The 2015 S-Class Mercedes-Benz, particularly the S550 model, stands as a testament to automotive excellence, embodying “the best or nothing” philosophy. This model year further cemented the S-Class’s reputation not just as a technological leader for Mercedes-Benz, but for the entire automotive industry. With engineering priorities focused on “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and “Essence of Luxury,” the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz redefined the boundaries of automotive innovation and luxury.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, aptly stated, “No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.” This statement rings true, especially when experiencing the meticulous detail and groundbreaking technology integrated into the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz.
The Essence of Luxury: Interior and Design of the 2015 S550
The pursuit of perfection is palpable in every facet of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz, most notably within its opulent interior. From the meticulously crafted seats to the advanced climate control system, every element within the cabin is designed to elevate the passenger experience. The controls are intuitive, the design is aesthetically pleasing, and the infotainment system is both cutting-edge and user-friendly. Comfort and safety are seamlessly integrated, showcasing the high standards Mercedes-Benz engineers set for their flagship model.
Gorden Wagener, design chief, describes the S-Class design as an embodiment of “sensual clarity,” bridging “sophisticated, progressive design idiom to the classic elegance of our 1930s cars.” The 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz features a larger, more upright radiator grille, asserting its presence and leadership. Its long hood, flowing roofline, and gently sloping rear create classic sedan proportions, projecting both prestige and sporty intentions.
The “Dropping Line,” a hallmark Mercedes-Benz design element, gracefully descends from front to rear, adding dynamic structure to the side profile. The interplay of convex and concave surfaces creates a powerful and elongated silhouette, exuding both excitement and serenity. The pronounced shoulder line above the rear wheel further accentuates the car’s athletic stance.
The rear design of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is equally compelling, with horizontal lines emphasizing width and elegance. The rear windscreen seamlessly integrates into the C-pillars, lending a coupé-like sophistication. The tail lights, fully encased within the body and meticulously designed, exemplify the attention to detail that defines the S-Class.
LED Technology: Pioneering Lighting in the 2015 S550
The 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz marked a significant milestone in automotive lighting by becoming the first vehicle to eliminate traditional light bulbs entirely, embracing a full LED system. This pioneering move underscored Mercedes-Benz’s leadership in lighting technology. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the vehicle’s interior, and the trunk, enhancing visibility and safety.
This comprehensive LED system includes:
- Headlamps: Up to 56 LEDs each
- Tail lights: Up to 35 LEDs each (plus 4 for the rear fog lamp)
- Interior (including ambient lighting): Approximately 300 LEDs
Mercedes-Benz LED Headlights
The intelligent lighting system also features multi-level functionality. For example, the intensity of the brake lights automatically reduces at night or when waiting at traffic lights, minimizing glare for drivers behind. Enhanced visibility is further provided by improved Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems, utilizing a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors for 360-degree awareness and enhanced hazard detection.
Suspension and Ride Comfort: MAGIC BODY CONTROL in the 2015 S550
Setting new benchmarks in ride comfort, the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz offered the groundbreaking MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system. This world-first technology uses ROAD SURFACE SCAN, a stereo camera system that detects bumps and road imperfections ahead. Based on this information, MAGIC BODY CONTROL instantaneously adjusts the suspension to proactively counteract uneven road surfaces, delivering an exceptionally smooth and comfortable ride.
Standard on the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is the continuously operating Adaptive Damping System ADS PLUS and an enhanced AIRMATIC full air suspension system, providing a foundation of exceptional handling and ride quality even without the MAGIC BODY CONTROL option.
Interior Ambiance and Control Concept: A Command Center of Elegance
The interior of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is designed with a clear architecture that embodies classic saloon elegance with cutting-edge technology. Horizontal lines create a sense of spaciousness and tranquility. The harmonious blend of high-quality materials and colors results in an exclusive cabin that feels seamlessly integrated. Extensive use of wood trim, especially on the dashboard and center console, along with metallized switch surfaces, highlights the exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Passengers in the rear of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz are treated with equal luxury. The seats, door panels, and controls maintain the same high standards as the front. Optional rear seat packages, including a Business center console, further enhance rear passenger comfort with features like additional storage, folding tables, and individual seating configurations.
The control and display concept of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is centered around two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays. These displays serve as the information hub, replacing the traditional instrument cluster and providing intuitive control over infotainment and comfort functions. The system prioritizes ergonomics, user-friendliness, and safety, alongside aesthetic appeal.
