Mercedes S Class
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Rating 
SummaryHighly Recommended. Possibly the most complete luxury saloon in the world - makes even its accomplished rivals appear crude by comparison. |
ReviewLuxury, comfort and image are the three keystones of the luxury saloon segment. And combining all three virtues, the new Mercedes S Class takes the three-pointed star back to the top of this ultra-exclusive class.
The S Class has been styled to appeal to buyers across the world. Its opulent lines certainly aren't conservative - but they're not exactly pretty either. Most people agree that it has lost something of the aesthetic elegance of the previous generation model. Thankfully everything is far better inside, the beautifully crafted cabin trimmed with superb high-quality materials and packed with standard-fit kit.
Mercedes' designers have taken a George Lucas approach when it comes to technology, and the S Class has everything from military style infra-red night vision to brakes that can tell how hard they need to be applied to avoid an accident. It's no surprise that all these gadgets require an i-Drive style control wheel in the cabin, but thankfully its far easier to use and more intuitive than its BMW equivalent.
Refinement is undoubtedly the S Class's most impressive virtue. It's in every detail - from the way the air-cushioned seat can be adjusted to perfection to the almost uncanny lack of tyre or engine noise while cruising. The petrol versions are whisper quiet - and the forthcoming diesels promise to be very nearly as good.
All versions get air suspension as standard which absorbs bumps superbly and allows the hefty saloon to corner with accuracy and impressive pace. Sportier drivers will benefit from an improved version of Merc's ABC - Active Body Control.
You'll still need to be seriously rich, of course. Even the entry level diesel version is well over £50,000 with the V12 flagship over six figures if you choose to add a couple of options.
Breakdown
Styling  Designers admit that the tastes of far eastern buyers have played a big part and it shows. Most of the visual muscle of previous generation models seems to have been lost. |
Handling  In standard form the S-Class is no sports saloon, but it offers masses of grip and neutral handling. Given its size and weight it's impressively nimble. |
Comfort Amazing ride quality from air suspension matched by wonderful air cushion seats - and they're standard. The optional massage function will help soothe those boardroom aches and pains. |
Quality & reliability Mercedes is back on form here. No matter how hard we pulled and prodded, nothing squeaked, let alone creaked. An engineering marvel. |
Performance On paper even the entry-level S 350 is a decent performer, but it has to be driven with little mechanical sympathy to make swift progress. Larger V8 and V12 models are far more capable, but the torquey diesel model will be the closest the range gets to sensibleness. Bonkers S63 AMG to follow in 2006 |
Roominess Like its predecessor, the S-Class is fantastically comfortable but little more practical than an E-Class. All models come with a small boot, but the stretched 'L' version has masses of space in the back. |
Running costs  Competitive for the luxury class, but only the diesel will leave customers with anything but crippling running costs. Twin-turbo V12 will have an impact on global oil supply if driven hard. |
Value for money Buyers won't be in short supply, but S-Class customers will have to dig deep and choose to ignore cheaper luxury alternatives. Entry model is the diesel, which is by far the best value. |
Stereo / Sat nav Sound quality will see off competition from all but the most talented lounge hi-fi, and the speed of the 20Gb hard-drive equipped satnav system is a revelation. Command control wheel works well but perceived complexity will still put some people off. |
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