Mercedes S-Class review

If you think big luxury cars are irrelevant to you, remember that, like its predecessors, the Mercedes S-Class is rammed full of clever safety technology that will eventually filter down to the more mainstream models.

How clever? Well, with some trims, the seats can move you away from an impending side-on collision, for example. That’s hopefully not something you’ll be showing off to your friends or family, but, fortunately, there is much more than that to impress them within the latest S-Class.

For a start, there's its interior. The giant (12.8in) portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen and 12.3in driver’s display leave barely a button to be found. And, if you opt for one of the higher trim levels, it’ll even give you a hot stone massage.

As with key rivals, a couple of different lengths are available – short and long wheelbase – so rear seat space ranges from generous to simply indulgent. There’s a selection of engines to choose from, too. For the moment, that’s one of two six-cylinder diesel engines or the six-cylinder turbocharged petrol with mild hybrid technology. Expect a fashionable plug-in hybrid and a hot AMG version to follow.

Having said all that, the S-Class doesn’t have a monopoly on luxury transportation. You might also decide to waft around in one of its well-appointed rivals, such as the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series or even the Range Rover. The question is, should you?

Read on through our S-Class review to find out just how pampering it is, what it's like to drive, how much it will cost you and how it compares with other luxury cars.

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