The base spec S-Class is hardly base spec in terms of refinement and equipment.

Featuring an immense range of standard kit, the S-Class entry point is still supremely luxurious.

Standard features:

• Dual front airbag package
• Anti-lock braking
• Air con & climate control
• Air suspension
• Analogue clock
• Active suspension
• Adaptive damping control
• Adaptive headlights
• Ambient interior lighting
• Alarm system/remote anti theft
• Automatic stop/start
• Aux/USB input socket
• 20-inch alloy wheels
• Brake assist
• Cruise control intelligent/active
• Comfort seats front
• Child seat – ISOFIX anchorage system
• Comfort seats rear
• Connect package
• Cross traffic recognition
• Driver awareness alert
• Digital audio broadcast radio
• Daytime running lights – LED
• Door sill finishers – embossed/personalised
• Dusk sensing headlights
• Electronic brake force distribution
• Exterior mirrors -auto dimming driver side
• Exterior mirrors – heated
• Electronic stability program
• Emergency stop signal
• First-aid Kit
• Glovebox cooler
• Headrests – adjustable on all Seats
• HardDisk drive (built-in)
• Heated front seats
• Heated rear seats
• Head up display
• Illuminated door sill panels
• Illuminated glove box compartment
• Keyless entry and drive
• LED Headlights
• Lockable glove box compartment
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Leather upholstery
• Memory card reader
• Multi-function control screen
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Metallic paint
• MP3 compatible audio/CD player
• Mobile phone connectivity
• Night view assist
• Park assist
• Power door closing
• Power front seats
• Protective Glazing
• Power mirrors with indicators & folding
• Power rear seats
• Power sun blind – rear side windows
• Power sunroof
• Power tailgate
• Remote boot/hatch release
• Run-flat safety tyres
• Rear lights – LED
• Rear seat enhancement pack
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear view mirror auto dimming
• Satellite navigation
• Surround camera system
• 13-speaker sound system
• Sun visors with vanity mirrors & illumination
• Traction control system
• Ventilated front seats
• Voice recognition system
• Wood grain trim

In our opinion, the S350D is the pick of the S-Class range.

Unless you’re spending the majority of your driving time on German autobahns, the S350D is all of the S-Class anyone really needs.

Anything higher in the range is just showing off.

S350 adds:

• 20” alloy wheels
• AIR-BALANCE Package (air ioniser)
• AMG Line (S350 d)
• Electric seats – 2nd row with memory
• Energising comfort control
• Entertainment system – rear
• Exclusive package
• Front seat comfort package
• Garage door opener
• Illuminated door sill panels
• Leather trim – full nappa
• Designo paint options
• Rear seat comfort package
• Rear seat entertainment pre-installation only
• Sun protection package
• Tinted windows – rear dark
• Tyre pressure monitoring – with logging/display
• Warmth comfort package
• Wireless charging system for rear mobile devices (From 2018)
• Wood/leather steering wheel
• Woodgrain trim options

The 400 variant is simply the petrol version of the diesel 300 and 350 S-Class above, although Mercedes confuses this theory by offering diesel variants of the 400.

Again, an S350 is all the S-Class anyone really needs.

S400 adds:

• Business class package
• Panoramic roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL

The 400 was renamed 450 after the S-Class mid-life update.

S450 adds:

• AMG line

The entry point to the V8-powered S-Class variants.

Unless your daily commute involves dominating autobahns, stick to the S350D.

S500 adds:

• AMG Line (S500) and AMG Line Plus
• Boot lid lock
• Burmester high-end 3D surround sound
• Designo interior – two tone
• Individual rear seats
• Night View Assist Plus
• PRE-SAFE rear package
• Refrigeration compartment for second row
• Active suspension (Magic Body Control)
• Tinted Windows – extra dark/privacy
• Various AMG trim selections
• Various woodgrain interior selections

The 560 denotes the post mid-life update V8 S-Class.

S560 adds:

• Exclusive Line (S Class)
• Specific paint colours
• Swarovski headlamp package

The flagship of the flagship. The V12 S600 variant tops out the non-AMG S-Class range.

This is THE car for heads of industry and dictators.

S600 adds:

• Different wheel design
• Quad exhaust pattern
• V12 engine

The first of the fire-breathing AMG-powered S-Class range.

S63 adds:

• 20” alloy wheels – AMG cross-spoke black
• AMG carbon fibre engine cover
• AMG carbon fibre exterior package
• AMG driver’s package
• AMG ceramic high performance brakes

Not only the top of the range, but the top of the top of the range, the S65 is just showing off.

No one “needs” an S65 but if you’ve got it, why not flaunt it.

S65 adds:

• Black lower grille & ducts on front apron (NCO)
• Callipers – AMG grey painted (NCO)