Mercedes is back to grandeur with its all-new S550. The outgoing S-Class was luxurious, but it lacked the bold presence the new model so willingly commands. There's nothing conservative about a new sweeping roofline, higher beltline and exaggerated wheel arches. As well, the rear end is intentionally similar to that of a Maybach. The look is aggressive, yet it maintains a whimsical quality with swooping character lines and a steeply raked grille. All of these features bode well toward appearance, but they also help to improve aerodynamics with an impressive drag-coefficient range of 0.26 to 0.28.
The S550's new 5.5-liter engine and 7G-Tronic transmission are super smooth and the extra 80-bhp makes the car feel much lighter than it really is. We did find ourselves at the pumps more than we would like, but that's the price of displacement. Overall, the car is more capable under any given circumstance.
In addition to a more luxurious cabin with richly polished woods, super-comfy multi-adjustable seats (with active side bolsters and other hi-tech luxo features), the new car is also larger inside and out. The cabin is enormously spacious, providing lots of extra leg and shoulder room in both the front and rear. The additional space makes it almost limo-like, especially in the back where it's all too easy to spread out and relax.
Certain driver controls and functions have also been improved such as the Cockpit Management and Data system. It still requires a little time to get acquainted with, but it's a lot more user-friendly than before.
Overall, the S550's combination of exquisite elegance, exemplary performance and cutting-edge innovation reinstates it at the top of its class. -Robert Hallstrom
From The Hip
Pro: Bold styling, swift acceleration, spacious cabin
Con: Thirsty fuel tank, large price tag
Layout
Longitudinal front engine,rear-wheel drive
Engine
5.5-liter V8, dohc, four valves per cylinder
Transmission
Seven-speed automatic
Performance
Peak Power: 382 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Peak Torque: 391 lb-ft @ 2800 rpm
0-60 mph: 5.4 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
Fuel Economy: 16 city/24 hwy