Thinking of getting a Mercedes-Benz S-Class?
The style of the car
The S-Class is a big car, yet it looks elegant and discreet. The four-door saloon is available in two lengths – the longer ‘L’ has more back seat space. Wonderfully indulgent two-door four-seat coupe and convertible bodies also are available. High-performance AMG models have a sportier, more assertive look. The opulent interior is stuffed full with technology, but is very user-friendly.
How it drives
The S-Class features lots of systems designed to make driving as easy and relaxing as possible. It’s as quiet and comfortable as you’d expect of a luxury car, yet it’s also quite good fun on a winding road. Its size can make parking tricky in town but there are sensors and cameras that help. Some models have an automatic parking system that can steer the car into a suitable spot. Petrol and diesel engines are available, all of which give smooth, rapid acceleration. The high-performance AMG models are extremely fast. All models have an automatic gearbox.
The interior
The S-Class is a large luxury car that’s about the same size as the Audi A8 or BMW 7 Series. The standard saloon is enormously spacious for both front and back seat passengers. The ‘L’ saloon’s extra length creates more back-seat legroom, so even your tallest friends and relatives will be comfortable. Some models even have airline-style reclining seats in the back and the boot is huge, with enough space for four large suitcases. All models come with a very long list of standard equipment that includes smartphone connectivity and adaptive cruise control.
Running costs
High-performance S-Class models use a lot of fuel, but other models can give surprisingly good mpg. According to official figures, petrol models can give up to 36mpg, while diesels can give up to 48mpg. Road tax and insurance bills could be hefty, though. Safety experts Euro NCAP awarded the S-Class a full five-star rating.
How it compares with similar cars
S-Class rivals include the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS Jaguar XJ. They have their own merits, but none is as well-rounded as the S-Class. It combines space, luxury, technology, smoothness and efficiency in a way the others can’t match.
