Four distinct models comprise the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All are four-door sedans, powered by single-overhead-cam engines breathing through three valves per cylinder. All come with a very high level of standard equipment.
The S430 ($74,320) is powered by a 275-horsepower 4.3-liter V8. It comes standard with the Airmatic self-leveling air suspension, an Electronic Stability Program (ESP), an improved DVD-based GPS navigation system and Mercedes Tele Aid, which includes automatic accident notification, vehicle tracking and concierge services. The S430 also has leather upholstery, a Bose-developed 12-speaker audio system and electric door- and trunk-closing assists.
The S500 ($82,770) upgrades to a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 (note that this powerful engine saddles the S500 with the federal Gas Guzzler Tax, a $1,000 fee the S430 barely avoids). The S500 also gets a more lavish interior with more leather trim, including glove-soft Nappa leather seating surfaces.
The S600 ($122, 820) is powered by an ultra-smooth, twin turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 with a whopping 469 horsepower (and 590 pounds-feet of torque). S600 also features the Active Body Control suspension, plus high-polish 18-inch alloy wheels, a still greater slathering of leather and wood, a suede-like Alcantara headliner, Parktronic obstacle warning, four heated and power-operated seats, four-zone climate control, CD changer and digital cellular phone with voice control.
The hot-rod S55 AMG ($106,500) is hotter than ever, powered by a hand-built supercharged 5.4-liter V8, delivering 493 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque. Mercedes claims the S55 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. SpeedShift buttons on the steering wheel allow manual control of the five-speed automatic transmission. The S55 AMG features a performance-calibrated version of the ABC active suspension, 18-inch AMG Monoblock wheels with high-performance tires, ventilated front seats, AMG aerodynamic enhancements and a trunk-mounted CD changer.
The S430 and S500 can be equipped with Mercedes' 4MATIC automatic all-wheel drive ($2,180). This full-time system splits engine power 40/60 front/rear, with electronic traction control adjusting that mix to the wheels (or wheel) with the best traction in slippery conditions.
S-Class model prices have increased from $1000 to $3000 for 2004, and they include scheduled maintenance for the duration of the 50,000-mile warranty. Mercedes offers a number of options, either in packages or individually, which allow even the S430 to be equipped with everything offered on the S600 (except the engine). One of the most popular choices for the S430, S500 and S600 is the Sport Package ($5,210), which sharpens handling and includes many of the sport tweaks on the S55 AMG. The Sport Package adds an AMG front air dam, rear apron and side skirts, 8.5x18-inch front and 9.5x18-inch rear AMG Monoblock alloy wheels and tires rated for safe performance to 155 mph.
Other options: voice-controlled CD changer and cell phone ($1,995); power-adjustable rear seats ($1,825); four-zone air conditioning ($2,800); ABC active suspension ($3,090). Also available: adaptive cruise control ($3,010), a programmable system that uses radar to maintain distance between your car and the car ahead of you. It won't do panic stops for you, so you need to keep your foot near the brake pedal. An option called Keyless Go ($1,040) allows the owner to unlock the car simply by pulling the door handle, then start the engine by pushing a button.
All of the high-tech safety equipment is standard on every model, including Mercedes' exclusive PRE-SAFE system. This technology tightens seatbelts and positions the seats in their optimal positions for crash safety before an impact occurs. Other passive safety features include front airbags that deploy at variable rates depending on the weight of the occupants and the severity of the impact, front and rear side-impact airbags, and curtain-style head protection airbags that deploy from the headliner.