EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
After a minor refresh last year, the S-Class is once again a top choice when it comes to a no-compromise luxury sedan.
Pros
Elegantly appointed and spacious cabin, feels nimble for its size, state-of-the-art safety features, strong resale value.
Cons
Complicated COMAND system, not as athletic as some of its competitors, a few low-grade interior materials.
What''s New for 2004
An industry-first seven-speed automatic transmission is now standard. The navigation system is now DVD-based, and the Keyless Go system is now built into the SmartKey. Newly styled 18-inch wheels are optional.
Overview
Introduction:
The S-Class is Mercedes'' flagship sedan. The current generation, introduced in 2000, brought sleeker styling, more advanced technology and greater performance than the heavier versions that preceded it. Two models were available initially, the S430 and S500 sedans, with V8 engines of 4.3 liters (275 horsepower) and 5.0 liters (302 horses), respectively. The 2000 S-Class was praised for its comfort and performance that belied its size. However, it was criticized for overly complex controls, especially the standard COMAND system that operated the navigation and audio systems. Three years ago, two more S-Class sedans joined the lineup, the top-dog S600 (with its 362-horsepower, 5.8-liter V12) and the AMG-tweaked S55 (which had a 5.4-liter, 355-horse V8), making sure both the ultraluxury and ultraluxury/sport sedan markets were covered. Last year, Mercedes made a number of significant advances in performance and safety. Responding to the ever-rising performance bar in this class, Mercedes boosted the power of the V12 S600. With 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft, the S600 is one of the fastest luxury sedans ever built. All S-Class cars benefited from minor changes to the Benz''s body that included new head- and taillights as well as lower front fascia. Inside, more than 40 features were redesigned for improved quality and comfort, including softer armrests and revised control groupings. Practical technology comes in the form of all-wheel drive, dubbed 4Matic, which is available on the S430 and S500 models. Ideal for those who live in rainy or snowy climates, 4Matic automatically directs power to whichever wheel(s) have the best grip. And at the forefront of safety is the Pre-Safe system, which can sense an imminent accident and automatically tighten the seatbelts and position the power seats to afford the best protection for the occupants. Making ownership a little sweeter, all regularly scheduled maintenance is free for the duration of the car''s warranty period, which is four years/50,000 miles.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The four-door S-Class includes three models: the S430, S500 and S600. All models come with most of the luxury features you would expect in a sedan of this caliber including 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a DVD navigation system, Bose premium audio system and rich leather and wood trim. Notable options include ventilated front seats with a massage feature, a keyless entry and start system (called Keyless Go), adaptive cruise control and a Sport package that includes larger wheels and tires, resculpted bumpers and side skirts.
Powertrains and Performance:
The S430 is powered by a 4.3-liter, 275-horsepower V8, while the S500 offers more power courtesy of its 5.0-liter V8 that''s rated at 302 horsepower. Both engines use a new seven-speed automatic transmission -- an industry first. The top-of-the-line S600 uses a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 rated to produce 493 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Mercedes claims that the S600 can hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds, placing it in a league usually occupied by exotic sports cars. The S430 and S500 are available with either the standard rear-drive setup or the fully automatic 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.
Safety:
Last year brought "Pre-Safe," which determines accident probability by using sensors belonging to the stability control system and the BrakeAssist feature. Should an accident seem unavoidable, the system applies split-second tensioning of the seatbelts, moves the front passenger seat and power-adjustable individual rear seats to the most favorable positions and closes the sunroof (if the vehicle is skidding). If the accident is averted at the last moment, the seatbelt tensioning is cancelled and the seats reset to their original positions. Of course, Pre-Safe joins a list of already impressive safety features that includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, electronic traction and stability control and front, seat-mounted side-impact and side curtain airbags that protect both front and rear passengers.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Virtually every luxury and convenience item to be found in an automobile, including a DVD-based navigation system and power door-closing assist, is standard on each S-Class sedan. Still, there are optional designo interior trim packages which includes more dramatic leather and wood combinations, as well as dynamic multicontour front seats, four-zone climate control and power-adjustable rear seats.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
The S-Class has that enviable quality of feeling smaller and more nimble than its substantial size suggests. Strong acceleration, precise handling and a relaxing ride remain strong virtues of Mercedes'' senior sedan. The S600 provides truly exceptional performance in a straight line, but BMW''s flagship is still a more involving driving experience. Buyers needing all-weather capability can opt for the 4Matic all-wheel-drive models.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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