All round visibility is good, although parking the S-Class can be a nightmare as it’s more than five-metres long. It also features a foot-operated parking brake, which can take some getting used to. In terms of design the big Merc isn’t particularly stylish inside and it’s starting to show its age, but all the controls are well laid out and the multifunction trip computer – with the screen placed in the speedo, is very good.

The older sat nav units aren’t great though – and take an age compared to newer systems.

There’s a long wheelbase version with most engines that gives rear passengers an extra 12cm of legroom but for most the standard car is more than spacious enough. Mercedes aims to keep the driver relaxed and alert by offering comfort seats, which can be climate controlled to cool, or warm your derriere. AMG cars get more supportive chairs but in all models everything moves electrically up front – as an option you can specify electric rear seats.

Quiet and fuss-free on the motorway it’s a superb long distance machine.