2022 Mercedes S580
I’ve written previously that the introduction of a new Mercedes S-class sedan isn’t as big a deal as it used to be because SUVs have intruded so much into the luxury sedan market. In fact, you could argue that the launch of the new Range Rover earlier this year was more important than the introduction of the latest S-class.
Nevertheless, a new S-class is still a big deal, and I was definitely paying attention when Mercedes launched the most recent version of their flagship sedan last year.
The seventh generation S-class, known internally as the W223 model, doesn’t look radically different from its predecessor, but it’s way ahead technically.
For starters, the 12.8-inch OLED touchscreen display above the center console along with a second 12.3-inch customizable screen in front of the driver are very advanced. Using the navigation system on the smaller display gives you a 3-D image of the S-class moving across the land, and it works in concert with the heads-up display that places directions onto the reality that you actually see. It’s better than other satnav systems and is impressive to experience in person.
The bottom part of the central display shows climate controls all the time, which I appreciate, along with a few physical buttons beneath that for changing driving modes, turning up the volume, and activating the hazards. In addition, there are four USB-C ports in the center console for front-seat occupants to use, if they’re so inclined.
Design-wise, Mercedes played it conservative with the latest S. Given the many upgrades and enhancements, I would have expected more ground breaking styling, honestly. Presumably the brass at Mercedes AG decided to put all of their advanced styling chips on the all-electric EQS rather than the “dinosaur” internal combustion engine (ICE) S-class, which is a shame.
By the way, the S580's powertrain is as clean and modern as ICE gets. It’s a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 496HP and 516ft-lb of torque, augmented by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that adds 21HP to the mix, mostly when you’re accelerating from a stop. The V8 is plenty powerful by itself, but with the mild hybrid boost, the S580 feels like it has an even bigger engine.
The nine-speed automatic transmission does its thing with near imperceptibility, and optional rear-axle steering—a $1,300 option—means that the S580 is easy to navigate through parking lots and other tight confines.
A word about the rear-axle steering: I live in an in-town condominium with a parking structure and this-is-your-spot parking. Maneuvering any vehicle into my spot is generally difficult, but, impressively, with the S580 it was easy, because the rear-axle steering made this decidedly large sedan move like a Honda Civic. Pro tip: do not order an S-class without checking the rear-axle steering box.
The rear-axle steering also makes changing lanes on the interstate smoother by the way. In those situations, the rear wheels turn the same way as the fronts, enabling calmer direction changes.
Actually, driving the S-class under any circumstances is a calming experience. Whether running errands in town, eating up miles on the interstate, or hustling down a B-road, the Mercedes flagship sedan excels. The aforementioned engine and transmission get much of the credit, but a top-shelf suspension system and advanced software contribute significantly. Every time I drove the S580 I thought, “this must be the best sedan ever built”. And it mostly is. Certainly, Bentley and Rolls Royce make the absolute best sedans in the world, but those vehicles are three to four times more expensive than the S-class, and no way are they three to four times better.
I’ve noted previously how much better Mercedes interiors are than they used to be, and that’s doubly true for the S-class. Everything you touch feels comfortable and reassuring, and everything you see looks expensive. Plus there’s the sleekly modern tech described above that’s integrated with the cushiness in a very pleasing way.
For the record, my test car carried a sobering MSRP of just under $140,000, and the EPA rates the S580 at 16 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, not Sierra Club-friendly numbers.
The new Mercedes S-class is a wonderful top-shelf ICE sedan that’s as good as it gets, as long as you’re not in the market for a car that costs a half million dollars. And even then, it’s competitive. If you don’t have to have an SUV then this is the sedan for you. Just make sure you get the rear-axle steering.
Note for readers: A trauma surgeon friend and I have launched an automotive podcast that may interest you. It’s called, “Cars on Call”, and it features discussions about a myriad of automotive subjects from two physicians’ perspective. It’s available on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms, and I hope you give it a listen.