Mercedes-Benz S-class review - incredible levels of high-tech luxury - Interior and Tech
Ride and refinement are excellent, just don't expect the S-class to entertain on a twisty road
Interior and Tech
This is where individual taste really comes into play. The S-class interior is undoubtedly luxurious and boasts fantastic fit and finish for a car that costs as much as it does.
What it doesn’t deliver is that truly custom feel that you get from Bentley’s Flying Spur, for example. But the Bentley costs nearly twice as much.
The interior is also slightly fussy for our tastes, with a pair of large LED displays and an optional HUD being too many things to look at while driving. It feels borderline distracting.
The Burmester audi system sounds unbelievable. The set of ornate aluminium tweeters won’t be to everyone’s taste, though. Still, if you’ve got the cash for it, the full fat-Burmester setup is nothing short of incredible. The Volvo XC90 does however just pip the S-class to the post for ultimate sound quality, with a little too much emphasis on bass being placed in the Mercedes' system.
What we really can’t argue against is the levels of technology available in the S-class. As far as we’re concerned, it’s a class leader when it comes to gadgetry. Rear passengers are treated to everything from a simulated hot stone massage from the seats to LCD screens paired up noise cancelling headphones.
Front passengers can enjoy the night vision option should they feel the need. There is also a vast array of driver assistance systems, from radar cruise control with auto braking, to lane keep assist that almost drives the S-class for you.
The best bit is that for the most part, it all works. There’s no gimmicks here, with Mercedes delivering on its promise of making the most high tech thing on four wheels.
The end result of this tech is that the car just becomes an even more comfortable and relaxing place to be.