Matt Kimberley

Some things are too good to be true but not the 2013 Mercedes-benz S class, as discovered

adjustment than you’ve probably ever had before. Naturally, the leather is also soft, rich and beautifully finished, just like the matching hide covering the dashboard and doors. There are myriad types and styles to choose from. If you’re sitting up front you can also take advantage of two huge digital displays. No analogue speedometer or rev counter dials here; just two 12-inch screens sourced from Continental and Bosch before being stacked full of Mercedes software. Arguably the most impressive development is the Stop&Go Pilot, which is a new subsystem within the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. Essentially, in a traffic jam the S-Class can independently stop and go with the traffic, keeping itself in its lane even around corners. Mercedes hints at the S-Class being a mobile office, and even if you’re driving that’s now truer than ever. This must be one of the least stressful cars you can buy. The drivetrain is incredibly smooth and quiet even on the “entry-level” diesel, while the technology works to make the driver’s life easier at every chance. A highlight among highlights is the complete lack of wind noise. Seat heating and ventilation are yours if you want them, as are heated and chilled drinks holders. Don’t forget heated door panels and armrests too. And we still haven’t got to the infotainment screens mounted on the back of the front seats, allowing internet access, media playback and control for the entire car’s systems via a remote control. Owners would expect nothing less. What’s more, air suspension smooths out coarse surfaces delightfully, but there’s also a Magic Body Control option that uses cameras to scan the road surface and adjust the suspension to suit the conditions. It’s amazing stuff.