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2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class LWB 4MATIC Road Test

As Good Taste Ages Gracefully

What is it about a Mercedes-Benz that makes it feel as if its worth much more than any of its peers? Im sitting here inside an S500 and other than a few extremely nice design elements it isnt more elegant than a Lexus LS 430. From the outside its not any prettier than an Audi A8, and when it comes to power and handling dynamics it doesnt measure up to BMWs 7.

I hate to admit it, but its probably that three-pointed star protruding above the grille that makes all the difference. Ive either driven or been driven in M-Bs since the mid-1960s, and have always held a special reverence for that badge even at the tender age of seven when being taxied in a late 60s SEL at high speed over the undulating

Compared to its competitors, the S-Class isnt better equipped or more performance-oriented, but its graceful lines and that three-pointed star protruding from atop the grille makes up for a lot. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

roadway of dikes and dips on the way from Amsterdam to Schiphol.

Going back to Germany now and the airport taxi stands are filled with cream yellow E Class cabs, a strange site for North Americans who are used to only seeing Mercedes models in front of ritzy stores, exclusive clubs and fancy houses in good neighborhoods.

For me, the best aspect of the S-Class is its understated elegance. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

What I like best about the S-Class is its understated elegance. Its not showy like the 7, not racy like the A8, hardly frumpy like the LS and isnt overly indulgent like the XJ. Even though the S-Class styling is the oldest of the lot, it still looks wonderfully up to date, its clean, uncluttered lines among the best of the lot.

Nevertheless, the long-running model is due to be replaced soon and the spy shots that Ive seen point to a much more sporting design statement, but without

The S-Class seats were wonderfully comfortable from the moment I sat down. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

any of the "different for the sake of being different" controversy that has surrounded some new BMWs and upcoming Audis.

Mercedes supplied me with beautiful new long wheelbase S500 4MATIC coated in a metallic silver shade, to some the only color the brand should be seen wearing. It almost bothers me to align with the thirty plus percent of new car buyers that choose silver over all the other vibrant hues available, but it just looks so good when new and wears so well years later, being that the inoffensive hue tends to cover up blemishes better than any other.

The

While not as high-tech as some of its rivals, the S-Classs dash layout is elegant and stylish. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

first thing I noticed when parking myself in the drivers position was the well formed seat. It doesnt off the high level of adjustability of, say the BMW 7, nor is it quite to its level of comfort once setup optimally, which can take some time to get it right, but generally speaking it is a wonderfully comfortable seat that felt good from the first time I sat down.

The finely crafted dash design is another S-Class aspect of the car that I particularly like. Its not as high-tech as the A8 or 7, but the general layout is ideal and the curving strip of wood that stretches horizontally across the car, dipping slightly at center is an elegant touch that never looks old

The large information screens controls are a little old school, but simple to use. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, American Auto Press)

to me. It reminds me of classic M-Bs, that also incorporated a horizontal wood strip, but unlike this one it ran at the base of the windshield where it meets the top of the dash, meeting up with the door ledges at each side. The new cars wood trim also meets up with the doors, but a little lower down on the panel. While this is a common theme among luxury cars today, it is done so gracefully in the S-Class that it deserves mention.

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