New Mercedes S-Class news - The future is here... - 2009

See more Merc S-Class pics

The slightly new Mercedes S-Class is here, and while it won't stun you into silence with its innovative looks and James Bond appeal like the SLS AMG, it's a veritable tech-fest.

The luxury saloon's USP - and the reason so many people buy it - is that it gives you everything you can expect to see in ordinary cars in five years' time, right now. Like an episode of Tomorrow's World but here and now.

And the new S-Class doesn't disappoint. Featuring a unique combination of camera and radar-based driver assistance - suddenly very Bond-esque - the luxury saloon has been transformed into an ‘intelligent partner', says Merc.

The new model includes the seriously cool ‘Attention Assist' drowsiness detection function, ‘Pre-Safe' braking - which primes the brakes if the S-Class senses an accident, and will even brake for you in truly dire circumstances - and automatic crosswind stabilisation.

Toys include the new Splitview technology we told you about before Christmas, allowing the driver to check the satnav while the passenger watches, say, Top Gear, all on the same screen.

Engines? Well, you've got the choice of one diesel and five petrol powerplants, ranging from six to 12 cylinders, with 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission as standard, improved fuel consumption and a 10 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

With an average fuel consumption of 37.2mpg, the S350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is definitely the green option. But the S600 with its 12-cylinder biturbo is the properly loony choice, giving you a frankly unnecessary 517bhp and 62mph in 4.6 seconds.

Prices are yet to be confirmed but expect to get your hands on one in time for autumn.

Now watch Jezza try to design the perfect interior for the S-Class, complete with wood-burning stove, wing-backed chairs and bookcase: