2005 Mercedes-Benz S430

Just about every manufacturer has a "flagship" or "halo" vehicle that showcases the best that automaker brings to market. For some, there are even several vehicles, depending on whether your taste runs to sedans, sports cars or SUVs. And when it comes to prestigious sedans, few can come close to the luxury flagship of Mercedes-Benz, the S-Class.

Our tester was equipped with the optional AMG Sport Package, which adds 18-inch AMG wheels and more aggressive styling.

While it's been with us now for five years in its current form, the S-Class still remains one of the most desirable and capable cars in its class. And the company it keeps has become quite competitive, including the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS 430, Jaguar Vanden Plas and the all-new Volkswagen Phaeton. To take on the best of the best, the 2005 S-Class is offered in a formidable lineup of vehicles, starting with the luxurious S430, the muscular S500 sedan, the immensely powerful and smooth S600 featuring a twin-turbocharged V-12 engine, and the S55 AMG, a high-performance muscle machine motivated by a supercharged V-8 engine. We tested the S430 sedan.


When the current S-Class was introduced in 2000, it was a radical departure from the previous model. Where the elder S was large, squared off and, honestly, a bit ostentatious, the new model was smooth, rounded, muscular and very modern. It also showed the way for many of the other Mercedes vehicles to follow. This is a design that has aged extremely well, especially when compared to the current edition of key competitor BMW's 7 Series, which has polarizing looks; you either love it or you hate it. But in the stratified air that the S-Class flies, many prefer approving glances to outright stares and, to our eyes, the S-Class is the perfect blend of quality and class. Our tester was equipped with the optional AMG Sport Package, which adds extremely handsome 18-inch AMG wheels, an aggressive front end with mesh grilles and sculpted side sills. We like the overall effect because it adds just the right amount of muscular menace to the sedan's refined lines.


The S430 may be the least powerful S-Class, but don't be fooled-it's an excellent performer. The 275 horsepower V-8 is silky smooth, with a wonderfully restrained growl as the revs rise. Helping make the most out of the buttery V-8 is the industry's first 7-speed automatic. With this many gears, the transmission can keep the engine in the meat of its powerband—which frankly is pretty meaty to begin with—for sparkling acceleration and relaxed, near-silent loafing at freeway speeds. This transmission also has Mercedes' touchshift, that lets you have manual-style control by simply nudging the shift lever to the left or right. It makes for a very sporty experience, one perhaps you might not expect in a super smooth luxury sedan. Those wanting more muscle can opt for the S500 with 302 horsepower, or your choice of the supercharged V-8 S55 AMG or twin-turbocharged V-12 S600—both of which produce a jaw-dropping 493 horsepower.

Even though the S430 is the entry-level S-Class, you're left wanting for little, with standard amenities including premium leather, Bose CD sound system, DVD-based nav system, and keyless entry.

The handling of the S-Class proves equally inspiring. The S430 features Mercedes-Benz Airmatic air suspension that gives a choice of modes for either an ultra creamy luxury ride or a pleasantly surprising Sport experience that really firms things up and makes the S great fun for attacking your favorite twisty road. For those who wanting an added serving of security, the S-Class is also available with Mercedes' 4Matic full-time all-wheel drive. Optional on the S430 and S500 and standard on S55 and S600 is Mercedes' Active Body Control (ABC to you and me), the only true fully-active suspension system currently available. Mercedes says that by using a system of sensors and electronically controlled high-pressure hydraulics, it instantly counteracts the forces of vibration, pitch, dive, squat and roll. We say that hustling a big sedan around with virtually no body lean in turns is truly impressive.