Car Statistics: Mercedes - S Class Series 05 (4 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

Designers admit that the tastes of far eastern buyers have played a big part and it shows. Most of the visual muscle of previous generation models seems to have been lost.

Handling (4 stars)

In standard form the S-Class is no sports saloon, but it offers masses of grip and neutral handling. Given its size and weight it's impressively nimble.

Comfort (5 stars)

Amazing ride quality from air suspension matched by wonderful air cushion seats - and they're standard. The optional massage function will help soothe those boardroom aches and pains.

Quality (5 stars)

Mercedes is back on form here. No matter how hard we pulled and prodded, nothing squeaked, let alone creaked. An engineering marvel.

Performance (4 stars)

On paper even the entry-level S 350 is a decent performer, but it has to be driven with little mechanical sympathy to make swift progress. Larger V8 and V12 models are far more capable, but the torquey diesel model will be the closest the range gets to sensibleness. Bonkers S63 AMG to follow in 2006.

Roominess (3 stars)

Like its predecessor, the S-Class is fantastically comfortable but little more practical than an E-Class. All models come with a small boot, but the stretched 'L' version has masses of space in the back.

Costs (2 stars)

Competitive for the luxury class, but only the diesel will leave customers with anything but crippling running costs. Twin-turbo V12 will have an impact on global oil supply if driven hard.

Value (2 stars)

Buyers won't be in short supply, but S-Class customers will have to dig deep and choose to ignore cheaper luxury alternatives. Entry model is the diesel, which is by far the best value.

Stereo (5 stars)

Sound quality will see off competition from all but the most talented lounge hi-fi, and the speed of the 20Gb hard-drive equipped satnav system is a revelation. Command control wheel works well but perceived complexity will still put some people off.