Mercedes Benz S-Class

The benchmark set for all luxury car makers, the Mercedes Benz S Class seem to have survived many generations of increasing competition. The indisputable choice for country leaders, affluent businessmen and mafia gang leaders, the S Class's interior has immense pressure to prevent their loyal customers from heading to the BMW or Lexus showroom.

In the latest facelift of the S Class, Merc has done little to change the rather bland interior. Safe styling filled with nothing but straight lines makes it suitable for all, but never evokes a special feeling for the cabin when one actually rides inside. The combined centre and driver's display panel is a direct copy from the old 7 series, and the controls on the centre console sends out needless reminders that you're on board a "smart car".

I actually like the display on the driver's information panel, and that it is a giant LCD screen that can display information of the trip computer over the speedometer. The "column stick" gear lever beind the steering wheel reminds me of a van, and the great guys and Merc still think that it is appropriate on a pricey car. As for the two colour schemes of the interior that you see below, take the fully beige one. Trust me, it really looks much better than the mix of black and beige. For a horrid example, check out the post of the Skoda Superb here.

In the rear, everything is neat and squarish, as what you should expect of a Merc. The seats are big, comfortable and supportive, and the centre stack with veneer trim separating the two seats means no third passenger behind. It seems like it's a trend to have only 2 sitting in the rear for luxury cars. Maybe people have grown in size but the width of cars haven't.

If only they utilised a pair of branded stereo headsets. At least Lexus had Mark Levinson. Why do you want one with a Merc logo?