Desperate to embrace digitisation but knowing it had to retain a familiar and uncompromisingly opulent lounge-like feel, Mercedes-Benz set itself a stern task when it came to developing the cabin of the S-Class.
It has, in the main, succeeded in blending those elements. The surface design of the dashboard is particularly pleasing, and in general the cabin achieves a greater sense of spaciousness than its predecessor but without sacrificing anything in material richness or feelings of all-encompassing solidity and sanctuary. It surpasses the cold ambience of the Audi A8 on every level, does enough to better the beautifully constructed confines of the BMW 7 Series, and gets the better of the Bentley Flying Spur in terms of visibility and airiness, if not tactility and flair.
At night, things arguably only get better, when Mercedes’ ambient lighting programme comes to life. It’s a triumph, being configurable for colour and brightness and transforming the cabin into a luxurious and sophisticated cocoon. Heightening the experience are the seats. The deeply bolstered items in the front strike a rare balance of breadth, support and softness, and are among the best in any class of car.
There are also 10 massage programmes. The rear is no less impressive, particularly in LWB cars, which get electric adjustment for the outer seats. A Chauffeur Pack, fitted here, adds deployable footrests and gives the front passenger seat the ability to slide and fold extra far forward. Electric blinds add a further layer of insulation from outside.
