For the better part of the past century, pulling up in a big Mercedes-Benz with majestic proportions was a sure signifier of financial abundance. The automaker’s flagship car, currently known as the S-Class, has served in this role since it debuted in 1972. Now in its seventh generation, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains a showcase for the innovations and technologies that ultimately trickle down to mainstream vehicles. Beyond this, every iteration of the S-Class, past and present, is swaddled in luxurious materials and packed with thoughtful amenities. Sure, there are a handful of more prestigious alternatives to an S-Class, but this Mercedes-Benz remains the clear standard-bearer in its segment.