SPACE AND COMFORT
The short-wheelbase (3106mm) S450 lacks the 200mm-longer S450 L’s ability to provide fancy reclining seats and also misses out on world-first rear front-facing airbags. However the rear pew is very comfortable and spacious, with plenty of leg and headroom and leather upholstery that feels soft and breathable. The front seats are also ultra luxurious, and include a plush velour pillow that slides up and down the headrest to provide neck support. Other bells and whistles include two-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, front-seat heating and ventilation, ambient lighting, 710W 15-speaker Burmester premium audio, voice-activated rear-door and rear-window sunshades, power-assisted soft-close doors and acoustic glass. The 550-litre boot is deep and long and can hold four large suitcases. 22/25 The LS 500’s 3125mm wheelbase affords enough space to include, as standard, two multi-position reclining heated and ventilated seats with massage functions. The passenger-side seat has an ottoman that allows one to recline with feet raised, business-class style. Rear-seat passengers can control their seat functions with a touchpad located in the centre armrest that also controls the four-zone climate control and media viewed on screens mounted on the front seat-backs. The front seats are also heated and ventilated and have 23 power settings to facilitate excellent under-thigh, back and hip support. There’s also a wine chiller between the rear seats, active noise cancellation, sunroof, heated steering wheel and 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The 440-litre boot will fit three suitcases. 23/25