Mercedes-Benz S-Class
When Mercedes-Benz sets out to make a new S-Class, the brief is to make the best car in the world. While it might not seduce like a Jaguar XJ, that’s not what it’s for.
This car does what it’s supposed to do superbly and is functionally exceptional. It was conceived as a long-wheelbase saloon, giving it unprecedented torsional rigidity, and the ride is helped by standard air suspension with adaptive dampers.
There’s a choice of three petrol and one diesel engine, with standard cars sing a 9G-Tonic Plus nine-speed automatic ‘box.
The S-Class is engineered to happen quietly and comfortably, it could hardly ride better, and it steers directly and precisely.
The interior is spacious and supremely comfortable, and festooned with technology, including a 12.3in screen and Mercedes’ Comand Online system as standard.
As a comfortable ride, it challenges the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Bentley Mulsanne. Where the S-Class leads, the rest of the car-making world follows
Range Rover
The latest Range Rover, just the fourth generation of the model, is as revolutionary as any in history, with a new aluminium monocoque and unashamedly luxury focus: it is a luxury car first and 4x4 second.
The spacious interior exudes quality and luxury, the seats are excellent and the driving position is first rate, making it easy to drive for its size. The heavy bodyshell provides excellent isolation from rough surfaces and, while it doesn’t offer the driving engagement of a Porsche Cayenne, it’s easy to make enjoyable, rapid progress in.
The car’s weight is a small price to pay for a car of its incredible ability.
Tesla Model S
The first bespoke creation from electric car pioneer Elon Musk’s firm, the Model S is the machine that brought credibility, luxury and useful range to the electric car market.
There are four battery options, topped by a 100kWh pack with a credible 393-mile range from the 415bhp electric motor. It can take off with the ferocity of a super saloon, but more wonderful is how precisely and effortlessly you can meter out its pace.
The Model S delivers a hugely credible steer, a large, quiet, premium cabin and massive load space, with a futuristic feel. For a select niche, it will make financial as well as environmental sense
Audi A8
The latest A8 feature a more advanced chassis, powertrain and in-car technology than the Mercedes S-Class including, when it’s switched on, the greatest capability for autonomous driving of any production car in the world.
There’s a choice of turbocharged engines – a 282bhp diesel or 335bhp petrol – with four-wheel-drive as standard and a 48V electrical system that gives it mild hybrid status.
The quality interior feels like it was built to outlast civilization itself, although it lacks the elegance of the S-Class. The ride is smooth and it’s easy to drive, although it puts up with being hustled rather than revelling in it
BMW 7 Series
Since launch in 1977, the 7 Series has been in the shadow of the Mercedes S-Class, but this latest version is BMW’s most committed attemp yet to fully crack the luxury saloon market, combining adaptive, fully air-sprung chassis and pioneering infotainment and convenience features with a choice of two wheelbase lengths and rear- or four-wheel-drive.
The interior trim conjures a sense of space, integrity and usability, although the fascia is a bit too similar to other BMWs. Engines are quiet, powerful and efficient, and handling is more poised and precise than rivals – although the ride isn’t.
A surprisingly good driver’s car, then, but it falls behind rivals in the luxury stakes.