2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　For 2003, there is more power for the S55 and S600 models, both of which now put out nearly 500 horsepower. Also Pre-Safe, a system that detects an imminent impact and quickly adjusts seating positions as well as seatbelt tension to better safeguard the occupants, debuts. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive system becomes available on the S430 and S500 and a minor freshening inside and out are meant to keep these big Benzes near the top of luxury car buyer's shopping lists.

　　

zzdcar says

　　With sizable increases in performance, safety and refinement, Mercedes-Benz has shown that it's not about to take a backseat to anyone else in the premium luxury sedan market.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$260/mo  for S-Class S430

　　S-Class S430

　　S430 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) (Most Popular) - $72,600 MSRPS430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A) - $75,500 MSRPS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A) - $81,000 MSRPS500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A) - $83,900 MSRPS55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl S/C 5A) - $106,500 MSRPS600 4dr Sedan (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A) - $120,540 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　

2003 S-Class Highlights

Type: S55 AMGSedanSedan

　　Trim: S430S430 4MATICS500S500 4MATICS55 AMGS600S430

　　

Base MSRP	$72,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$260/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	15.4 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles