2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class - Reviews - Buying Guide
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Buying Resources:
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review:
The largest, roomiest, most decadent of all the Mercedes-Benz
models you can buy for 2004 is the S-Class. Ascending through
S430, S500, S55 AMG and S600 trims, the lineup of sedans literally
defines what a luxury car should offer.
With luxury comes innovation. With the 2004 S-Class, it means
advanced safety. An S-Class option this year is Mercedes'
industry-first Pre-Safe system. It works like this: when onboard
sensors determine a crash is imminent, Pre-Safe is designed
to automatically tension seatbelts and adjust seat position
before impact to minimize possible injury.
But that is really just the tip of the technological iceberg.
Features like Distronic cruise control, which maintains a
set distance from the car in front of you, and Mercedes' Active
Body Control, also come as part of the deal. Active Body Control
minimizes cornering lean when taking sharp turns. It is available
for the S430 and S500 and is standard on other S-Class cars.
Under the Hood
Yet another industry-first is a brand-new 7-speed automatic
transmission. Standard with S430 and S500 models, it will
skip gears during upshifts and downshifts for increased efficiency.
In addition, it features a manual-shift mode as well.
S430 and S500 models can also be had with Mercedes’ 4Matic
all-wheel drive system. Entry-level S430 models have a 4.3-liter
V8 engine that delivers 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The S500 model features a 5.0-liter V8 with 302 horsepower
and 339 lb-ft of torque. S55 AMGs have a 5.4-liter supercharged
V8 with an amazing 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Slightly more powerful is the S600. It has a massive a 5.5-liter
supercharged V12 engine with 493 horsepower and 590 lb-ft
of torque. Does the word impressive suffice?
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
All models include antiskid/traction control, antilock 4-wheel
disc brakes, front/rear torso side airbags and head-protecting
curtain side airbags. For comfort and security, the base package
includes such things as leather upholstery, air conditioning
with dual-zone automatic climate controls, the TeleAid telematics
system and COMAND video control for audio, navigation and
phone.
In another 2004 update, the navigation system is based on
DVD instead of CD software. Furthermore, the audio system
can now read MP3-encoded CDs.
Finally, all models are now factory pre-wired to accept a
newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio.
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