It doesn't matter if you're sitting here or especially back here; the all-new Mercedes-Benz
S-Class is equal parts executive sedan and high-end day spa.
It's not the rarest Mercedes -- far from it -- but it is the brand's flagship sedan and
as such commands one of the loftiest starting prices in their lineup at $95,325 including
destination.
But that doesn't deter Mercedes shoppers, as the S-Class has outsold even the entry-level
CLA so far this year.
And in in the segment, the S-Class is keeping pace with its 3 key competitors -- combined.
In summary, the rich prefer the S-Class over the 7-Series, A8 and LS.
And having spent the week with this S550 4Matic -- the "base," if you will, all-wheel drive
S-Class, I can understand why.
This very large, stately car with its prominent grille and newfound elegance sets a successive
benchmark for S-Class design.
An injection of sensuousness is exactly what this empty suit needed.
Even in this unflattering Ruby Black Metallic -- which appears fecal brown in the sun -- this
S550, with the benefit of the optional Sport Package -- looks positively regal.
That $5,900 grouping adds 19" AMG wheels and subtle sport body styling.
Here are the basics: power still stems from a direct-injected 4.7-liter V8 fed by 2 turbos
but it now generates more energy; rated at 455 horsepower and maintaining its lusty 516
pound-feet of torque.
It's got 7 gears with which to work and on my 4Matic tester routes the power permanently
to all 4 wheels.
Gas mileage has improved slightly, earning the S550 4Matic 16mpg city/26mpg highway,
a betterment of 1mpg in combined driving thanks in part to the start-stop system and Eco driving
mode.
The driving experience is characterized by the physics defying marriage of the biturbo
V8 and air suspension.
Its dynamic range is virtually unparalleled taking you from relaxed limousine comfort
to a fast 4-door completely in control of the back road.
Sport settings aid in the transition but no matter which settings you choose the S550
always feels like the best engineered car you've ever driven.
This car will happily lay down a 0-to-60mph time in less than 5 seconds and even with
the onslaught of electronic driving aids -- a grouping Mercedes calls Intelligent Drive
and largely grouped in the $2,800 Driver Assistance Package-- the S550 still is able to connect
with you the driver without extraneous buffers.
Some of the more spectacular features here include high-beam headlamps that can be permanently
kept on by masking out other vehicles in the beam's cone of light and the Night View Assist
Plus that uses a thermal imaging camera to bring attention to pedestrians and animals.
Yet with a car of this size, I would think the $900 Surround View System would be standard.
And if you're wondering about Magic Body Control --the S-Class's futuristic camera system that
scans the road surface ahead and adjusts the suspension accordingly -- it's not available
with 4Matic.
Even without it, the S550 is so surprisingly agile that you'd never guess it weighs nearly
4,800 pounds.
When you drive a new S-Class you expect to see things you've never seen before and this
here is definitely one of them.
There's a glass vial in the glove box that's a fragrance atomizer.
This scent here is Freeside Mood but 3 other scents are available for $110 each.
You control the ionizer and air freshener settings among everything else through this
opulent 12.3" high res screen via the Command controller.
I'm a tech guy and I really had to spend time with this system before I built up a fluency
and though I don't necessarily have a better alternative to accessing this much stuff -- it's
far from intuitive, taxing the brain in an otherwise soothing environment.
You really do need a massage after this.
And by the way, despite research, a call to mbrace support and experimentation I was never
able to get the optional Splitview to work which is supposed to allow the passenger to
watch My Little Pony while the driver remains attentive to the road.
There's not a single light bulb in this car.
It's exclusively an LED machine.
And with changeable colors the car becomes absolutely spectacular at night.
The interior is where this S-Class truly flaunts its stuff with rear seating so comfortable
that my guests this week couldn't stop raving about it.
Mercedes focused a great deal of attention back here and it shows.
The pillow headrests are my favorite part yet can you believe that with this level of
amenities that 4-zone climate control isn't included?
Add another $3,000 if you want it.
Soft close doors and a power decklid that doesn't waste time are standard.
With items such as heated armrests and door panels, a library-level quietness to the cabin
and the most amazing looking and sounding Burmester sound system I've ever heard this
S550's interior is the pinnacle of automotive awesomeness.
Space has increased a bit in here too while the trunk's 16 cubic feet remains the same.
Total it up and this car's at $128,895.
And based on surging sales, a price none too high for the S-Class faithful who want the
best or nothing.