| COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT RATING: |
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In the softest Comfort suspension mode, the S-Class keeps its body well under control and avoids the nausea-inducing wallows of the last-generation model. There are only jerks and jiggles over rough surfaces in super-stiff mode; otherwise, all is smooth and quiet, even at high autobahn speeds. All the kit is there, with AirMATIC air suspension, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable everything, rain-sensing wipers, auto headlights and Easy Entry multi-function steering wheel come as standard... at the top end of the range, you get memory functions for all the settings, infrared protective glass, massaging multi-contour front seats (a bit disconcerting at first, but really quite pleasant), wood trim and all the leather, suede and Alcantara you'd expect, in varying degrees of tastefulness depending on specification and your choice of colour. Long-wheelbase models have electric roller blinds and electrically-adjustable heated rear seats. Some of the plastics feel a little flimsy, however, and there are a few quality short-cuts in places that aren't instantly obvious to the eye. It's a large car, but there's not quite the legroom you'd expect in the rear - in the standard versions, anyway. Those that have a man to drive them will be opting for the long-wheelbase versions, which have an extra 120mm to stretch out in. Otherwise, the interior accommodation is more than sufficient, even if the darker-coloured cabin finishes do little for the sense of space - the beige upholstery, though less practical, makes it much lighter and airier inside. The high-quality sound system is all you'd expect, though only S500 models upwards have a multi-CD unit, and the S600 and S55 AMG have a top-notch Bose set-up. We'll dock the S-Class a star or two here though for having the autochanger (where fitted) mounted in the boot - very annoying, unless one gets the chauffeur to load up the discs for one. All models have the COMAND control system with satellite navigation and screen; the S600 adds a mobile phone and TV.
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