Aided by an optional AMG Sport package ($5210), which adds 18-inch AMG wheels and low-profile Michelin rubber (and some aggressive body pieces), the S430 sailed through our slalom and braking tests just behind the top-performing BMW. "Confident and serene at speed, with superb handling," wrote one editor. "No surprises when you push this one hard--holds its line through fast sweepers effortlessly." Wrote another: "Steering is not the most communicative, but it's linear and predictable and the tires always seem to have more bite to contribute." And even with its excellent handling prowess, the Benz still manages to deliver a reasonably supple ride (the feeling of a quality ride experience is helped, in part, by the body's solidity).
Mildly freshened two years ago, the S430 remains lean and attractive. The relentlessly businesslike cabin drew mixed reviews, however. "I'm getting tired of terminally black German interiors," wrote one editor. "How about just a little dress-up to put one in a better mood?" Several editors also noted some obvious signs of age sure to be addressed in the new S-Class coming for 2006--including a CD changer parked inconveniently in the trunk and fiddly buttons for the radio and climate-control system. And almost everyone complained about the too-high driver's seat; we found ourselves constantly pushing the power-seat switch to try to lower it down.
Still, the S430 is a solid, capable, status-filled luxury cruiser. Summed up one editor succinctly: "It's not hard to understand why an awful lot of drivers want to be at the wheel of this Mercedes."
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