The world of luxury automobiles presents a unique dilemma for discerning buyers. For those seeking an upgrade from the conventional luxury offered by brands like Lexus but not yet ready to venture into the ultra-high-end territory of Bentley or Rolls-Royce, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands as the quintessential choice. However, the previous generation S-Class, while undeniably luxurious, had begun to fall behind competitors in terms of technology and overall opulence. This was a significant concern given its price range, stretching from just under $100,000 to nearly $250,000. Fortunately, much like the revitalized C-Class, the redesigned S-Class marked a resurgence for the German luxury marque, reaffirming its commitment to innovation and luxury. This review delves into the specifics of the 2015 S550 Benz, exploring why it reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of the luxury sedan segment.
Exterior Elegance of the 2015 S550 Benz
Since 1972, the S-Class has represented the zenith of the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Across various iterations – long-wheelbase, short-wheelbase, coupe, sedan, and limousine – the S-Class has consistently set the benchmark for full-size luxury vehicles. The previous generation, however, presented a somewhat understated exterior. Its design was perceived by some as dated, featuring a less prominent profile, a smaller grille, and headlights that appeared disproportionately small for the car’s stature.
The 2015 S550 Benz addressed these criticisms head-on. It adopted Mercedes-Benz’s contemporary design language, drawing inspiration from models like the CLS and CLA. The result is a more assertive front fascia, characterized by a bolder grille and more angular, “angry” headlights. This modern aggression is tastefully balanced with the classic elegance of a traditional tri-star hood ornament, a nod to Mercedes-Benz’s heritage. Staying true to its role as a vehicle of choice for dignitaries and leaders, the side profile of the S550 maintains an upright and formal posture. The cabin design subtly tapers towards the rear, enhancing the rear passengers’ view – a thoughtful detail for those accustomed to being chauffeured.
At the rear, the 2015 S550 Benz seamlessly integrates Mercedes-Benz’s current design ethos with classic S-Class styling cues reminiscent of the models from 1991 onwards. A key feature is the taillight design that deliberately avoids wrapping onto the trunk lid. While this design choice maintains a distinct S-Class aesthetic, it does come with a practical trade-off: the trunk opening is somewhat smaller compared to some of its luxury sedan competitors.
Despite visual similarities to the W220 S-Class, the W222 platform underpinning the 2015 S550 Benz is fundamentally new. A significant innovation is the body construction, which is nearly half aluminum. Instead of a complete aluminum body, Mercedes-Benz strategically employed aluminum to optimize weight distribution and reduce overall mass. This measured approach resulted in the S550 weighing in at approximately 4,600 pounds, achieving a weight balance closer to an ideal 50/50 split (reported to be slightly better than 52/48).
Interior Opulence and Technology of the 2015 S550 Benz
Mercedes-Benz typically adopts a conservative approach to interior design, and the 2015 S550 Benz is no exception. However, this generation’s interior is a clear step above its predecessor, exuding an undeniable sense of premium quality and sophistication. It successfully avoids the somewhat generic “upscale Buick” feel that some criticized in the previous generation. The test vehicle featured an optional nearly $6,000 leather package, which undoubtedly elevated the cabin ambiance. This package includes premium two-tone leather and contrasting piping throughout the interior, from the dashboard to the door panels. Even in less visible areas, like the door panel sections concealed when closed, the meticulous stitching of the leather underscores the attention to detail. Laser-cut metal speaker grilles are strategically placed throughout the cabin, a design element also found in the more accessible C-Class models, demonstrating a trickle-down of luxury aesthetics.
Legroom in the 2015 S550 Benz, while excellent, might not be considered “epic” by some standards, particularly for those accustomed to American-sized sedans. While the S-Class is undeniably large by European measures, it’s only marginally longer than a Ford Taurus and slightly shorter than a Lincoln MKS. Consequently, the front legroom of 41.4 inches, while generous, is actually slightly less than some large American sedans. Rear legroom is ample, but not significantly more spacious than large sedans from GM, Ford, and Chrysler. The rear seats are undeniably comfortable, especially in the test vehicle equipped with the reclining rear seat option. However, passengers taller than 6 feet 2 inches might find the footrest slightly limiting for fully stretching out. For those requiring even more rear passenger space, the Mercedes-Maybach S600 offers an additional 8 inches of length, significantly enhancing both legroom and headroom. However, the added luxury features in the Maybach, such as a champagne refrigerator and executive-style rear seats, reduce trunk space to 12.3 cubic feet.
