TESTED: HOW HAPPY DO YOU GET FROM THE MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS (2021)?

There are two ways to experience the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2021) optimally: from the driver's seat or from the board seat at the back right. Either way, you feel like a privileged person. For five days we were not out of the test-S 500 4Matic Lang.

WHAT STANDS OUT ABOUT THE MERCEDES S 500? MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

Earlier we wrote that the new Mercedes S-Class has caused a trend break. His predecessors always showed what course Mercedes-Benz would take with the full model program, with the new generation all design elements have been shown before. A touch of E-class, a pinch of CLS ... But what is the new S-class a schit-te-ren-de car, say! In full order good for a length of 5,289 meters (with extended wheelbase), but nevertheless a slim, harmonious appearance. Civilized chic, without blending into the gray mass.

The interior of the new S-Class is completely impressive. The beautiful widescreen instrumentation has been replaced by a digital clock shop behind the wheel with 3D display (which cannot be captured photographically). A showpiece!

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The central display is now placed vertically in the center console, and works with easy touch control. With this, Mercedes puts its front to rear and left to right moving rotary/pushbutton with writing tablet in the bulky waste. Of course, the new S-Class has a very extensive variant of the MBUX multimedia system with voice control. With which you can have extensive and entertaining conversations. Brilliant!

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT THE MERCEDES S-CLASS? MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

If you expect the new S-class to be a super sports car that allows you to record record times on the Nordschleife, or if you want to use the car to transport a refrigerator to your new apartment, then the car will disappoint you deeply. If you expect an extremely comfortable travel limousine, which pampers you with delicious chairs, a (very) smoothly suspension chassis and all the luxury you wish yourself, then there is only one conclusion possible: it really isn't going to be much better than the new S-Class.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THE NEW S-CLASS?

I don't know, I don't know This is a car for which you would seriously consider the sale of your house, so pleasant is life in the S-class. At the end of the day, you'll abandon that decision anyway, because the car doesn't have a bathroom. Nor is a kitchen with induction hob and convection oven. Seriously, the Mercedes S-class is taking huge steps in terms of digital technology, comfort and (though a taste issue) design. During five intensive test days - we couldn't get out of the car! - we were unable to catch the S 500 4Matic on a mistake.

One thing for nagging: at the moment the engine range is limited to two petrol versions and three diesels. The S 450 and S 500 on petrol have mild hybrid technology, but the diesels do not. It is of course obvious that there will be versions with plug-in hybrid technology, plus various AMG versions. But you're going to have to be patient for that. MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

WHEN'S THE NEW S-CLASS COMING UP AND WHAT'S IT GOING TO COST? MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS

The S-class has been available in the Netherlands for several months now. As mentioned, for the time being in a limited number of engine variants. The S 400 4Matic (six-cylinder inline engine, 3.0-liter, 367 + 22 hp) is in the price list for 139,364 euros. The S 500 4Matic (with the same 3.0 six-in-line, but with 435 + 22 hp) has a starting price of 155,578 euros.

If you want a version with a long wheelbase, the prices are 143,236 euros (S 450 4 Matic Lang) or 159,882 euros (S 500 4Matic Lang, as we tested it). The diesels start at 133,593 euros.

Of course, Mercedes supplies all kinds of accessories and options that make life even more pleasant. For example, the test car had rear axle steering (with a result of up to 10 degrees), separate rear seats with electrical adjustment and seat heating/ventilation, an MBUX tablet in combination with MBUX high-end entertainment in the back, an extensive Premium Plus package and 20-inch alloy wheels. All this pushes the price of the test car to 187. 697 euros.

WHAT DO I THINK OF THE NEW MERCEDES S-CLASS?

Of my previous disappointment with the unsending design of the car, nothing is left at all. I love the S-class, a car that doesn't go for sale with its size and - using the sublime adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous driver assistance systems - gracefully moves through traffic. But what I'm particularly impressed with is the sublime comfort the S-class has to offer. The benevolent flexibility of the air suspension chassis, the magisterial seats, the confidence that the entire arsenal of safety systems gives you. A car that makes intensely happy.

Maybe we've all seen all the elements of the design before, but the technology incorporated into the car will automatically make its way to Mercedes' smaller models - like the new C-class. If all of them only drive half as well as the new S, then we can expect a lot of successful new models from Mercedes. MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS