Few cars of this price are crash tested by Euro NCAP but it’s safe to say the S-Class would perform well. Other Mercedes models such as the M-Class and E-Class, were awarded the maximum five-star rating for adult occupant safety. Its safety systems extend beyond a strong shell and eight air-bags. A radar at the front can detect objects ahead and if an accident seems likely, responds by delivering the maximum braking power even when the driver fails to press the pedal hard enough.

It also closes windows and sunroof and moves the seats to put the occupants in the best position for the airbags to work. Once the airbags have gone off the system opens the windows to ventilate the cabin which will be full of smoke from the airbag detonation. It also detects the weight of the passenger and inflates the airbag accordingly.

The S-Class is a large car and has a boot that can swallow plenty of luggage with 560 litres of carrying capacity – more than an Audi A8 or a BMW 7-Series. The rear seats don’t fold down so carrying longer items can be an issue, however a ‘ski hatch’ is optional. All doors feature ‘stepless stops’ so will hold open at any angle making life a little easier in tight parking spaces while soft-closing doors (meaning you don’t have to slam them shut) are standard on S500 and S600 models.