Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2019

[NANO]

When Mercedes-Benz sets out to make a new S-Class, the brief is to make the best car in the world. While it might not visually seduce like a Jaguar XJ, the big Merc offers an ownership experience that should be even more appealing. This car does what it’s supposed to do superbly and is functionally exceptional. It was conceived as a long-wheelbase saloon, giving it unprecedented torsional rigidity, and the ride is helped by standard air suspension with adaptive dampers. There’s a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine, with a nine-speed automatic ‘box standard equipment and advanced 48v hybrid electric powertrain technology used to boost both performance and efficiency in some derivatives. The S-Class is engineered to operate quietly and comfortably at all times. On both town roads and motorway it could hardly ride better, and it steers directly and precisely, with luxury-appropriate isolation. OUR VERDICT Mercedes-Benz S-Class The self-proclaimed 'best car in the world' gets a touch more luxury, a heap of new technology and a mild hybrid electrical system, but is it enough to hold off the latest attempts from BMW and Audi? Find an Autocar car review SEARCH Driven this week 8 FEBRUARY 2019 FIRST DRIVE Citroen C3 Aircross long-term review Is Citroen's high-riding supermini good to live with and to look at? We’... 8 FEBRUARY 2019 CAR REVIEW Cupra Ateca The first model from Seat's standalone performance brand is an... 7 FEBRUARY 2019 FIRST DRIVE Honda CR-V Hybrid 2019 UK review Petrol-electric SUV isn’t exciting, but what CR-V ever was? Comfy, refined,... The interior is spacious and supremely comfortable, and festooned with technology, including a 12.3in infotainment screen and Mercedes’ Comand Online system as standard, and a suite of rear-cabin infotainment equipment available as an option. On ride comfort alone, the S-Class even challenges the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Where the S-Class leads, the rest of the car-making world follows.