Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When Mercedes-Benz sets out to make a new S-Class, the brief
is to make the best car in the world. While it might not visually seduce like a
Jaguar XJ, the big Merc offers an ownership experience that should be even more
appealing.
This car does what it’s supposed to do superbly and is
functionally exceptional. It was conceived as a long-wheelbase saloon, giving
it unprecedented torsional rigidity.The ride is helped by standard air
suspension with adaptive dampers.
There’s a choice of four petrol and two diesel engines, with
a nine-speed automatic ‘box standard equipment. An advanced 48v hybrid electric
powertrain technology used to boost both performance and efficiency in some
derivates, while the plug-in hybrid S560e will be the default choice in the
range for anyone liable to pay benefit-in-kind tax (it attracts less than half
as much BIK tax as any of the other derivative). For those who don't care a bit
about such things, meanwhile, there's always the 600-horsepower S63.
The S-Class is engineered to operate quietly and comfortably
at all times. On both town roads and motorway it could hardly ride better, and
it steers directly and precisely, with luxury-appropriate isolation.
The interior is spacious and supremely comfortable; not
quite as well-festooned with technology as some of its rivals, owing to the
car's relative age - although the assortment does include a 12.3in infotainment
screen and Mercedes’ Comand Online system as standard, and a suite of
rear-cabin infotainment equipment available as an option.
On ride comfort alone, the S-Class even challenges the likes
of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Where the S-Class leads, the rest of the car-making
world follows.
