The largest cars in the Mercedes lineup were offered with all-wheel drive at no extra cost in the 2005 model year, adding value to the expensive yet elegant S500. While the platform was aging by 2005 - the generation had been introduced in 2000 - the S500 remained one of the most popular, four-door luxury sedans.
A 302 horsepower, 5 liter V8 gave drivers who chose to upgrade from the S430, and drivers generally report a nicer interior. This car is big - one of the longest Mercedes sedans ever built - meaning extra passenger and cargo space.
The S500 also makes great use of the first-of-its-kind seven speed automatic transmission, a "nifty feature" added to all S-class vehicles in the 2004 model year. Rounding out the package is the company's famed Active Body Control, which came standard in all S500 vehicles.
