For A 3.5-litre V6 might sound a bit weedy in a car as massive as the S-Class, but it has 268bhp and a shed-load of mid-range pull, so it'll be quick enough for most.
Against The engine hasn't got the sheer grunt of the diesel - or its fuel economy.
If you must have a petrol S-Class, this is the one to go for. However, the lower costs of buying and owning a diesel S-Class mean that remains our favourite model in the range.
You could certainly argue that, pound for pound, the S-Class is the best car in the world. Whatever you want from a luxury car, the big Merc does it - and does it very well.
Despite the fact that there is a wide range of petrol engines to choose from, the best S is the 350CDI, with a diesel engine that's flexible, frugal and very refined. Unless you'll be the back-seat passenger, don't bother with much more expensive long-wheelbase model, though.
On top of the three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, Mercedes cars also come with the Mobilo breakdown assistance package that provides you with assistance on the road for up to 30 years in more than 30 European countries. Different benefits apply, depending on what the problem is, and full details are available from the Mercedes Customer Assistance Centre.
I bought this W 220 S Class 3 years ago, when it…