Mercedes-Maybach Distinction
Maybach was initially conceived as Mercedes-Benz’s answer to the growing prominence of Rolls-Royce and Bentley in the ultra-luxury market. However, the initial Maybach strategy, which involved heavily stretching a previous generation S-Class to an imposing 244 inches and pricing it near $400,000, proved unsuccessful. The Maybach 57 and 62 models failed to achieve significant sales figures, and by 2013, the Maybach brand as a standalone entity ceased to exist. A revised strategy emerged: recognizing the inherent connection between the previous Maybach and the S-Class, Mercedes-Benz rebranded its long-wheelbase S-Class models as Mercedes-Maybach. The Mercedes-Maybach S600, with a more modest 8-inch stretch and a correspondingly more reasonable price point, was introduced as a limousine-esque variant of the S-Class. Interestingly, the Maybach is not the most expensive S-Class variant; that title belongs to the high-performance S65 AMG.
Infotainment and Gadgetry in the 2015 S550 Benz
A modern luxury car is expected to offer a comprehensive suite of technology and features designed for entertainment, safety, and, of course, to impress. The first thing that captures attention upon entering the 2015 S550 Benz is the pair of 12.3-inch LCD screens that seamlessly span across the dashboard from the center console to the driver’s side. The right screen operates the latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system, while the left screen functions as a digital instrument cluster and displays the night vision system.
While the software interface maintains a familiar Mercedes-Benz look and feel, it received substantial updates for the W222 generation. These improvements include a faster processor and expanded functionality. The enhanced speed and smoother graphical transitions are immediately noticeable when comparing the 2015 S550 Benz to, for example, an E-Class model. Mercedes-Benz also refined the voice recognition system in this generation, making voice commands for music playback from USB drives or iDevices more accurate and reliable. However, the online capabilities of the COMAND system were not as fully developed as systems like BMW’s iDrive or Audi’s MMI at the time. Google Earth-powered satellite imagery was available but not integrated into the primary navigation display. Similarly, streaming radio and Yelp location search apps could have been better integrated into the system. Another minor drawback was the absence of dedicated physical track forward/backward buttons, making music track changes slightly less intuitive compared to some competitors.
LCD instrument clusters, while promising significant potential, often fall short in full implementation. To date, Cadillac stands out as one of the few manufacturers offering meaningful customization of LCD clusters, allowing drivers to select from different gauge layouts, color schemes, and themes. The 2015 S550 Benz display, like most others, offers two primary views: one with and one without the night vision camera display.
In terms of advanced features, the 2015 S550 Benz is replete with technology. Optional features include a split-view screen (on the right LCD) enabling the passenger to watch video content while the vehicle is in motion. A rear-seat entertainment system provides rear passengers with features like an airline-style slideshow displaying location information, journey elevation profiles, and destination weather. Both front and rear seats offer massage functions, rear seats recline, and all window shades are power-operated. Rear passengers even benefit from 3-position seat memory. Sound system options range from impressive standard systems to high-end setups, culminating in a 24-speaker system with a total output of 1,940 watts.
The 2015 S550 Benz boasts an array of sensors and cameras that provide a near-omniscient view of its surroundings. Radar sensors facilitate adaptive cruise control, cross-traffic alerts, and pre-collision safety system preparation based on the behavior of vehicles behind. Ultrasonic sensors and all-around cameras enable features like automated parallel parking. A dedicated stereo camera system provides forward 3D imaging, and an infrared night vision camera enhances visibility in low-light conditions, capable of highlighting pedestrians and certain animals like deer. Magic Body Control, a standout feature, uses the stereo camera to scan the road ahead and proactively adjust the suspension to mitigate the impact of road imperfections. Due to regulatory differences, the advanced multi-beam LED headlights were not available in the US market, but the system that automatically infuses air freshener into the HVAC system was available for American models.
Drivetrain and Performance of the 2015 S550 Benz
Unlike some manufacturers that position hybrid powertrains as range-topping models, Mercedes-Benz viewed the S550 plug-in hybrid as a more mainstream option within the S-Class lineup. At a similar price point, buyers could choose between a 449-horsepower 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 engine or a 436-horsepower hybrid system built around a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 (the V6 alone producing 329 horsepower). The V8 engine in the 2015 S550 Benz, with its 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, combined with Mercedes-Benz’s latest 7-speed automatic transmission and optional 4MATIC all-wheel drive, enabled the test vehicle to achieve an impressive 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.
