2004 Mercedes-Benz S430 Motor Trend

Fourth Place: 2004 Mercedes-Benz S430

If you were making your next sedan purchase by looking only at a nameless spec sheet, you might skip this broad-shouldered Benz. The numbers paint an unimpressive picture: highest base price ($74,970), highest as-tested price ($80,590), lowest-tech engine (single overhead cams versus the DOHC designs of the other V-8s), group's lowest horsepower rating (275), second-slowest acceleration times, oldest model in the field. "Okay, Edna. You convinced me. Let's look at something else."

Yet the S430, now into its fourth model year in current form, is a far more compelling automobile than the preceding paragraph suggests. And considering in the indisputable cachet of the three-pointed star on its hood, it's no wonder the S-Class remains one of the country's favorite luxury choices.

Mercedes sells only the long-wheelbase (121.5 inches) version of the S-Class in the United States. Even for all of its size and generous interior room, though, the Benz is no porker. Curb weight (4201 pounds) is second-lightest in the group. With the low mass and a new seven-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, even with "only" 275 horsepower, the S430 manages to keep up with the more-potent herd. The new automatic also improves driving finesse. Wrote one editor: "You can decelerate gracefully without the brakes -- so closely spaced are the seven ratios that downshifts are just supremely smooth." The throttle pedal is notable for its fluid response, too -- it gives you no hiccups or power spikes when pulling away from a stop.

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."