My word, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class was better, is now even better.
Carrying me out of year 2021 this week was the S580 4Matic Sedan, a bit bigger at 208 inches in overall length and curb weight of 5,290 pounds.
It’s the smoothest and most comfortable drive for me in several years. Still, a couple BMW models probably outshine it in twisting tight corners and sprinting up and down mountainous terrain.
I don’t include the higher-priced luxuries in selection of favorite car, truck and SUV, so let’s tag it with “dream car” honors.
My choices for favorite car, truck and SUV of 2021 are the Mazda3 hatchback with added turbocharging and all-wheel drive among cars, the 2022 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X compact pickup for trucks and the ’22 Genesis GV70 AWD in the SUV class. For the Frontier, it is the first major redesign in 17 years.
Walk up to the new Mercedes S580 with key in pocket, the door handles pop outward for easy grip, the seat is specially cushioned with quilted leather, swing the sedan around a corner to the right and the left bolster in the seatback presses against the driver’s ribs to deny any seat slide.
The 496-horsepower, 516 lb.-ft. torque, 4.0-liter biturbo V-8 engine is mated to 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive with an EQ 48-volt boost of 21 horses. It attains highway fuel economy in the 25-mpg range.
Running the base price from $116,300 to $140,130 are Burmester sound ($6,700), warmth and comfort package with heated nappa leather steering wheel, technology package and others.
Among other highlights for 2021:
Hello – Two well-designed, all-electric models, the Ford Mustang Mach-e and the Volkswagen ID.4, which I drove early in 2021.
Goodbye – The near-indestructible Toyota Land Cruiser, which is being discontinued after 60 years of tough, offroad service. In recent years, it had become very pricey; the last one I drove was a bit over $90 grand.
Cheapest – The little Nissan Kicks SR, a Japanese-based subcompact crossover assembled in Aquascalientes, Mexico, at $26,730. The Kicks averaged 32.3 mpg.
Priciest – The McLaren 720S Spider, with 710 horsepower and top speed of 212, at $362,960. The only higher-priced one I’ve driven was a year earlier, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan just under $400,000.
Most fun – That same McLaren, with its dihedral synchro-helix doors that rotate 90-degrees by sweeping outwards and upwards at the hinge. I laughed at myself more than once in exiting the vehicle. The low-slung convertible sits only 47 inches in height, and with the big door raised overhead, the task requires a rollout or slideout.
Even Jeep – The electrification circuit has reached Jeep, which unveiled its Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4XE plug-in electric. The Grand Cherokee is expected to also add a plug-in to its lineup early in 2022.
How many cylinders? – A 1.3-liter engine with only three cylinders powered us in a Chevy Trailblazer to Jeffrey Lake near Brady, Neb., for a weekend of fun, averaging 27.3 mpg for the drive there and back. It is built in South Korea.
Jan’s favorite – Honda Accord Hybrid.
Best greeting – Happy New Year!