Nineteen seventy-two was a classic year in many ways, packed full of significant, and not so important events. One of which was the launch of the first Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

Early broadcasts of TV shows like Mastermind. Al Pacino’s menacing performance in The Godfather. Perhaps you dressed up like maverick cop Columbo, cranked up your solid state hi-fi and listened to Lieutenant Pigeon’s smash hit Mouldy old Dough.

Whilst pulses were being raised with the first publication of The Joy of Sex, Mercedes-Benz introduced to the world the joy of ‘S’.

Many things from the era of loon pants and monstrous sideburns have slipped into the realms of nostalgia, but the S-Class Saloon is still going strong, and the range has just been revised to coincide with its 30th anniversary.

Back on 25 September 1972 when the car was unveiled in Spain’s Costa Brava, the new S-Class caused a huge stir. The luxurious Mercedes-Benz featured the complex-sounding double-wishbone front suspension with brake dive support and zero steering offset. The fuel tank was positioned above the rear axle rather than in the rear impact zone – a safety revolution.

Inside, the new S-Class featured a padded dashboard, deformable or concealed switches and a four-spoke security steering wheel, all of which were designed to protect occupants in the event of a crash. Safety cells were still new in the 1970s, and the ’72 S-Class even featured rain channels to improve wet weather visibility, and its rear lights were ribbed to ward off dirt.

Safety is still paramount, and the new S-Class features world-first Pre-Safe technology. Using advanced electronics and sensors, Pre-Safe anticipates when an impact is likely, and pre-tensions the front seat belts, moves seats and closes the sunroof to help protect the occupants. If there isn’t a crash, the systems reset themselves – unheard of until now.

In 1972 the biggest engine was a 200bhp 3.5 litre V8 unit in the 350 SEL. These days, the V8 is supercharged and has 5.4 litres with 500bhp, and there’s also a 500 hp bi-turbo V12 unit for more refined tastes. Even diesel is a clean word now with the new S 320 CDI.

Thirty years have seen huge advances in motor cars, but Mercedes-Benz is confident that its new cars will last for another three decades. That’s why every new S-Class has a 30-year mobilo-life warranty as standard. Guaranteeing against corrosion or breakdowns, the new S-Class Saloon can keep on going until Pop Idol, Men in Black 2 and Liberty X have become the cult classics of yesteryear.