Leroy Sane, starting ahead of Gabriel Jesus, struck a lovely goal just before half-time, before Raheem Sterling picked up two tap-ins – one from a Sane pass in the 51st minute, and the other shortly afterwards when Sergio Aguero set-up another sitter.
The Argentine frontman then picked up a goal himself with 10 minutes to go – a nicely placed header from a Sane cross – with Fabian Delph adding the gloss with a brilliant curling shot from 25 yards just before the end of the match.
It means City are level on points with bitter rivals Manchester United – who beat Southampton 1-0 – with 16, but top the Premier League courtesy of their superior goal difference.
Palace and new manager Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, are still rooted to the bottom with no points from their first six matches.
More to follow.
