For The Mercedes S-Class combines a very comfortable ride with composed handling, while the cabin is sumptuous and refinement is exceptional.
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
We’ve driven the S350 d (which has a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine), S300 h (a diesel-electric hybrid), S500 (a 4.7-litre V8 petrol), S63 AMG (a 5.5-litre V8) and the ultra-luxury Mercedes-Maybach S600 (a 6.0-litre V12). The S500, S63 and S600 are seriously rapid, but the much cheaper S350 d also feels fast and flexible. Even the S300 h feels brisk, plus there are more powerful petrol-electric hybrids, badged S400 h and S500 e2 – a plug-in hybrid.
Ride & Handling
5 out of 5 stars
The S500 we drove was fitted with Mercedes’ optional Magic Body Control system (it's standard on the S63 and Maybach S600), which reads the road ahead so it can prepare the suspension for bumps and potholes you’re about to hit. Given how effective it is, it’s a little disappointing that it's available only on the more expensive petrol models, but cheaper cars with the standard air suspension still offer a smooth ride. Body roll is pretty well controlled and the steering is nicely weighted.
Refinement
5 out of 5 stars
The S350 is one of the most refined diesels we’ve ever driven, while the S500 and S63 emit an aggressive yet muted growl when you accelerate, but are virtually silent at a cruise. As you’d expect, the Maybach S600 is supremely hushed. The diesel hybrid breaks this good run, because its four-cylinder engine is noisy at idle and when revved. Every S-Class is superb at shutting out wind noise on the motorway; in fact, the only thing that disturbs the peace is some road noise on certain surfaces.
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