It’s Very Individual And Very French

Like the Peugeot 5 Concept, the 508 is guaranteed to polarise opinions. The styling definitely falls into the like it or loath it category with a Bangle-esque arse, 7th generation Honda Accord headlights, trapezoidal grille and reverse rake C-pillar. Somehow, though, it all works - especially in the flesh. There’s a sense of style and occasion to the 508, and the GT spec’s 18 inch alloys really set the car off. The clustered daytime running lights, front fogs and the subtle use of chrome on the boot lid, grille and around the window line are also effective. It compares favourably when placed alongside its competitors: the Ford Mondeo, Honda Accord Euro, Hyundai i45 / Sonata and Volkswagen Passat. The 508 sedan measures 4,792 mm (188.66 in.) in length with a 2,817 mm (110.90 in.) wheelbase - roughly 100 mm (3.93 in.) less than the current gen Holden Commodore sedan. The front and rear overhangs are well proportioned at 985 mm (38.77 in.) and 990 mm (38.98 in.) respectively.

It’s also 1,456 mm (57.32 in.) tall and 2,068 mm (81.42 in.) wide with the wing mirrors (1,853 mm / 72.95 in. It’s very individual and very French, which I think is just what the designers were going for. Inside is where the 508 really shines. The seats are Nappa leather and the cabin abounds with piano black and carbon-lookalike trim pieces. What surprises most is just how functional everything is: from the intuitive quad-zone climate control to the meaty multi-function steering wheel. The instrument cluster is neatly designed and easy to read, as is the switchable trip computer display. The colour HUD is less useful, being all but unreadable in direct sunlight and with no option to turn it off. On the upside, the satellite navigation and radio controls are some of the best on the market and a pleasure to use. The front pews are also comfortable and there’s more than enough leg room, even for a tall bloke like me. The turbocharcged diesel is a torquey little unit and well-paired to the 6-speed automatic transmission that powers the front-wheels, allowing for both comfortable freeway cruising and brisk overtaking manoeuvres.

Peugeot’s published figures suggest a 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62mph) time of 8.2 seconds; I think most drivers (myself included) would manage 9 without pushing the engine too hard. We were unable to test the claimed 230 km/h (145 mph) top speed, though at 100 km/h (62 mph) the HDi was suitably quiet and refined. It’s easy to forget just how large a car it really is, except when parking it - at which point the front and rear parking sensors become a real godsend. I wasn’t impressed with the GT’s unique double wishbone and drop link hub carrier front suspension, which let me feel and hear every bump and pothole on the road. I understand that there’s an expectation for all car’s today to have some sporting character but in this category I’d rather have a little less sport and a little more comfort. The weighted steering is also good in a variety of conditions, thanks mostly to the speed sensitive power steering. I’ve yet to find a large car that’s as much a pleasure to park as the 508. The steering wheel mounted cruise control and speed limiter functions are also very intuitive and make driving the 508 a real treat. I found the brakes to be more than adequate for a car of the 508’s size. It’s a satisfying drive and quite live-able for a car of its size. The 2.2 L HDi is an unusual choice for a range-topper but I think that just gives it all the more character. Peugeot has succeeded in bridging the gap between French flair and Germanic toughness, which I think is no mean feat. I enjoyed my time in the 508 and look forward to seeing what the French automaker can do in the coming years.

What Is the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? The S-Class is the flagship passenger car of the Mercedes-Benz fleet and serves as a luxury and technological showcase for the brand. It comes in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles with a wide range of twin-turbocharged engines and rear- or all-wheel drive. S 450 models use a 362-horsepower, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6; the S 560 uses a 463-hp, twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8; and the Maybach S 650 has a 621-hp, twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12. What's New on the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? A new plug-in hybrid S-Class sedan, the S 560e, is slated to arrive in mid-2019. It has an onboard 7.2-kilowatt charger for faster charging. What Features in the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Are Most Important? As Mercedes' technological showcase, the S-Class offers several advanced driver assistance and semi-autonomous driving features. Among them are adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, steering assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

The systems can help steer the car and change lanes (when the turn signal is activated), slow the car when heading into turns and provide automatic braking, among other tasks. An Energizing Comfort feature works with the climate control, in-cabin fragrance system, audio system and available massaging front seats to coddle occupants through muscle relaxation and other physical and ambient features designed to make them feel better. Available Magic Body Control uses cameras to detect the road ahead and adjust the suspension in milliseconds to maintain a smooth ride. Should I Buy the 2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class? The S-Class historically has represented the best Mercedes has to offer in luxury, convenience, technology and safety, so this is the place to go for the brand's latest and greatest. There is plenty to like in the S-Class line, but there is so much to digest that a three-year lease might expire before you've mastered it all.