Mercedes-Benz S-Class cars are big, long, rich and luxurious. They look unmistakably Mercedes, with a dignity of design appropriate for a technological flagship. If you can separate the styling from the image, these cars are not dramatically eye-catching. They say rich, at least as much as gorgeous. An S-Class car can blend in among a parking lot full of rather common sedans.But it's a beautiful car to behold. The upswept window line is lovely. Our 2003 S430 came in silver, and no one does silver better than Mercedes-Benz.
The 18-inch AMG Monobloc wheels that come with the Sport package look a bit too big and solid to our eyes, but come fitted with massive Michelin Pilot Sport tires. The Sport package also includes the AMG aerodynamic bodywork.
Silly us: We thought the trunk lid was stiff, until we realized it just doesn't like to be controlled by human hands. A fingertip maybe, then the Pneumatic Door and Trunk Closing Assist does the rest. (There's also an interior trunk release for safety.) Press a button on the remote key fob and the trunk pops open, useful when your arms are full.