Mercedes-Benz S560 vs Chery Omoda5

What's the difference?

Ever since the middle of the 1990s, I've been captivated by the Mercedes-Benz S Class. It used to be known as Sonderklasse - special class - and teenage me certainly thought it was. The one that caught my attention was the W140. A huge, two-tonne beast when that sort of mass was rare, it was loaded with amazingness and owned the road.

Part of its unique appeal was that that it was properly ugly. When it hove into view it was like a battleship entering Sydney Harbour. And it used almost as much fuel, with the V12 on board.

Over the years, genuine style has invaded the S-Class and today I found myself, for the first time, in an unusually pretty pair of S Classes - the S560 and S63 Coupes. And, astonishingly, it's the first time I've ever driven an S-Class. So with all that baggage I've built up over the years, they had a lot to live up to.

Visit Chery’s website, click on the Omoda 5 GT and you’ll find references to its “dynamic personality”, “distinctive face” and “cinematic elegance”.

Is this a show-stopping movie star or a new, sporty compact SUV? Maybe in the context of our video review of the car it can be both?

Either way, it extends the still fresh Omoda 5 line-up from two grades to four, adding the option of all-wheel drive at the same time.

It’s aimed at premium versions of small SUV favourites like the GWM Haval Jolion, Hyundai Kona, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, expanding the new challenger brand’s scope in this intensely competitive segment.

So, read on to see if the Omoda 5 GT has the star quality required to enhance your urban life.