Our final word on the subject of the new S-Class is that we think there isn't a better luxury car for the price produced anywhere in the world. It's monstrously quick, 155 mph fast (limited by electronics, not power), much sportier than we expected, quiet as a winter night in Wyoming, and comfortable enough for the famous Bangor to Tijuana run twice a week for a month. The safety achievements alone would be reason enough to buy this car, but when you throw in the dramatic new looks, the power and the performance, the case is made.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Jim McCraw filed this report from the Swiss Alps.