Metallized switch surfaces and solid aluminum controls add to the premium feel. The new control features include a touch-sensitive telephone keypad, a favorites function with twelve memory places, and an Enhanced Voice Control System that allows for natural voice commands, including one-shot address input for navigation.
Climate Control and Perfuming: Enhancing the Cabin Atmosphere
The climate control system in the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is meticulously engineered for performance, air quality, precise regulation, and efficiency. The optional AIR-BALANCE package introduces perfume atomization, ionization, and enhanced filtration. Rear passengers benefit from two additional climate zones for personalized comfort. A novel feature is the electric heating for armrests and center consoles, extending comfort to touch surfaces.
The “active perfuming system,” a world-first feature within the AIR-BALANCE package, allows drivers to personalize the cabin fragrance. This system discreetly atomizes perfume into the cabin air without permanently altering the interior smell or depositing perfume molecules on surfaces.
Seating Innovation: Mobile Office and Wellness Center
The 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz elevates seating comfort to new heights with innovations like the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle and active seat ventilation with reversing fans. Rear seat comfort is a particular focus, with options including an Executive seat that reclines up to 43.5 degrees.
The ENERGIZING massage function, a world first, utilizes 14 independently actuated air cushions in the backrest and an integrated warming function. Six massage programs are available, some incorporating the warming feature, and this function is also available for rear seats. Active seat ventilation employs reversing fans that initially draw cooler air onto the seat surface before switching to blower mode, rapidly cooling heated seats while minimizing drafts.
Four seat variants are available for the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz, with redesigned adjustment kinematics for luxury and reclining seat options. The Executive Rear Seat Package offers a class-leading 43.5-degree backrest recline and includes a calf support, heel rest, and comfort cushion for unparalleled sleeping and resting comfort. The Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS adds a rear center console with thermo-cup holders and folding tables, transforming the rear cabin into a mobile office.
Multimedia and Audio: A Mobile Concert Hall in the 2015 S550
A new generation of multimedia debuts in the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz, featuring intuitive operation and enhanced visualization. The multi-user system allows independent access to media sources from any seat. The innovative Frontbass system, standard across audio systems, positions woofers in the firewall, utilizing the chassis structure as a resonance chamber and optimizing sound quality while freeing up door space.
Optional Burmester® Surround Sound and Burmester® High-End 3D-Surround Sound systems, developed with the high-end audio specialist Burmester, transform the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz into a mobile concert hall. The navigation system features interactive content presentation, including an animated compass and Google Maps integration.
Body and Safety: Intelligent Drive and PRE-SAFE® in the 2015 S550
The body of the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz is engineered for maximum stability, rigidity, and lightweight design. A third-generation aluminum hybrid bodyshell improves torsional stiffness by 50% compared to its predecessor while maintaining a comparable body weight despite increased safety and comfort requirements. The outer skin is entirely aluminum, while the safety passenger cell utilizes high-strength steel.
Mercedes-Benz “Intelligent Drive” encompasses a suite of new and enhanced assistance systems in the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz, all relying on a network of sensors, including a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, providing 360-degree vision.
Key Intelligent Drive features include:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Provides steering input to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians, enhancing braking power.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Detects occupied adjacent lanes and oncoming traffic, mitigating unintentional lane departure.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Allows continuous high-beam usage without dazzling other drivers.
- Night View Assist PLUS: Enhanced night vision with pedestrian and animal detection and spotlight function.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: Monitors driver drowsiness and inattentiveness.
The 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz also features extended PRE-SAFE® protection, building upon Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering anticipatory occupant protection system. New PRE-SAFE® functions include:
- PRE-SAFE® Brake: Detects pedestrians and initiates autonomous braking at speeds up to 31 mph.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Recognizes imminent rear-end collisions and minimizes whiplash by applying brakes and deploying occupant protection measures.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Releases seat belts in a controlled manner during frontal collisions to reduce body pressure.
Rear Seat Safety and Model Portfolio
Mercedes-Benz further enhanced rear seat safety in the 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz with features like the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag, and cushionbag, available as part of the Rear Seat Package.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan portfolio and pricing included:
- MY2015 S550 – $94,400
- MY2015 S550 4MATIC – $97,400
- MY2015 S600 – $166,900
- MY2015 S63 AMG 4MATIC – $141,450
- MY2015 S65 AMG – $222,000
The 2015 S550 Mercedes-Benz, along with the entire S-Class range, solidified its position as the pinnacle of automotive luxury, innovation, and safety, setting new standards for the industry and reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s brand promise of “the best or nothing.”
