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There’s something magical about looking at the Mercedes-Benz emblem, standing proudly on its bonnet as viewed from the driving seat: the sun’s rays bouncing off the erect chromo three pointed star, as the S-Class confidently navigates its way forward. As it shines, you sense the legacy of almost 130 years of engineering prowess, it is a sensation that leaves the driver knowing he is driving something special.

Brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley have made it their focus to craft cars specifically for those able to afford their opulence. There indulgence is rather overt. While Mercedes-Benz’s tactic is more veiled, specifically when referring to the S-Class in long wheelbase (LWB) guise. In the mid-fifties they created what would be the first "Sonderklasse", translated it means "special class" (in the sense of "a class of its own"). The intention was to create the very best the brand could, and though by no means a cheap car, it was, and still is, 1/3 of the price of the likes of a Rolls-Royce.

In 1972 a Mercedes-Benz official named and labelled their flagship vehicle an S-Class. Five generations later, 2014 saw the launch of what is code named the W222, or for as lay people, the ‘new’ S-Class.

Its large grill and fluid lines, which run to the neatly rounded off rear of the car, makes this the most attractive S-Class to date. Its design and technological advancements are Mercedes-Benz’s bragging rights to which they claim the S-Class to be the ‘best car in the world’.

The new S-Class represents the future. It’s the way Mercedes-Benz and eventually other manufacturers implement driver safety and enhancement systems, both passive and active. An example of previous innovations lead by the S-Class are systems we now taken for granted, like ABS braking, airbags and traction control. In 2005 the S-Class featured an infrared night vision system, which enabled the driver to better see the road ahead, with the restrictions of the dark.

I’ve driven two S-Class examples, each for a week. Most recently, the S600 L (long wheelbase), and prior to that, a S400 Hybrid. The distinction between the two lies in the levels of comfort for the rear passengers- the LWB version being like a chauffeur driven car and hence my assimilation to Bentley and Rolls Royce. The S600 L though a glorious car to drive, is even better to be driven in.

The LWB version of the S-Class is 13cm longer than the standard vehicle, this additional five inches of endowment is furnished to the rear passengers. As a result, the rear doors are massive. Opening them reveals an aeronautic business class pod for two. Every conceivable button is available to electronically transform and enhance your level of comfort: 45 degree reclaimable and heated or cooled seating, stowable tables, climate control, electronic side and rear sun blinds, rear TV screens with DVD interface and on and on…

 A large part of the car’s majestic ride is due in part to its AIRMATIC air suspension, which automatically defaults to Comfort mode on ignition, but can be adjusted to a Sport setting should a firmer ride be required to accompany a spited drive. It is bizarre how speed bumps, road surface irregularities and other tarmac blemishes seem to disappear as a result of its advanced suspension settings- it is as if you’re floating on a magic carpet ride, where the journey is always flawlessly smooth.

The S-Class is the quietest car I have ever reviewed. Its incredible how well insulated it is: road, engine and exterior environmental noise are filtered. The electronic windows are double-glazed, a feature that not many other cars can claim, and definitely contributing factor as to why it is so inaudible.

Your five senses are bathed in a gentle, yet palliative sensation, which is very skilfully applied to relax its driver and passengers, never overwhelming them. Every surface is covered in leather. Where other car makers mix and match different colours and textures of plastic, the S-Class doesn’t. Instead the finest Nappa leather has been used in combination with polished wood inlays, chromo and aluminium detailing to compliment the tasteful yet sculptural interior. Accent mood lighting is cleverly concealed yet abundant, wrapping around the entire front and rear cabin, with colour being adjustable from cool blue to racy red.

The 6.0 V12 engine in the S-Class is huge. It is like a castle, with its owners never really using all of its rooms. Keeping the S-Class moving at legal road speeds means only having to delicately perch your right foot on the accelerator. This glorious engine is mated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox. The effect would seem to be similar to an electric car: it’s silent and effortless, but on the odd occasion that you feel like opening her up, the S-Class is able to dart from 0 to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The S-Class Mercedes-Benz comes standard with a 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan. The S-Class also scores five stars in the European crash test standard, EuroNCAP.

 The S-Class reinvented the way we perceive luxury motoring. Mercedes-Benz leads this category of car while the others follow and is better at offering indulgent opulence than its rivals. At over R2.5 million it should!

The S-Class is my choice when it comes to driving in luxury and an ideal way to arrive. Hello Joburg readers can expect to see a S600 L at Five Hundred, a perfect watering hole at the iconic Saxon hotel. 

www.mercedesbenz.co.za