​Once the undisputed king of saloon cars, the S-Class still retains much of its traditional appeal. It’s a supremely luxurious, refined and technology-laden conveyance for affluent and successful individuals, and the latest, seventh-generation car has a bold new face that enhances its opulent style.

Inside, there’s a mind-bending array of tech innovations including augmented reality navigation, 3-D digital displays and face recognition, but we’ve a sense that Merc’s engineers have been lured too far down the digital rabbit hole and core values have suffered. 

While back seat passengers will be blissfully oblivious to the flimsy feel of steering wheel controls and other questionable fit and finish choices, their chauffeurs may regret the passing of old certainties.

About the Mercedes S-Class

This is the seventh-generation of the Mercedes S-Class, a flagship saloon model first introduced in 1972 on the coattails of an illustrious lineage of even older Mercedes luxury models dating back to the dawn of motoring. 

As such the S-Class has always been the company’s most important brand statement, encapsulating the very best of what its engineers, designers and craftspeople have to offer. It’s an approach summed up in the words of the company’s current motto ‘The Best or Nothing’ which – apart from resonating with Frank Sinatra fans – is an apt description of the qualities the S-Class has brought to the luxury car segment over the years.

But we live in confusing times, and at this moment on the cusp of a wholesale switchover to electric vehicles and digital interfaces, even the S-Class must be wondering about its place in the world. It’s offered with mild- or plug-in hybrid powertrains, an impressive array of electronic and infotainment tech, and the usual opulent creature comforts, but it was developed in the shadow of a far more significant internal rival for the top Mercedes crown in the shape of the all-electric EQS.

So perhaps this seventh-generation S-Class is a bit of a stop-gap, and Mercedes has diverted its best resources to the development of an heir to the throne. It’s a theory that might account for some of the criticism we feel able to level in some surprising areas, and which made it easier than Mercedes might have hoped for us to rule the S-Class out as a Luxury Car of the Year award winner – the term ‘shoo-in’ was invented for previous generations of the flagship Merc.

Even though the black pump is continuing to fall out of favour with UK drivers, Mercedes still expects most S-Class buyers to opt for diesel power. There’s the choice of two six-cylinder diesels: a 308bhp S 350 d or 361bhp S 450 d 4MATIC. The latter is the first four-wheel drive S-Class to be officially sold in the UK.

A single petrol-powered S 500 model is also available. This six-cylinder engine produces 442bhp and 560Nm of torque, and a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds makes it the fastest non-AMG S-Class. 

For those seeking to lower their emissions, there are two plug-in hybrid models to choose from, but the differences between them are surprisingly broad. 

The S-Class that’s best-suited to company car drivers is the S 580 e, this produces the lowest emissions of the range and offers up to 64 miles of pure-electric driving. At the other end of the plug-in S-Class scale is the AMG S 63 e Performance, this is fitted with a 792bhp 4.0-litre V8 PHEV powertrain, so power is the primary focus rather than efficiency. 

The current S-Class lineup consists of three core trim levels: AMG-Line Premium, Long AMG Line Premium Plus and Long AMG Line Premium Plus Executive. Long refers to the long-wheelbase model, which is also an option on the base AMG-Line Premium trim. This increases the S-Class’s length from an already notable 5,210mm to 5,320mm. 

Standard kit includes 20-inch alloys, Nappa leather upholstery, soft-close doors, heated front and rear memory seats, Keyless Go, wireless charging, 3D display and remote parking.

Moving up to Premium Plus throws in Mercedes’ augmented reality head-up display, digital headlamps, massaging front seats, heated armrests, and larger 21-inch wheels. Executive versions include electric rear blinds, rear seat control of front passenger seat adjustment, plus an extra rear footrest and a removable tablet that pops out of the central armrest.

Although the standard lineup has AMG in the name, the full-fat Mercedes-AMG S-Class is the S 63 E Performance. This is available in Touring or Night Edition guise and is designed with performance in mind. Many of the S-Class’s signature luxuries still remain, though.

At the top of the range are two Mercedes Maybach derivatives identifiable by special forged wheels and a bespoke grille treatment, plus a truly opulent spec that includes airline-style rear tray tables, TV tuner and massaging rear seats in the most expensive First Class edition.

Priced from around £108,000 the Mercedes S-Class faces a range of premium rivals that includes the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8 saloons, plus a range of upmarket SUVs such as the Range Rover, Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volvo XC90.  Buyers pushing the boat out as far as the £170k+ Mercedes-Maybach may also consider options such as the Bentley Flying Spur saloon or Bentayga SUV.

For an alternative review of the Mercedes S-Class, visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk…