brake assist; attention assist; adaptive highbeam assist; crosswind stabilization; blind spot assist; surround view camera; Parktronic with active parking assist; pre-safe/pre-safe sound; active Distance assist DISTRONIC; active and Evasive steering assist; active blind spot assist; active lane keeping & lane change assist; active brake assist with cross-traffic function; congestion emergency braking & stop assist; PRE-SAFE impulse side & PRE-SAFE plus; route-based speed adaptation; active stop-and-go assist with extended restart in stop-and-go traffic.
Options: $1,300 rear axle steering 4.5 degree; $1,950 21” AMG wheels; $790 active ambient lighting; $1,800 warmth and comfort package; $400 night package; $1,190 3D instrument cluster; $4,300 AMG line $1050 destination and delivery
Things to know: The S580 is a large luxury sedan that uses V8 power to create a smooth and powerful flagship sedan for Mercedes.
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