MERCEDES E-CLASS
WHY IT WON
MERCEDES has moved the goalposts in the executive market with its new E-class, which blends imperious quality and refinement in a stylish and efficient package. And it pushes the boundaries for driving tech, too.
Second-generation autonomous driving, called Drive Pilot, keeps you in your lane at up to 80mph and even changes lanes for you where traffic laws allow. Plus, the cabin is more than a match for the S-class saloon’s. Twin widescreen displays are available and add a futuristic edge, while the sumptuous seats ensure you’re very comfortable on long journeys.
The old E-class wasn’t hugely refined, but by pairing a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel with a nine-speed auto gearbox under the bonnet, the newcomer is much better – it goes to the top of the class for quiet cruising.
It’s also lighter than its predecessor, so with 192bhp and 400Nm of torque, the E 220d is faster than you’d expect, sprinting from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds. Opt for the 254bhp 3.0-litre V6 E 350d diesel, and this drops to 5.9 seconds. And although it’s not quite as dynamic as rivals from Jaguar or BMW, standard air-suspension on the 350d provides a relaxed, flowing ride in Comfort mode and a tauter chassis in the Sport setting that’ll withstand some hard cornering.
But the E-class mainly focuses on comfort, efficiency and technology, and it excels in these areas. Softer suspension means the car flows nicely with the road, while the new engine sees it undercut its main rivals when it comes to emissions – kicking out as little as 102g/km of CO2 and improving its business credentials.
It might be slightly more expensive than rivals, but you get a lot for your cash. The long list of standard kit includes self-parking, adaptive cruise, autonomous braking, LED headlights and sat-nav, among other features.
The E-class has comfort, quality, tech and efficiency in abundance. It’s a fine executive car, and more appealing than ever.
OUR CHOICE E 220d SE (£35,935)
MERCEDES’ new 2.0-litre diesel well and truly delivers the goods, with strong performance and much-improved refinement over the old unit. And even in entry-level SE spec, the car has a real feelgood factor, with lots of premium equipment, stylish design and plenty of composure. This base model is also faster and more efficient than ever.
COMMENDED Jaguar XF
IF you value the driving experience but still want a smart exec saloon, the Jaguar XF features a beautifully balanced chassis, a great engine range and cutting-edge styling. It doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as the Mercedes, yet for keen drivers, it’s the sharpest-handling car in its class.
Tesla Model S
TESLA’S meteoric rise continues, and with a Model X SUV and Model 3 hatch on the way, it’ll gain an army of admirers. However, it’s the Model S that’s made owning a Tesla viable. The efficiency, hi-tech cabin and stunning, guilt-free performance deserve to be commended, while the car’s first-place finish in our Driver Power 2016 survey shows early Model S adopters are delighted.
WHY IT WON
THIS year, a host of new and updated luxury cars are vying for the attention of well heeled buyers, but none has been able to knock the Mercedes S-class off its perch, and it seals its third win on the trot in 2016.
It doesn’t matter whether you look at the car’s cutting-edge technology, its imposing design or its beautifully crafted interior, the latest S-class sets new standards in every area.
Then there’s its comfort and refinement. All models come as standard with air-suspension, which effortlessly soaks up bumps and potholes as if they weren’t there. There’s even the clever Magic Ride Control that uses cameras to scan the road ahead and prime the suspension for the terrain.
All versions feature a long-wheelbase bodystyle that offers acres of space in the back, while reclining seats add to the club class atmosphere. Then there’s the tasteful design and hand-crafted finish that constantly remind you you’re in something special.
It’s not just passengers who benefit from Mercedes’ single-minded pursuit of perfection, as the S-class is as good to drive as it is to be chauffeured in. The slick steering and muted yet muscular V6 diesel give it the sort of agility and pace you’d expect from a car half its size. And for those with the deepest pockets, the wild Amg-tuned S 63 and S 65 pack a punch that will leave supercar drivers red-faced. There’s even a choice of eco-friendly hybrids – traditional petrol and diesel/ electric models, plus a more advanced petrol plug-in.
And like all generations, the current car is a rolling test bed for Mercedes’ latest tech. From its autonomous cruise control to its extensive use of TFT screens in the cabin, the S-class is always ahead of the curve.
We crowned the previous model our luxury car champ for seven years on the trot. On this basis, it could be a long time before we hand the award to any other car.