New Car Review of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S Class Full-Size Luxury Sedan

Description: Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $75,300 - $177,500
Invoice Price Range: $70,029 - $165,075
Where built: Germany

Elite full-size Mercedes sedans continue in four RWD editions -- S430, S500, S600 and S55 AMG, with 4Matic AWD versions for S430 and S500.

With fitted seats and touches of polished hardwoods plus fine leather decorating the cabin, these big sedans envelop riders in a staggering array of sophisticated controls and perks to make life in the fast lane not only comfortable but secure. Also, there are many mechanical systems working latently for protection, including devices that stabilize forward movement and tire traction, smart brakes and adjustable suspensions, and up to eight air bags. All issues carry the Mercedes PreSafe tool that instantly rigs the vehicle for an unavoidable impact by activating electric seat belt tensioners and moving the passenger's front seat to optimum safety position.

For power, S430 uses a 4.0-liter V8 at 275-hp, but S500 goes further with the single-cam 5.0-liter V8 cranked to 302-hp. Both engines link to the 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission. S600 stocks the bi-turbo 6.0-liter V12 ripped to 493-hp, and AMG's supercharged V8 drops into the S55 AMG. The performance-geared AMG model also has redundant SpeedShift buttons mounted on the steering wheel, plus racing-derived brakes.