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2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Still the benchmark for luxury, technology, and class distinction.
2003 S-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class offers a lot, as it should, given its price and reputation. It represents the state of the technological art of the high-performance luxury sedan. Its interior comfort is unsurpassed; its styling is aerodynamically efficient. It exudes status.The S-Class is a better choice for many of us than the new BMW 7 Series, which is marred by a driver interface that's a real challenge to learn. The S-Class cars have a daunting set of features that requires some study of the owners manuals, but it isn't insurmountable.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Sam Moses |
| Model Lineup | S430 ($72,600); S500 ($81,000); S55 AMG ($106,500); S600 ($120,540) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.3-liter sohc 24-valve V8 |
| Engines (optional) | 275-hp 4.3-liter sohc 3v V8; 302-hp 5.0-liter sohc 3v V8; 493-hp 5.4-liter sohc 3v supercharged V8; 493-hp 5.5-liter sohc 3v twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Transmissions (standard) | five-speed automatic with manual override |
| Transmissions (optional) | five-speed automatic with manual override |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front, door and window airbags; ABS; Brake Assist; ESP traction and stability control; xenon headlamps with washers; BabySmart seat system; Tele Aid emergency calling |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | none |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 72600 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz S430 ($72,600) |
| Standard Equipment | premium leather upholstery; Airmatic suspension; with Calyptus hand-polished wood trim; Bose sound system with CD and 10 speakers; COMAND navigation system; 14-way power front seats; dual-zone climate control with charcoal and dust/pollen filters, integrated garage door opener, cruise control, intermittent wipers with Rain Sensor, power windows with express up/down, multi-function steering wheel with tilt away entry/exit, power tilt/telescoping steering column, pneumatic door and trunk closing assist with retracting trunk handle, power glass sunroof with tilt and express open/close, power rear window sunshade, SmartKey |
| Destination Charge | 720 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Parktronic ($1035); Motorola V60 phone with voice control and handset ($1995) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 76350 |
| Horse Power | 275 @ 5750 |
| Torque | 295 @ 3000-4400 |
| Fuel Economy | 17/24 |
| Wheelbase | 121.5 |
| Length/Width/Height | 203.1/73.0/57.2 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 39.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.6/NA/41.3 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.4/NA/40.3 |
| Trunk Volume | 15.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent, four-link, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping with gas-charged shocks, level control |
| Rear Suspension | independent, five-link, coil springs, electrohydraulic damping with gas-charged shocks, level control |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 4110 |
| Stock Tires | 225/55R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | 13.1-inch vented and drilled disc / 11.8-inch vented disc, with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.2 |
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2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
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