2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review
Fuel Economy
13 - 19 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
After a minor refresh last year, the S-Class is once again a top choice when it comes to a no-compromise luxury sedan.
Pros
Elegantly appointed and spacious cabin, feels nimble for its size, state-of-the-art safety features, strong resale value.
Cons
Complicated COMAND system, not as athletic as some of its competitors, a few low-grade interior materials.
What's New for 2005
Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is now a no-cost option on the S430 and S500 models. The complimentary scheduled maintenance program has been dropped for 2005.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Nightmare
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 1 | Fun-to-Drive: | 5 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 1 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 Rwd 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 7A)
Review
This car has been the worst car I have ever had. The vaccum assist has gone bad 5 times and so has the GPS. Driver side seat has been repired more than 4 times. Above all, I lost complete power stering fluid at 65mph and no warning light came. I nearly died controlling the car. Tire pressure sensors have gone bad, battery, alternator, dvd on the gps. Music dvd cartridge. The only saving grace has been that the dealers repiring the car have been polite and agreed to fix the items. Now as soon as the car is out of warranty i needed engine mounts, trans mounts and control arms. German cars are not only very poorly made, they are also very, very expensive to maintain.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
A Great Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Review
This is my first ever own Benz the 2004 Black on Black AMG. It is my retirement gift and it is everything that I could ever ask for in a sedan. The only bad thing I can say is the gas mileage but hey when you can go that fast what the heck. It's a beast and when I'm in heavy traffic on the Interstate I can hit the pedal and go yeah. So if you dare get one you won't be dissapointed. It's true to its form.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
No need. It's style wrapped up in a surprise package.
Great Car... Best I've Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S430 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (4.3L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Bought the car last weekend and I cant get enough of driving it. It's a super smooth car, rides like no other, not even other MBs. This is smooth creamy ride. I wish it just had a bit more power, but I can compensate it with the manual shifter, because I love leading off-the-line. The car is worth the money and I get compliments like crazy, even from people I don't know. I got black/black and I love it. I feel like I want to drive it all the time. I really don't have any experience in the reliability of the vehicle, but it better be excellent because its a MB because I heard that repairs can be costly.
Favorite Features
Manual shifter, auto-open/auto-close windows from the outside and the folding of the outside mirrors when locking the car.
Suggested Improvements
Power was lacking because of the weight of the car.
Fun when it works
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 2 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 2 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 6 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S500 4MATIC AWD 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Great when it works. Fun to drive, quiet, responsive, nice style, but reliability is awful. Electronics are terrible. What a shame. Second Mercedes in a row that was a lemon. It also depreciated from $96,5000 new to under $50,000 in just a little under two years. Stay away! Look at Lexus LS instead.
Favorite Features
Ride, handling, style.
Suggested Improvements
Reliability. Subcontract the car out ot the Japanese to design, engineer, and build.
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
S55 AMG
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
Review
The S55 AMG has a perfect blend of comfort, styling and performance. I look forward to road trips in this car. It is incredible. It has tons of room, especially in the back. When I start the car with the keyless go, a cool option, the engine sound is incredible. The exhaust and supercharger emit a sound that lets the occupants know that there is plenty of power available when needed. The supercharger has a subtle and very cool whining sound that is downright stimulating. The active body control suspension is amazing and definitely adds a very connected and sporty but smooth feel to the ride. This is the ultimate sedan. Period.
Favorite Features
AMG touches that include the engine/exhaust, dynamic ventilated/heated Napa leather seats, the monster AMG brake rotors and calipers, and the instrumentation w/200 mph speedo. The DVD navigation and sound system are great.
Suggested Improvements
Better/more cup holders. Heated rear seats should be standard.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
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