Luxury Car of the Year 2015: Mercedes S-Class

Its predecessor managed to win the Best Luxury Car crown for seven years on the trot, and the current Mercedes S-Class could easily repeat that feat, as it scoops this award for a second year.

The S-Class is a luxurious place to spend time, with acres of room in the back and plenty of classy touches, while standard air-suspension across the range means not many cars are as comfortable or as refined. It also looks the part, thanks to its mix of imposing proportions and neat detailing. And as you’d expect, the fit and finish are top-drawer.

Inside, the Mercedes effortlessly blends cutting- edge design with traditional hand-crafted construction methods. Few cars feel as special, whether you’re at the wheel or in the back. The S-Class also serves as a fantastic showcase for the tech we’ll see in future Mercedes. From the colour TFT instrument cluster to advanced driving technology such as Magic Ride Control suspension and near-autonomous cruise control, the S-Class is a genuine rolling laboratory.

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Plus, there are efficient diesel and petrol-electric hybrid versions delivering unlikely efficiency in a luxury limo weighing in excess of two tonnes, while the AMG 63 and 65 serve up performance that belies the car’s sheer size. And if this range of talents isn’t enough, then the return of Maybach in the form of the Mercedes-Maybach S 600 is the icing on the cake. This V12 saloon is fit for presidential duties, with electric reclining climate seats in the back, four-zone climate control and plenty of luxury goodies to keep the most discerning of buyers happy.

Our choice

S 350 d SE Line L (£67,995)

While the flagship models are a showcase for performance and luxury, even the smallest diesel S-Class has enough of both to appeal. Go for the long-wheelbase version for maximum space, while SE Line models come lavishly equipped, including air-suspension and electric leather seats as standard.

Commended

Bentley Mulsanne Speed

The Bentley stands out thanks to its old-school V8 and classically styled interior. The twin-turbo engine has been turned up in the Speed model to deliver stupendous acceleration, although occupants will remain unflustered, thanks to the plush, tailor-made interior.

Range Rover

The latest Range Rover is a fantastic showcase for the British firm, as it’s packed with luxurious kit that places it a notch above the luxury SUV pack. If you prefer to be driven than drive, then the long-wheelbase version offers even more room in the back, but all models have off-road ability that no other luxury car can match.

Auto Express New Car Awards 2015 

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