Reviews - Mercedes

Overall Rating

The old S Class is the Mr Big of luxury saloons. It's imposing, impeccably well mannered and effortlessly powerful. It's also middle-aged, has a weight problem and likes a drink.

• Presence, prestige and power
• Enduring Mercedes engines and engineering
• Hugely roomy, with all life?s little luxuries

• Overblown, ostentatious and looking outdated
• Massive maintenance bills and a serious thirst
• Outclassed by current S Class and 7 Series

Park this heavyweight among luxury saloons alongside the latest S Class or 7-Series; the effect is like 'before' and 'after' photos in slimming ads. But the very fact that you can afford to run one says a lot about you - this is a car for people who don't have to worry about putting £60 on their card when they fill up. In the metal, it's seductive and highly sophisticated. It's hugely spacious - the Limousine is really unnecessary unless you're in the wedding car business. The seats are like armchairs, the cabin beautifully trimmed and equipped with lots of luxuries. The silkily smooth engines whisper even when accelerating hard, and occupants are insulated from the surrounding world. Yet it's a rewarding drive, with the handling of a smaller, sportier car. What kills this S Class as a rational choice is that modern rivals do it more efficiently and more discreetly.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: S320 & S500

Worst Models: S600 LWB Limousine

Replacement: by current generation S Class in early 1999

• BMW 7-Series (1994-02)
• Jaguar XJ (1994-03)
• Lexus LS (1990-00)