2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Road Test
2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class ▼
- MSRP: $74,250 - $126,750
- Invoice: $69,053 - $117,878
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Our road test for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class help you decide if a 2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Have not yet tested S430 or S500 with 7-speed transmission. Expect similar 0-60-mph times of 6.9 sec and 6.1, respectively, which we got in tests of 5-speed versions with both rear-wheel drive and 4Matic versions. CL500 tested with 5-speed automatic took 6.4 sec. Transmissions prompt and smooth, but 5 speed can hesitate to kick down for passing. No opportunity yet to test V12 or AMG models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
With 5-speed transmission, test S500s averaged 15.8-16.6 mpg overall, 23-26 mpg on highway trips. Test S430s averaged 15.7-15.8 mpg. Test CL500 with 7-speed automatic averaged 16.7 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.2 |
Firm suspension doesn't ignore bumps and ruts, but does filter out virtually all unpleasant harshness. Large moguls induce a trace of float except in AMG models, which are more buttoned down.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.8 |
Too large and heavy to be truly agile, but all these cars are poised in turns, reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Available Active Body Control is uncanny in its ability to almost banish cornering lean. 4Matic directs 60 percent of the engine power to the rear wheels, maintaining S-Class's rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics while improving traction on all surfaces.
QUIETNESS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Muted, classy engine growl in rapid acceleration. Wind, road, and other mechanical sounds are almost rumors.
CONTROLS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Mastering the many seat, climate, audio, and communications features requires time and study. World-class interior decor, but close scrutiny reveals some run-of-the-mill plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.6 |
Generous space on broad, supportive seats. Multiple power adjustments and available internal fan ventilation add to complexity, and not all testers feel they enhance comfort. Drive Dynamic inflating seat-side bolsters quick to react in turns and help keep front passengers firmly planted in seats. Plastic under-seat bins jut into some riders' calves. Fine outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 8.2 |
Spacious sedans pamper two adults, but three is a slight pinch. Coupe's rear seats shaped for two only and cramped for even average-size adults. Entry/exit barn-door easy in sedans, tight in coupes despite power-forward front seats.
CARGO ROOM
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.9 |
Not cavernous, but sufficient and luxuriously finished in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 4 | 5.1 |
All-season 4Matic security is attractive, but some other features seem needlessly high tech, and cost cutting is evident in a detail or two. Still, these are among the world's very best luxury cars--as they should be at these prices--with Mercedes' solid resale value part of the deal.
Total Score
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 74 | 75 | 75 | 63 | 66.8 |
Total Score: 74
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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