2005 Mercedes-Benz S430

No matter which mission you ask of the S-Class, you'll be impressed by the vault-like solidity of the chassis. You get the impression that 20 years from now, this Mercedes will feel as solid as the day it rolled off the factory floor. And with our experience of this premium brand, that's probably not far from the truth. The S430 is certainly a car whose comfort will impress for decades to come. The interior immediately strikes you with the high quality of materials, and the apparent care that was taken to put them in. The leather is soft and supple; the calyptus wood on the 430 creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Offering a more traditional look, burl walnut is standard on all other models. Befitting its premium sedan status, we found the rear seats offer plenty of legroom and excellent support. It begs the question; better to be in back or behind the wheel?


To lure you to be pilot in command, the S-Class features Mercedes' all-in-one COMAND system that manages everything, including the standard DVD-based navigation system and audio controls. In the past we found this system a little difficult to sort out, but Mercedes has simplified it and it now works quite well. We've noted other manufacturers struggling with varying degrees of success with systems to offer control of the major convenience functions, and find the S-Class to be among the best in its class. We also like the elegance of the electroluminescent gauges that seemed to float in the instrument panel, and the easy location of all the important switchgear.

The 275 horsepower V-8 is silky smooth, with a wonderfully restrained growl as the revs rise.

Even though the S430 is the entry-level S-Class, your left wanting for little, with standard amenities including dual-zone climate control, premium leather, dual 14-way power front seats with memory, Bose CD sound system, DVD-based navigation system, moonroof, keyless entry system, side airbags and head protection curtain airbags for front and rear, heated outside mirrors with memory setting, that creamy V-8, the 7-speed automatic, Airmatic air suspension, alloy wheels, even rain sensing wipers. The S430 carries a sticker price of $75,300. Our tester with the AMG Sport Package just nudged past the $80,000 mark—pretty competitive, especially with its long-time rival, the BMW 7 Series.


We do need to note, however, that for 2005 maintenance is no longer included in the initial purchase price of the vehicle. However, Mercedes does offer a choice of plans as optional equipment. Along with a maintenance plan, the S430 offers up some tempting options including heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a keyless entry and ignition system (cleverly called Keyless Go) and cruise control that automatically adjusts to keep a preset distance from the car in front. For those wanting a bit more on all fronts, you can step up to the S500, which gives the added oomph of a 302 horsepower V8, and a sumptuous interior, including butter-soft Nappa leather, burl walnut trim, heated front seats and bi-Xenon headlamps. The S500 comes in at just under $84,000.


Two other very special S-Class models also deserve mention here. The S55 AMG is perfect for the well-heeled enthusiast, with a hand-built 493 horsepower supercharged V-8 that even carries the signature of the craftsman who assembled it. For the true plutocrat, look no further than the twin-turbo V-12 S600, which pumps out an astoundingly smooth 493 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. They're priced at $112,000 and $125,000 respectively. We play Lotto, and we hope.