Is the new S-class the best car on Earth?

Is a completely autonomous car possible? One where you can simply set your destination in the satnav, and then sit back and read your newspaper while the car drives you there?

Just about, and it’s more about getting regulatory approval for such cars in a world that’s still understandably nervous about drivers who pay no attention to the road (although it could cynically be argued that this is often already the case).

In the meantime, the new-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class is as close as a production car has come to having full autopilot, the stuff of science fiction dreams. It’s able to brake, accelerate, steer, keep a safe following distance, park, and even avoid collisions all without the help of the driver, as part of Intelligent Drive (see below).

Along with rear seatbelts that have built-in airbags, this is also the world’s first car to do away completely with light bulbs and all the exterior and interior lighting is by LEDs.

Ultimate In Luxury

But the most technologically advanced Mercedes to date is more than a head-spinning array of gadgets that would get even Star Trek’s Mr Spock excited.

Magic Suspension

As before, Airmatic suspension with adaptive damping provides a magic-carpet ride but a new optional feature (available on the V8 models) called Magic Body Control scans the road ahead for bumps and pre-adjusts the suspension accordingly.

Merc’s new limo is launched in short- and long-wheelbase versions, in a choice of diesel, petrol or hybrid powerplants.

All are rear-wheel drive with 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, and all have 250km/h top speed capability.

The entry version is the S350 Bluetec, powered by a 3-litre turbodiesel V6 with 190kW and 620Nm on call, and claiming a 6.8 second 0-100km/h sprint along with a fuel-sipping consumption of 5.9 litres per 100km.

Next up is the S400 hybrid, combining a 20kW/250Nm electric motor with a 3.5-litre petrol V6 wielding 225kW and 370Nm. The 0-100 and consumption figures are both quoted as 6.8.

The current flagship, until the S63 AMG is launched at September’s Frankfurt Motor Show, is the S500. Its twin-turbo 4.7-litre petrol V8 delivers a muscular 335kW and 700Nm, good enough to propel it to 100km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds.

How Merc Intelligent Drive Works:

Intelligent Drive is the umbrella term for a suite of high-tech safety systems offered by Mercedes-Benz in the new S-Class. Employing cameras and sensors that provide a 360 degree view around the car, it’s able to prevent accidents as well as make life easier for the driver.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus

This enables the high beams to stay on permanently without blinding other traffic.

When sensors detect oncoming vehicles or vehicles in front, the light beam “bends” around them to avoid dazzling their drivers

Night View Assist Plus

This “sees” further in the dark than the human eye is able to by means of an infra-red camera that beams the view on to an instrument panel display.

It alerts drivers to pedestrians and animals in the dark, and if there’s a person on the side of the road in the so-called warning zone he/she is flashed at several times by a spotlight in the car’s front headlamps.

Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot

It automatically keeps a safe following distance and also guides the electric steering to keep the vehicle in its lane. In congested traffic the S-Class follows the vehicle in front even if there aren’t any road markings.

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