We spent a week and 430 miles with a 2024 Mercedes-Benz S580 4MATIC to evaluate cabin quality, in-car tech, and long-haul comfort. Our tester wore 20-inch wheels, Airmatic air suspension, rear-axle steering, the Burmester 4D audio upgrade, and the Executive Rear Seat package.
The S580 pairs a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 (496 hp, 516 lb-ft) with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic, but the headline here is serenity. Over mixed city and interstate miles (35–85 mph) and temps from 48–72°F, we focused on how the flagship isolates occupants and how its tech integrates into daily use. Surfaces that passengers touch—doors, seat controls, armrests—set the tone for the experience. Material quality is exemplary.
Soft Nappa leather wraps nearly every touchpoint, with tight stitching and consistent grain match across panels. Open-pore wood is beautifully finished without excessive gloss, and the metal speaker grilles are cool to the touch. Panel alignment is even, there are no buzzes over potholes, and the doors close with a vault-like thud; soft-close doors and power sunshades add to the hush. The only demerit: the glossy center screen highlights fingerprints in bright sun.
Technology is anchored by a 12.8-inch OLED center display and a 12.3-inch driver cluster (3D effect optional), both running MBUX. Boot-up is near instant, and menu latency is minimal. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto stayed connected for our entire test, and the 15W wireless charger held phones securely. The “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant reliably handled climate, nav, and seat functions, while the fingerprint scanner quickly loaded personal profiles.
The AR head-up display overlays turn arrows with helpful precision, and OTA updates are supported. Rear passengers get dual MBUX screens plus a detachable tablet for seat, media, and shade controls. Comfort is the S-Class’s calling card. The multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and hot-stone-style massage kept us fresh after a 300-mile stint; powered bolsters and cushion tilt make fine-tuning easy.
Airmatic smooths sharp edges and expansion joints, and rear-axle steering trims the turning circle for stress-free urban maneuvering. On our handheld meter, we recorded 64–65 dBA at a steady 70 mph on smooth asphalt, aided by acoustic glass. Four-zone climate control is quiet yet effective, with ionization and a subtle cabin fragrance that never overwhelms. Rear accommodations, especially with the Executive package, border on lounge-like.
The right-rear seat reclines with a deployable calf rest, and heated armrests plus rapid seat ventilation were appreciated during back-to-back airport runs. Knee and toe room are generous for six-footers, and the low floor hump eases three-across short trips. ISOFIX/LATCH anchors are easy to access, and the wide-opening rear doors simplify child-seat installs. The Burmester 4D system is standout: crisp staging, deep low-frequency control, and seat-mounted resonators that add immersion without boom.
Not everything is perfect. The touch-capacitive steering-wheel controls require a learning curve, and some seat/massage menus are buried a layer too deep. Stick with 20-inch wheels for the best ride—21s look great but transmit more impact sharpness. Overall, the S580 sets the benchmark for cabin craftsmanship, integrated tech, and long-haul comfort.
If your priorities are silence, seat science, and seamless infotainment, this is the class leader; consider the Burmester 4D and Executive Rear Seat packages, and avoid oversized wheels to preserve the magic.
