Best cars & vans

Mercedes S 350 d - Best diesels

Massive road presence and a cosseting interior mean the Mercedes S-Class is our top luxury car, and it's at its best in diesel guise

by: Auto Express team

14 May 2019

If you want the ultimate in luxury diesel driving, then look no further than the Mercedes S-Class.

Actually, that's not strictly true. Mercedes offers a hybrid S-Class as a true economy champ, but the hybrid power train isn't so suited to the car as this diesel engine. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 is super-smooth yet seriously quick with 0-62mph taking just 6.0 seconds - quite a feat in a car weighing nearly 2 tonnes. Yet driven carefully it will return 52mpg.

• Best luxury cars to buy 2019

Weight certainly aids comfort and whatever guise the S-Class is in, it irons out any imperfections in the road. Sophisticated technology 'reads' the road ahead and is able to prep the air suspension for upcoming bumps. This really is one of the most comfortable cars short of a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The Mercedes S-Class has always been a showcase for the absolute latest technology and this one doesn't disappoint, with two 12-inch screens in the dash, mobile data, optional night vision, reclining rear seats and an industry first - there isn't a single filament lightbulb on the car.

When it comes to luxury limos, the S-Class stands head-and-shoulders above its rivals.