Vehicle: 2004 Mercedes S430 SWB with Active Body Control, Bi-Xenon headlights with washers, Parktronic and power assisted door & trunk closer
Price as tested: CDN$107935

Performance: S-Class is powered by 1 of 4 engines, ranging from “base” 4.3L V8 to the flagship 6.0L V12 Biturbo in S600. Our particular tester, however, is the “entry-level” version that is motivated by a powerful 4.3L 24-valver SOHC V8 that bumps out 275 horses and 295 lb/ft of torque. Power is never an issue even with S-Class’s curb weight over 4000 pounds. The power delivery is linear, smooth, refine, flexible and responsive with typical Mercedes flagship sedan’s authority. The advanced 7-speed auto tranny has given this engine even better response thanks to its smart ratios for cruising speed. That makes the S430 runs even more relaxing when cruising, on the other hand, the ratios also given it more response during highway when it needs to accelerate.

Handling: S-Class’s dynamics is nothing short of amazing considered its weight and size. It handles like a much smaller car than actually it is. The steering is precise, responsive and provides plenty of feedback. The ride comfort is simply astonising. It absorbs every bits of roughness without sacificing the firmness of a Teutonic luxury sedan. While you can still feel quite amount of bdoy rolls through corners, Mercedes’s advanced Active Body Control has kept it from rolling too seriously. The ESP system also won’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Brakes: Braking performance has to be considered as top-notch given S-Class’s weight. The pedal feel is typical of Mercedes quality. That means its firm, easy to modulate and modulation is superb. The brake assist also doesn’t create a grabbing feel when it motivates.

Interior: Mercedes finally addressed the complaint of pre-facelifted S-Class’s controversially plasticky interior. Most of the miserable plastic in previous car has been covered in high-quality leather material. The leather seats are comfortable and supportive. In terms of leather material itself, its soft and smooth without being too slippery. Most of the controls are pretty easy to figure out except for the dreadful Command system.

Even if its a short-wheelbase version, S-Class’s back seat remains comfortable and spacious with great leg and headrooms.

Conclusion: S-Class remains one of the best cars in its class, as well as in the world. It got a great engine, handles relatively well, comfortable and still looks good after all these years. The recent facelift also addressed the issue that it needs to rectify for a long time, and that is cheap interior.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2004 MERCEDES S430 SWB
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Performance: 4.75/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4.5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4.25/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 4/5

Overall raing: 4.5/5