The S-Class, Mercedes-Benz' flagship, is a showcase of luxury, comfort and technology. And each generation pushes the envelope further. The current model continues this tradition. In almost every important attribute for a luxury car, the S-Class is a benchmark of excellence.
The S brings a host of advanced technology, while upping the luxury ante on many levels. The driving experience is first class, with an extremely hushed cabin, a supremely comfortable ride, and effortless power delivery. If you don't have a chauffeur and prefer to drive yourself, you'll be happy to know that this 5,000-pound super sedan behaves like a ballerina in the corners. And in case the complicated controls distract you, and they will, the car will nudge you back into your lane and even stop for you in an emergency.
No car in our tests has delivered a more comfortable ride than the two previous-generation S-Class models. The current S continues that ride plushness. Supremely quiet, the big Benz instills a relaxed and fatigue-free driving environment. Handling is responsive and enjoyable. Unlike most competitors, when the corners become demanding, the S-Class's humongous size feels like it shrinks, allowing it to dance with the alacrity of a C-Class sports sedan.
Cutting edge technology goes without saying for this flagship. A comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience features falls under the umbrella of "Intelligent Drive," which uses a battery of radar sensors and cameras.
The active cruise control, called active distance assist distronic with active steering assist, not only keeps a set distance from a vehicle in front, regardless of changing speeds, it can also automatically follow the lane you're driving in. The steering actually moves by itself, although this is not the self-driving car of the future. These convenience features can help ease stress, but drivers must remain fully engaged with the driving process to remain safe.
The lane-keep assist, not only warns you that the car is drifting out of its lane, but nudges the car back. The rear seat belts are inflatable, acting as mini air bags to prevent rib-cage injuries. The PreSafe system identifies a car or a pedestrian in front and can bring the car to a complete stop, even if you fail to do so.
Cabin ambience is sumptuous with huge swaths of polished wood and soft stitched leather. New-school features make things snazzy with your choice of color mood lighting and an optional fragrance dispenser. Two huge digital screens sweep across the instrument panel. But operating all of the features and displays can be distracting. The electronic shifter can also be fussy and unintuitive to use, and the car lacks some desired safeguards to prevent it from rolling away when parked, should the driver accidentally not select Park.
Seat comfort is terrific. Active seat bolsters inflate as needed to hug you in corners or the seat can give you a massage to break up long-trip tedium. Annoyingly, the lumbar support adjustment is done through the screen and the center controller. Rear passengers enjoy living-room-caliber accommodations with enormous leg room and power controls for recline and cushion position.
The S-Class is indeed opulent and stately. Not only does it present a remarkable technological showcase, it hits the mark as a pampering, appealing, and enjoyable luxury liner.