New 2014 Mercedes S-class India review, test drive

The quality and fit and finish of the wood, leather and aluminium cabin is a fine example of Merc sticking it just about every other luxury car maker, Audi included. Also appealing is the dashboard's clean, uncluttered look with just air-con controls on the center console and pretty much every other control assigned to the rotary knob of the COMAND system. Speaking of which, the COMAND system isn't as intuitive to use as the iDrive on a BMW. This is, but a small blemish in an othewise well thought  and easy to use cabin. Also, the stalks for the headlights, wipers and steering adjust are lifted straight off Merc's other saloons -- they should have been bespoke items in a car like this. 

 

Still, the Mercedes S500 has enough tech to rival Mangalyaan  -- you won't find a single light bulb in here or anywhere in the car. What it does have is 300 LEDs and the best use of them is probably in the dashboard where a strip of LED lights give you ambient lighting with a choice of seven colours to make the cabin feel really special at night! 

 

 

Other soothing features include the excellent 24-speaker Burmester audio system, massage seats with pillows and standard bluetooth and wifi connectivity. 

 

At the rear, you are looking at a space that, if optioned correctly can put a darbar hall to shame.. There's no shortage of legroom, even for tall people and the individual rear seats recline generously making them even more comfy than the front seats. The storage box between the individual rear seats hide two stow away tables and you can even option a rear seat entertainment package that includes web browsers navigable by remote.  Continued..