But the democratization of technology means that the S-Class' breakthrough feature a decade ago is now available on the lowliest of Korean econoboxes. Mercedes needs to up its game to keep pace with its cross-town rivals, so the all-new S-Class – due out sometime next year – will drive itself in traffic, bend its light beams around oncoming cars, prevent you from taking out a cow and have pyrotechnically deployed seat belts.

Just to give you an idea of the depth and breadth of the S-Class' tech, here's how it keeps track of the world around you: It has two short-range radar sensors up front, another two at the rear, a long-range sensor mounted in the grille, a stereo camera mounted behind the rear-view mirror, four cameras positioned around the vehicle to provide a 360-degree view and 12 (12!) ultrasonic sensors mounted at strategic points around the sedan.