This time, though, the shortcut buttons for individual
systems are by the dial, where they’re mostly easy to find and use. A raised telephone
keypad does block your view of three buttons on the left side of the centre console, but there’s only one of these that you’ll
need to use with any regularity.
The Range Rover, by contrast, makes do with a clunky
touchscreen system. Its on-screen menus aren’t anywhere near as intuitive, the
software isn’t as quick to respond to inputs and the display is more prone to
catching the sunlight, making it difficult to read in bright conditions.
Mercedes’ rear
seats are wonderfully comfortable and supportive
Fortunately, it’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel
of either car, even though they offer very different driving positions. You sit
more upright in the Range Rover with a commanding view of the road ahead and
better all-round visibility. The S-Class will appeal to those who prefer a
lower, more cocooned driver environment, while everyone will prefer the
Mercedes’ more comfortable and supportive seats.
It’s a similar story in the back, where the Range Rover’s
seats don’t offer the same armchair-like comfort and support as those in the
S-Class. True, the Range Rover’s larger side windows give a better view out,
but you get considerably less kneeroom. Chunky wheelarch intrusions also jut into the door openings,
making getting in and out trickier than it is in the S-Class.
Range Rover’s rear
seats are more upright, and there’s a lot less legroom
Where the Range Rover counters is with its much bigger boot.
Officially, it’s almost twice as big as the Merc’s,
and its larger opening and squarer floor are ideal for carrying big loads of
luggage. A split tailgate comes as standard, while the boot lid can be opened
and closed electrically at the touch of a button – this costs $1,015 extra on
the S-Class.
What will they
cost you?
The S-Class looks like a relative bargain, undercutting its
rival by almost $9,985. However, that’s before you’ve factored in the Range
Rover’s slower deprecation; it’s predicted to lose nearly $1,665 less of its
value during the first three years.
Mercedes’ boot is
big enough for a couple of suitcases, but opening is narrow
As a private buy, both cars will cost you a near-enough
identical amount to own during the first three years, with the Mercedes being
slightly cheaper to tax and service, but more costly to insure. The S-Class
will also be kinder to your wallet at the fuel pump, with a True MPG figure of
38.6mpg compared with 33.2mpg for the Range Rover.
The Mercedes is around $150 a month cheaper to lease, too,
although that’s not a massive difference when you consider that both cars will
cost you in excess of $19,970 a year.
Range Rover’s boot
is simply vast, though, with a huge opening
The S-Class does have a big advantage when it comes to
company car tax, though. Its much lower CO2 emissions
mean it will cost 40% taxpayers $463 a month less to run.
Both cars come with plenty of luxuries; the S-Class also has
a self-parking system, and headlights that automatically switch from high beam
to dipped as other traffic approaches. However, the
Range Rover gets a heated steering wheel, keyless start and a digital TV.
