Note: This interior review was created when the 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was new.
Interior: | 8.8 |
Reviewers rave about the classic, opulent style and comfortable seats inside the 2012 Mercedes S-Class. Interior panels are covered in quilted leather and wood trim, giving the S-Class an old-world feel. But don’t let the classic looks fool you into thinking that the S-Class is out-of-date. Some auto writers think the S-Class’ interior tech could be more user-friendly, but even base models come very well-equipped. A full suite of standard cabin electronics includes a 15-speaker Harmon Kardon stereo system, Bluetooth and USB connectivity and hard-drive based navigation.
The S-Class earns high praise from the automotive press for its comfortable seats. Many reviewers have driven cars that feature optional dynamic front seats, which are almost infinitely adjustable thanks to their pneumatic chambers. These seats are adaptive, and can be set to increase bolstering if the driver turns right or left. If you don’t opt for the upgraded seats, the standard ones are still impressive. They’re power-adjustable, and also ventilated and heated. Other seating upgrades include front-seat massage with four different settings, as well as eight-way power-adjustable rear seats that are heated and cooled. Four-zone climate control is also available to increase passenger comfort.
Most reviewers are impressed by the spacious front and rear accommodations. However, a few test drivers dislike that many seating adjustments are made using the COMAND interface.
While reviewers rave about the posh materials and comfortable seats inside the S-Class, they’re still not all happy with its switchgear and tech features. While they like the navigation’s sharp display and the stereo’s excellent sound quality, the S-Class continues to disappoint reviewers with its COMAND interface, which controls everything from radio and navigation settings to seat adjustments through a single dial. The system requires you to work through a series of menus on the navigation screen to make adjustments, and many reviewers say that learning your way around the system takes time.
Still, most other super luxury cars come with a similar interface. Test drivers generally prefer the MMI system in the Audi A8 or the Remote Touch device in the Lexus LS, noting that they’re more user-friendly than COMAND. Despite this issue, the S-Class does feature a voice recognition system that you can use instead of COMAND for many vehicle functions. Another complaint is that the S-Class’ cruise control stalk is easily mistaken for a turn signal or windshield wiper control.
With 16.4 cubic feet of trunk space, the S-Class has more space to stow your luggage than the BMW 7-Series but less than the Lexus LS or Jaguar XJ. The trunk is easy to access, and reviewers say its shape makes the space useful. However, some reviewers mention that interior storage is minimal, and that the rear seats don’t fold or offer a center pass-through to increase cargo capacity.
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