There are few experiences more relaxing than driving an S-Class; in fact, just about the only thing that can top it is if you're in the back seat, being chauffeured. Merc's biggest saloon was crowned our 2016 Luxury Car of the Year, and vibrations through the pedals and steering wheel are non-existent: even at motorway speeds you won’t hear any wind or tyre roar. All the engines are fantastic, but it’s amazing that Mercedes can offer a six-cylinder diesel-engined model that returns more than 50mpg. For the ultimate in speed, there are high performance S 63 V8 or S 65 V12 Mercedes-AMG versions. Stepping down a peg, there’s the S 500 straight-six which is still no slouch, hitting 0-62mph in under five seconds and averaging more than 40mpg. • Mercedes S-Class vs Audi A8 vs Lexus LS In short, the Mercedes S-Class has set the standard for luxury and cutting-edge technology for over 40 years - and this sixth-generation car is the best yet. Other revisions for the 2017 model year include some minor styling updates and some major technical changes, including a new straight-six diesel engine and a new mild-hybrid powertrain.

In the case of the current S-Class, it was Magic Body Control that garnered the headlines at launch. Standard on the S 65, it’s a system that uses cameras to scan the road in front for imperfections, then pre-adjusts the suspension to meet the oncoming challenge. Other highlights include an advanced high-definition TFT instrument pack, and the Driving Assistance tech that keeps the car in its lane and a safe distance from other traffic when the cruise control is switched on. Aside from the technical advances, the S-Class has always been the car that shows the way forward for Mercedes' design, which means sleekly powerful lines and a superbly finished cabin. Under the bonnet, the 'regular' S-Class is available with a choice of two 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines: a diesel unit in the S 350d or a considerably more powerful petrol engine in the S 500. Then, at the top of the range are the Mercedes-AMG S 63 and S 65 models, with monstrously powerful 4.0-litre V8 and 6.0-litre V12 engines, respectively. For those looking for better fuel economy, Mercedes will also sell you a mild-hybrid S-Class, called the S 560 e. It combines a 3.0-litre petrol V6 with an electric motor, producing claimed economy figures of 113mpg and a combined power output of 469bhp.