2000 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trims and Specs

The 2000 Mercedes-Benz S430 was part of a completely overhauled S-class lineup that was launched in the spring of 1999 as an early 2000 model. Gone was the boxy styling of previous versions of Mercedes-Benz's flagship vehicle and in its place came a car with sleek curves.

As the entry level car to the S-class, the S430 had a respectable, 4.3 liter, 275 horsepower engine (the car took its name from that 4.3 liter engine). The S430 had a traditional, coupe-like appearance and oval-headlight face.

The car was 500 pounds lighter than its predecessor making it "leaner and sleeker." It was also three inches shorter than previous models.

While the S-class had always been the target of other luxury automobile manufacturers, the car was feeling old by 1999. It was "too slab sided," not at all sporty and a "little over the top."

Mercedes changed all that in the spring of 1999 when it launched a revamped S-class as an early 2000 model. The company's flagship lineup - featuring the completely overhauled S500 - had been redesigned with sleek curves and a car that was a striking and well-received departure from its predecessor.

The S500 remained the mid-level car for the S-series with its 5 liter, 302 horsepower V8 engine. It offered more luxury and more performance than the S430 but didn't seem to overkill the way its more expensive brother, the S600, did.