IT'S billed as the most sophisticated car in the world and in many a way the new Mercedes S-Class is the epitome of modern luxury motoring.
Spacious, powerful yet competitively economical the car is as much a driver's delight as a sumptuous VIP transport.
So where better to start our evaluation of the new S-Class than from the rear seats with a chauffeur at the helm taking us from Mercedes-Benz UK headquarters in Milton Keynes to the outskirts of Northampton.
Cosseted in some of the finest leather you will find in a car you find yourself sinking into pure comfort on a scale that befits five star exuberance.
The seats are electrically adjustable, can recline and even convert into a stretched lounger akin to those you find flying first class.
A massaging function helps you relax while the central armrest is heated to compliment the triple mode climate control.
On the back of the front seats are display screens as part of the car's onboard entertainment system while in the headlining are illuminated vanity mirror which emerge in a delightfully damped fashion.
The ride - aided by air suspension - is sublime and noise intrusion has almost been totally eliminated.
These are ‘head of state' qualities you would expect to find in limousines costing hundreds of thousands of pounds but this S-Class - an S350 BlueTEC L SE Line - had a list price of £65,650 albeit carrying plenty of options which pushed the final cost to £95,990.
Internet connectivity allows the car to become a wi-fi hotspot enabling you to work on the move or alternatively enjoy the Burmester 3D sound system which delivers 1,540 Watts of concert hall quality music from its 24 speakers.
Progress is rapid and smooth and soon it is time to move into the front to get to grips with the driving characteristics of this three-litre diesel V6.
Mated to a seven speed automatic transmission there's 258 horsepower on tap which produces a 0 to 60 time of 6.8 seconds and an electronically limited maximum of 155mph.
High tech instrumentation is packed into a 12.5 inch multi-function colour screen in front of the driver with the navigation information delivered from a similarly large display in the dash.
Fine leather trim abounds and that includes finishing on the facia complementing veneer which gives way to detail such as an analogue clock and four circular vents.
It may be a large car but there is a cosy feel from the driving seat with everything to hand. The feel, weight and precision of the steering is nigh on perfect at any speed and the car leaves you in no doubt that it is a very special creation.
Automatic cruise control uses radar to lock on to traffic in front ensuring safe vehicle separation backed up by an armoury of electronics which includes lane departure and blind spot alerts as well as anti-collision systems.
So advanced is the S-Class that it will almost drive itself yet relax too much and it will warn the driver to intervene.
It may be festooned with safety aids but these are designed to aid, not substitute the driver's skills.
There are no foibles with the way the car performs and despite its size and 1.9 tonne kerb weight Mercedes claims it can average 50 to the gallon with emissions of 148g/km - little more than that of a 1.6-litre Ford Focus Zetec.
On our drive, which took in a hefty stretch of the M1 we managed close on 38 to the gallon which given the status of the S-Class is quite remarkable.
With conservative but unmistakable Mercedes' styling the S-Class is a justifiable flagship for the brand.
It has always been a car at the cutting edge but the latest incarnation takes it into a territory where the likes of BMW, Jaguar, Bentley and even Rolls-Royce are yet to venture.
The best car in the world? At the moment, Mercedes may just be right.