The
Mercedes S-Class has always been something of an automotive pioneer. Over the
past 60 years, it’s introduced everything from the airbag to parking sensors,
and this all-new model continues that tradition with more world firsts.
It needs to
be more than just a technological showcase to beat the Range Rover, though. Our
reigning Luxury Car of the Year offers previously unparalleled levels of
comfort and refinement, in a package that’s lavishly equipped and hugely
desirable.
What are they like to drive?
Comfort is
the priority here, and the S-Class has a clear edge. At low speeds, it soaks up
bumps more effectively than the Range Rover, and it stays more settled over the
scruffy urban roads that are all too common in the UK.
New S-Class rides better than the Range Rover;
engine is super-smooth and quiet
It’s not
that the Range Rover is in any way uncomfortable, however. What you do notice
is your head being tossed from side-to-side over uneven surfaces, while minor
road imperfections aren’t smoothed out quite as well as they should be,
especially if you specify anything bigger than the 20-inch wheels that come as
standard.
The Range
Rover also suffers from more body bounce along twisty, undulating roads, and
isn’t as secure on the motorway.
True, the
S-Class is no sports saloon, but it changes direction more tidily and with a
lot less body roll – especially with the suspension in its firmest setting. By
contrast, the Range Rover feels bigger and heavier, and its steering is neither
as accurate nor as consistently weighted.
The Range Rover is still comfortable even on
optional 22-inch wheels
Both cars
are powered by 3.0-litre diesel engines that produce identical power. However,
the S-Class has more torque available from lower revs. It’s also much lighter
than the Range Rover, so it’s the significantly faster car.
The
S-Class’s diesel motor is also one of the smoothest and quietest we’ve ever
experienced. It transmits less vibration through the pedals than the Range
Rover’s, and remains utterly quiet at a steady cruise.
New S-Class has a swankier cabin than any other
luxury car in the world
As a bonus,
the S-Class has the smoother and more intelligent automatic gearbox, and it
does a better job of isolating occupants from road and wind noise at motorway
speeds. It’s just a pity the Merc’s suspension goes
about its business quite noisily, clonking as it irons out bumps in the road.
What are they like inside?
We’ve
always heaped praise on the Range Rover’s cabin, and for good reason. Every
surface and switch feels properly classy, while digital instrument dials lend a
modern twist to an otherwise stately environment.
That said, the new S-Class has the Range Rover beaten on perceived
quality. Most of its cabin materials look and feel classier, including the
high-quality metal detailing and bespoke switchgear that you won’t come across
in lesser Mercedes models.
Cabin of the Range
Rover feels very classy and digital dials are a nice modern touch
The new
S-Class also has one of the best infotainment systems we’ve tried. As in other Mercs, you scroll through the various on-screen menus using
a rotary dial that’s positioned between the front seats.
