well, so it's official. What Car gave the "luxury car of the year" to the new S500. however it did not win the overall car of the year (went to BMW's 3) because they felt it did not appeal to a sufficient section of society: only those with deep enough pockets. but they said both cars really stood out from the rest because they moved the game on so much.

the other cars surveyed were XJ8, 750, and A8. strangely, no LS although i hardly think it would have changed the result.

basically, said interior quality and design was amazing. engine refined, terrific mid-range. great ride and sound insulation. great but costly gadgets. great handling and auto box. loved the reclining rear seats and the simple seat adjustments.

dislikes were the COMAND (too complex, and they praised Audi's MMI for having hard buttons - but the S has hard buttons too, perhaps not enough?), and they felt the seats were too high. and it's more expensive, of course. their test car came to £73k but they mentioned you could get it for £65k without some options. still more expensive than the 750 at £73k.

overall, i won't say it was a really detailed review, and they obviously did not spend that much time with all of the cars, but apparently they felt the differences were so great, there is no question about which one they would pick.

I think that the new S-Class is that great of a car that it should be receiving rave (or at least favorable) reviews. I expect more and more of them as the media gets their hands on one and writes them up. Nothing surprising to me in this. I would be surprised if the car got any bad or unfavorable press -- it is that good of a car. MBZ new Top-of-the-Line.

clay haha you have maybach you dont need this--low class S class hahaha