Mercedes S-Class saloon review

Verdict - Is the Mercedes S-Class a good car?

The Mercedes S-Class has a reputation for being one of the world’s best luxury cars. Over the generations, it has offered the ultimate in comfort, technology and performance for a limousine. But in an era when Mercedes-Benz is shifting towards electric power, the seventh-generation model has its work cut out to keep pace with models like the EQS and BMW i7.

Mercedes S-Class models, specs and alternatives

Sitting atop its vast model range, the Mercedes S-Class represents the pinnacle of the manufacturer’s technology and engineering expertise. It has often been described as the 'world's best car' as a result, appealing to customers who want the equivalent of a business jet for the road.

Despite offering such a rarefied experience, it isn't short of rivals; the Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series are its closest competitors but models like the Bentley Flying Spur and long-wheelbase Range Rover target similar buyers. Traditionally, the S-Class has been a fairly subtle car for the wealthy and the latest version is just as discreet. Even the brutish Mercedes-AMG S 63 e Performance will slip under the radar of those less in the know.

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It's based on an all-new platform, ushering in an even greater level of technological sophistication. Not only is the MBUX infotainment setup upgraded to 'next generation' status, but Mercedes is promising Level 3 'hands off' autonomous motorway driving in due course (where the law allows it).

Inside, the S-Class is adorned in swathes of wooden trim and leather, and Mercedes has made great use of ambient lighting to alter its character as you drive. The centrepiece is a new portrait MBUX screen rising up to meet the dashboard and controlling most of the car's functions. There's also a new digital instrument display with augmented reality navigation prompts, but we found these could lag slightly behind our position on the road. Comfort is on a par with the world's most opulent cars (or any form of transport for that matter), particularly in long-wheelbase versions with reclining rear seats and entertainment.

Every version gets air suspension and a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard, which combined with impressive aerodynamics, ensure the inside of the S-Class is quiet and cushioned. However, we were disappointed that some bumps sent a shudder through the interior, possibly because of the 21-inch wheels fitted to our test car. Despite its size and weight, it can also handle like a smaller car, particularly when four-wheel steering is fitted. This can turn the rear wheels by a staggering 10 degrees, giving the car the same turning circle as a Mercedes A-Class hatchback.

The engine line-up consists of the S 350 d and S 400 d with 282bhp and 325bhp respectively, getting the S-Class from 0-62mph in less than 6.5 seconds. Only the S 350 d and S 580 e are offered with rear-wheel drive, with other versions getting 4MATIC four-wheel drive as standard. Fuel economy is just over 40mpg for the S 350 d and S 450 d, while CO2 emissions from 163g/km place both diesels in the top 37% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) band.

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Choose petrol and the S 500 with 429bhp and mild-hybrid tech is the only traditional choice, but an S 580e plug-in hybrid is more likely to appeal to the business users who favour the S-Class. With a 3.0-litre petrol engine and 28kWh battery, it's capable of more than 62 miles from a single charge – double that of the Audi and ahead of the BMW 750e xDrive’s 49-mile range. Its low CO2 figure will also appeal to business buyers and those frequenting low-emission zones like London’s Congestion Charge area.

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For those less troubled by fluctuating oil prices, there’s also the Mercedes-AMG S 63 e Performance, with a massive 792bhp from its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Taking Formula 1 know-how, it has a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and electric motors, for a 0-62mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds.

Inside, the S-Class is adorned in swathes of wooden trim and leather, and Mercedes has made great use of ambient lighting to alter its character as you drive. The centrepiece is a new portrait MBUX screen rising up to meet the dashboard and controlling most of the car's functions. There's also a new digital instrument display with augmented reality navigation instructions. Comfort is on a par with the world's most opulent cars (or any form of transport for that matter), particularly in long wheelbase versions with reclining rear seats and entertainment.

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It's unlikely Euro NCAP will crash-test the S-Class because of its small production numbers, but occupants should feel very well-protected. Almost every bit of safety kit you can imagine is fitted, and new advances include air suspension that rockets the S-Class 80mm higher than usual if a side impact is imminent, helping protect occupants by using more of the doors to shield them.