IT'S described by Mercedes-Benz boss Dieter Zetsche as the best car in the world and fans of the luxury liner will be in for a treat when the new S-Class arrives this September.

A tab of £67,500 is the entry point to a limo that now boasts a mind-boggling degree of technology and a powertrain line-up that includes two hybrids.

For instance the new model is the world's first car to dispense entirely with light bulbs in favour of LEDs, 500 of which illuminate the road, the car, its interior and the boot.

Visibility is boosted further by systems called Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus along with a new stereo camera and radar sensors that give the S-Class 360-degree all-round vision.

It's also the world's first car featuring suspension with ‘eyes' able to detect bumps on the road ahead.

If the Road Surface Scan - optional on eight-cylinder models - detects anything uneven then Magic Body Control instantly sets up the suspension to sort it out.

Otherwise owners get the brand's Adaptive Damping System ADS Plus and an enhanced version of the Airmatic suspension as standard.

And in an extension of the Pre-Safe set-up first introduced by Mercedes a decade ago, there are now functions to help prevent collisions with pedestrians and vehicles in front in city traffic, defuse dangerous situations caused by traffic behind and improve the protection offered by seat belts.

Style-wise the new model sports a larger, more upright, radiator grille, domed roofline and slanting rear end, though it's the new-style tail lights encased by the car's body that really catch the eye.

Beneath the bonnet is a choice of four engines comprising two hybrids - the S 400 petrol and S 300 BlueTEC diesel - and the conventional S 500 and S 350 BlueTEC.

All boast class-leading efficiency and up to 20 percent lower fuel consumption than the outgoing model series, as well as already meeting the Euro-6 emissions standard.

Inside, where there is appreciably more passenger space than before, an additional feature called the First Class Rear incorporates a business centre with a phone handset, extra stowage compartments and folding table.

Prices are from £67,500 for the short wheelbase S 350 BlueTEC diesel to £91,000 for the S 500 long wheelbase petrol model.