Owning a Mercedes-Benz S-class (S580) in North America

I picked a North American version of S580 this August (No stock for S500). I’m impressed and happy to see that Indian market gets nice features like Digital Lights.

BHPian devsoftech recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

So nice to stumble on this thread. Given how chip shortage is panning out, no two S-class’ are alike. I picked up a North American version of S580 this August (No stock for S500). I’m impressed and happy to see that Indian market gets nice features like Digital Lights (They are not same as multi-beam lights, the labelling on lights explicitly mentions this). Multi-beam is standard on all S-class and digital lights is an upgrade. USA has not approved this light technology and is not even an option in US market. MBUX will display options for digital lights config if equipped on the car.

Features like energizing coach that monitors your health parameters via watch do not work on Mercedes (I imported genuine Mercedes-Benz Garmin Venu watch from Germany – There is no auth linking available between Mercedes Me and Garmin – I will keep you all posted if I’m lucky to have a resolution). The software team is really slow with updates.

Also, new on this car is advanced tolling system that removes the need for toll transponders, and backend service is provided by Payviam

Some features/quirks I learned in these last 2 months:

1. Android auto – Only Google maps will show navigation directions on HUD
2. Carplay – Only Apple maps will show navigation directions on HUD
3. Keep a handy list of direct commands, you won’t have to say “Hey Mercedes” for trivial things like mute/unmute music, change tracks
4. User can be authenticated via Voice (Voice training needed, standard feature – Say “Load my profile”, Camera (Perhaps 3D dash needed) and fingerprint (standard on all S class)
5. Enable “Dynamic Contour Seats” on chosen seats to allow each seat to manipulate seats contours to hold you in place when steering moves. This will reduce body roll. Next year models might have curve assist available that would compensate for lean by adjusting shocks with the 48V system. This is available with the road scan package. Not an option in 2021.
6. Interior assistant that can open sunroof with a gesture is a standard feature at hardware level. When you personalize the car, this feature will disappear if your car code does not mention interior assistant available. I bought the same car that I test drove. After applying the mercedes me profile, the feature has not worked since, and the dealer said it was not part of package. Perhaps Xentry software hacking needed
7. Burmester 3D sound is nice, and if you haven’t fiddled with the customize settings – which is easy to miss setting, you are not experiencing “nicer”. That’s the only option available to configure bass for normal to “punch”. The calibration is an audiophile’s dream
8. Ionization under air quality menu is not a gimmick. It does help with dust allergy
9. Perfume Flacon (optional) unlocks (unscrews) itself in 5 seconds when glove box is opened. Never test perfume action with glove box open. It won’t work.
10. A weird quirk which could have led to crash in my case – I had a car in a parallel lane that changed lane abruptly and started tailgating me too closely, S class activated hazard lights, applying brakes for emergency stopping, tightens seat belts and activates the pink noise.
11. Microsleep detection is an awesome feature. I had dozed off and it identified the situation. Very reliable. You can fake sleepiness to simulate this warning.
12. Lane assist does not require applying torque at steering wheel. It is capacitive touch, so you can just place your hands on the wheel. No need to adjust steering
13. If you block the stereo camera that monitors your eyes, the parallax display will revert to 2D mode. You might also get a warning to adjust steering position and recalibrate.
14. Rear view mirror does not adjust automatically for the seat config menu when driver height is entered.
15. When rear cross traffic alert activates and applies emergency brake, the entire car will halt with a jolt. You might be forced to believe that you hit something. This is a weird quirk.
16. When the door handles retract, it won’t hurt any human if finger or body part is stuck in the door handle cavity. It won’t take effort to free up the stuck part. Once removed, the door handle will retract normally.
17. There is no car wash mode unless you have the 2022 version with road scan, curve and 48V system
18. You could do speeds of 75mph in eco mode with just electric motor and engine off (It’s not hybrid, more like ISG types) while going downhill. This arrangement in eco mode is different from a typically coasting scenario where engine braking and a gear holds the speed while sipping less fuel. Battery power typically lasts for a minute.

I do agree with 20″ tyre configs, the thumps and tyre noises over them. I’m personally looking for a downsize to 19″.

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