2004 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

A 7-speed automatic transmission highlights 2004 additions to Mercedes' largest cars. These S-Class sedans and CL-Class coupes share a basic design. The S430 has a 275-hp V8. The S500 and CL500 have a 302-hp V8. S55 and CL55 models, tuned by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, have a 493-hp supercharged V8. The flagship S600 and CL600 have a 493-hp turbocharged V12. Introduced midyear as a 2005 model was the CL65 with a 604-hp V12. S430 and S500 are available with Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive. For '04, the rear-drive S430 and S500 and the CL500 get an industry-first 7-speed automatic. Other S- and CL-Class cars continue with a 5-speed automatic. Both transmissions have a manual shift gate. All models include antiskid/traction control, ABS, front/rear torso side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags. AMG models have aero body addenda and uprated brakes. CL65 has 19-inch wheels. The other AMG models and the V12s have 18s, and the balance of the line comes with 17s, with 18s optional.

Mercedes' Active Body Control, designed to minimize cornering lean, is available for the S430 and S500 and is standard on other S- and CL-Class cars. An S-Class feature is Mercedes' industry-first Pre-Safe system designed to automatically tension seatbelts and adjust seat position before a crash impact to minimize possible injury. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance system and COMAND video control for audio, navigation, and phone are standard. Its Distronic cruise control is designed to automatically maintain a set following distance. Also for '04, the audio system can read MP3-encoded CDs, and S430 and S500 get revised wheels. All models are factory prewired to accept a newly optional dealer-installed satellite radio. Mercedes' Keyless Go option allows the driver to start the car by pressing a shift-knob button; it now takes its signal from the keyfob instead of a pass card.