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Sunday Drive: The 2024 Mercedes S-Class sedan is all that and more

By Craig and Deanne Conover - | Feb 24, 2024
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Deanne stands with the 2024 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC sedan. What a great and comfortable ride it proved to be. We could really get used to that kind of pampering.
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The 2024 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC sedan in the sun just after it arrived. What a beautiful, well-designed automobile.
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The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Inside the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Inside the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
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Inside the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Luxury, performance and cutting-edge technology — these are the hallmarks of the 2024 Mercedes S 580 4MATIC sedan. Having one for a week in our garage proved to us that craftsmanship can be worth every penny that is included with it. We spent the week diving into and becoming immersed in the opulent experience that defines an S-Class Mercedes.

Exterior elegance

The 2024 S 580, of course, made a striking first impression with us, as its redesigned exterior combined timeless sophistication with modern flair. The sleek lines, prominent grille and expressive LED lighting contributed to an aesthetic that is both commanding and graceful.

Our test vehicle, finished in a lustrous selenite gray metallic, added an extra layer of elegance that had many doing a double take wherever we went. Add to that the timeless Mercedes ornament that sat front and center on the hood and folks knew we were in a Benz!

Interior opulence

Stepping inside the S 580 reveals a sanctuary of luxury and comfort. The cabin is meticulously crafted with premium materials, from the hand-finished wood trims to the sumptuous leather upholstery. The seats are both heated and ventilated, offering the epitome of comfort in any weather condition. Add to that a massaging feature in the front seats, and we found ourselves just wanting to stay in the car and drive.

The ambient lighting was customizable to suit whatever mood we found ourselves in, further enhancing the sense of opulence within. If that were not enough, the Mercedes comes with various programmed setting that would add music, lighting, heating or cooling, and fragrances to the air. Again, why get out of the S 580?

The layout of the dashboard proved to be both intuitive and user-friendly, with the dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays providing access to the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The voice-activated assistant and gesture controls add a unique futuristic touch, ensuring seamless interaction with any of the vehicle’s features that we wanted to test or be immersed in.

Performance prowess

Under the hood, the S 580 4MATIC was equipped with a formidable 4.0-liter V-8 biturbo engine, that delivered an impressive 496 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The smooth acceleration and refined power delivery were complimented by the nine-speed automatic transmission, providing a driving experience that was both spirited and serene.

The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system ensured optimal traction and stability, making the S 580 a confident performer in various driving conditions, as we had the chance to go from rain to slush to beautiful sunny weather. Adaptive air suspension, a standard feature, glided over road imperfections, thus striking the perfect balance between comfort and agility.

Driving dynamics

Craig had the opportunity to take the S 580 for an extended day trip up to the Standard-Examiner office in Ogden that allowed him to experience the sedan’s driving dynamics in different driving challenges, from the winding roads around Provo to the open highways leading to Ogden. The Magic Body Control, a feature that scans the road ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly, was vital in contributing to a remarkably smooth ride.

The steering was precise, and the car responded effortlessly to his inputs. The semi-autonomous driving capabilities, including lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, added an extra layer of safety and convenience during his trip to Ogden.

Making the most of the trip

Getting to spend just under four hours on the road during the trip from Provo to Ogden and back presented Craig the opportunity to explore the S 580’s capabilities over an extended period. The cabin’s exceptional insulation ensured a serene environment, with minimal road and wind noise penetrating the interior — by minimal, we noted that it was pretty much nonexistent throughout the week.

The multi-contour seats, with massage functionality, made the journey exceptionally comfortable, keeping fatigue at bay even after four hours of driving. The Burmester surround sound system filled the cabin with rich, immersive audio that created a concert-like experience on the road.

As he approached Ogden, the included “Warmth and Comfort” package helped to keep Craig warm and comfortable with the heated arm rests and center console. The intuitive navigation system guided the S 580 seamlessly to his destination in the Business Depot Ogden business park, showcasing the Mercedes advanced technology.

Safety features

Mercedes places a strong emphasis on safety, incorporating an array of advanced features into all their vehicles. From active brake assist to blind-spot monitoring, the S 580 employs a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. During our week of test driving, the system provided us reassurance, enhancing overall confidence in the vehicle’s safety capabilities.

At the end of the day

The 2024 Mercedes S 580 sedan is a masterclass in luxury automotive engineering. It seamlessly blended cutting-edge technology, performance and opulent design, creating an unparalleled driving experience.

Our weeklong test drive, including the extended day trip, showcased the S 580’s versatility, comfort and performance prowess.

For those seeking the pinnacle of automotive luxury, the S 580 4MATIC stands as an exemplary choice. From the meticulously crafted interior to the powerful and refined driving dynamics, it sets a new standard for what a luxury sedan can achieve.

In this instance, money really can buy a whole lot of happiness!

Base price: $128,150

Price as driven: $159,300

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