The Mercedes-Benz S-Class enjoys some of the most loyal owners in the full-size luxury sedan segment. Its multi-generational buyers owned Heckflosse 220 SEs in the 1960s, powerful 450 SEL 6.9s in the 1970s, and seemingly bulletproof W140s in the 1990s. That devotion can be both a blessing and a curse, since the S-Class must improve over its predecessor but can’t change so much as to alienate those repeat buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class pulls off that balance masterfully. With gracefully updated styling, poised road manners, and who-needs-a-Rolls-Royce comfort, both the inline-six S500 and V8-powered S580 are sure to appeal to trade-ins. Luring new customers, meanwhile, will be the work of the impressive 14.1-inch infotainment display, improved driver assistance features (capable of Level 3 autonomy in the future), EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology, and an optional augmented-reality head-up display. These modern features ensure the S-Class remains competitive, but they don’t detract from the stately sedan’s legendary driving experience.