For those prioritizing even greater power, the S600 model featured a twin-turbo V12 engine producing 523 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, although it was not offered with all-wheel drive. The S63 AMG variant boasted a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 generating 577 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, and thanks to standard all-wheel drive, it could accelerate to 60 mph in under 4 seconds. The top-tier S65 AMG offered the most power, with 621 horsepower and a staggering 738 lb-ft of torque, but its rear-wheel-drive configuration resulted in a slightly slower 0-60 mph time compared to the S63. Intriguingly, all 2015 S-Class models, regardless of trim, featured a transmission with two reverse speeds – a seemingly unnecessary but characterful detail.
Driving Dynamics of the 2015 S550 Benz
Initial skepticism towards the Magic Body Control system was partially validated in real-world driving. While the system effectively smoothed out speed bumps, making them feel almost negligible, its impact on rough highways or potholed city streets was less noticeable. This limitation is partly attributed to the camera-based detection system and partly because the standard air suspension in the 2015 S550 Benz is already exceptionally compliant.
Despite weight reduction efforts, the 2015 S550 Benz remains one of the heavier vehicles in its class. This contrasts sharply with the Jaguar XJ, which, at 3,854 lbs, is significantly lighter, even compared to the aluminum-bodied Audi A8. Jaguar opted for a conventional suspension setup in the latest XJ, contributing to its lighter weight and making it arguably the most agile vehicle in the segment. In fact, the XJ is lighter than even a Mercedes-Benz E350. The 2015 S550 Benz, on the other hand, embodies a more traditional large luxury sedan character. Its air suspension delivers a ride quality akin to “a pillow floating on a cloud,” prioritizing comfort and isolation.
Despite its cloud-like ride, the 2015 S550 Benz is surprisingly quick. It matches the 0-60 mph acceleration of a BMW M235i and exhibits cornering grip comparable to a BMW 335i on the skidpad. The cabin remains remarkably quiet even at high speeds. The steering, while insulated, offers commendable accuracy. Body roll is present, as expected in a large luxury sedan, but the vehicle always feels composed and stable. Thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive and near 50/50 weight distribution, the 2015 S550 Benz demonstrates exceptional neutrality and confidence across diverse road surfaces – a characteristic more commonly associated with sports coupes than large sedans.
Pricing and Market Positioning: The “Tweener” Designation
The 2015 S550 Benz occupies a unique position in the luxury car market, often described as a “tweener.” With a starting price of $94,400, it’s approximately $20,000 more expensive than base models of the 2015 BMW 7-Series, Lexus LS 460, Jaguar XJ, or Audi A8. A moderately equipped 2015 S550 Benz can easily reach a sticker price of $115,000, and the test vehicle, even without all available options, was priced at $137,500. This starting point for the S550 is already higher than the fully equipped prices of many competitors.
Stepping up to the S63 AMG increases the price to around $141,450, comparable to the higher end of the Audi A8 range. V12-powered models start at $166,900, significantly more expensive than a top-spec Audi A8 W12. The Maybach version starts at $189,350, and the ultra-performance S65 AMG reaches $220,000. The Porsche Panamera is the only other vehicle with a similar price spectrum, but it offers a different driving experience, being sportier and less focused on outright comfort and spaciousness. For those seeking even greater exclusivity and luxury, the S65 AMG’s price point overlaps with the entry-level Bentley range.
The 2015 S-Class marked a significant revitalization for Mercedes-Benz in the luxury segment. While not the most economical choice, value is not the primary concern for buyers in this category. For those seeking a “value luxury sedan” of this size, alternatives like the Kia K900 exist at a lower price point.
The 2015 S550 4Matic embodies the quintessential large luxury sedan. It projects presence and sophistication without ostentation. Its cabin is exceptionally quiet, the ride is remarkably smooth, and the performance is undeniably potent. While braking performance could be slightly improved, its handling is surprisingly agile for its size, and it exudes an aura of understated prestige. While competitors may excel in certain individual aspects, the 2015 S550 Benz uniquely excels across all critical dimensions of a luxury sedan, solidifying its position as a class leader.
Vehicle, insurance, and one tank of fuel were provided by Mercedes-Benz for this review.
Performance Metrics:
0-30 mph: 1.99 Seconds
0-60 mph: 4.6 Seconds
1/4 Mile: 12.8 Seconds @ 110 MPH
Fuel Economy: 18.2 MPG over 782 Miles
