Mercedes S-Class hybrid (2019-2020) interior & comfort

There’s a saying in the car industry that if you want to see the technology that'll be standard on most vehicles in 10 years’ time, look at the current Mercedes S-Class. The latest model looks like a spaceship inside, with buttons and controls galore laid out across the clean, premium interior.

As it's a luxury limousine, comfort is the S-Class’s top priority, and Mercedes has gone to great lengths to ensure a serene experience for passengers. The ride quality is superb, and you’ll struggle to feel all but the harshest road surfaces thanks to excellent suspension.

Inside, the seats are designed for maximum comfort as well, with the deep padding providing yet more protection from disturbances outside the car. The quietness of the engine and the lack of noise, vibration or harshness inside mean few cars are better for stress-free driving.

Mercedes S-Class hybrid dashboard

The dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an identically sized infotainment screen, sitting in a single, seamless unit within the dashboard itself. Air vents are situated either side of a small, analogue clock in the middle of the centre console, with a spread of buttons under it to control the air-conditioning, heated seats and much else besides. The infotainment system is operated by a rotary dial located in the central column beside the driver, with yet more controls situated on (and to the right of) the steering wheel.

Equipment, options & accessories

The S-Class comes with a standard equipment list as long as your arm, but the highlights are automatic climate control; front-seat memory settings; ambient lighting in a choice of 64 colours; keyless entry and start; a DAB digital radio; wireless smartphone charging and a Burmester surround-sound audio system with 13 speakers.

There are various option packages, too, introducing things like a 360-degree camera, semi-autonomous driver safety aids, ventilated front and rear seats, luxury rear head restraints with a comfort cushion, an electric panoramic glass sunroof, powered doors and bootlid, electrically operated blinds, night visions and privacy glass. There’s a winter package, too; this includes a heated windscreen, armrests and steering wheel, plus a head-up display for the driver.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

The Mercedes S-Class plug-in hybrid comes with the carmaker’s COMAND Online infotainment system, with the sat nav providing live traffic updates on the go. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility are included as standard on the S-Class.