Although it has yet to be put through the rigours of Euro NCAP’s crash test programme, there is little doubt that Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG safety levels are exceptionally high. This could prove to be the safest cars available in any price bracket.

Building on the previous model’s PreSafe and DistronicPlus technologies, the new S63 AMG uses everything in Mercedes’ current safety arsenal to ensure that the car isn’t involved in a crash in the first place.

Automatic braking can bring the car to a standstill if it detects a pedestrian, cyclist or even another vehicle in its path and similarly will warn oncoming drivers behind of a potential impact by flashing its hazard lights if it detects an impact. If the oncoming car doesn’t react, the S63 AMG will tighten its occupants seatbelts before the accident to further minimise risk as well as lock its brakes on to prevent it being pushed too far forwards.

Airbags line the cabin, including within the rear seatbelts themselves to help minimise chest injuries. Many S63 AMGs will be specified with reclining rear seats, in which case the cushions have been designed to prevent passengers slipping out from under the belts in an impact.

Additional technologies include automatic full-LED headlamps which illuminate more of the road than conventional lights without dazzling other road users, combined with a night vision camera, displaying what it ‘sees’ between the speedometer and rev counter, alerting the driver to pedestrians before their eyes see them naturally.

Radar-guided cruise control works in conjunction with semi-autonomous steering that follows the road’s lines to offer a degree of automatic steering input. You’re required to keep your hands on the wheel though and it will warn you if it doesn’t sense your grip.

A strict four-seater and only available as a long-wheelbase model, Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG practicality is on par with its non-AMG relative. There are acres of space for both front and rear passengers and a large boot too.

One area the S63 does fall down on is cup-holders in the front; while rear seat passengers are catered for, front occupants have to pay quite a lot of money to hold drinks in the front of the car.

The boot measures 510 litres of capacity as standard, but a few of the optional extras can eat into this a little. The upgraded stereo system, reclining rear seats and fridge compartment behind rear armrest all take away a few litres here and there, so it’s worth considering when you’re ordering your car.

You’ll be pleased to note that an electrically operated boot lid can be operated remotely, which means no getting your hands dirty and a far simpler time loading shopping in the car park.