The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 stands as a testament to automotive excellence, blending unparalleled luxury with cutting-edge technology. As the flagship sedan of Mercedes-Benz, the S 550 offers a driving experience that is both opulent and technologically advanced. This article delves into the standard and optional features that define the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550, showcasing why it remains a benchmark in the luxury car segment.
Standard Equipment: Setting the Benchmark for Luxury
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 comes generously equipped with a suite of standard features designed to elevate comfort, convenience, and driving dynamics. The ride quality is refined by an adjustable air suspension system, ensuring a smooth and composed experience across various road conditions. Visually striking and functionally superior, all-LED lighting illuminates the road ahead, incorporating adaptive headlights and automatic high beam control for enhanced visibility. Automatic wipers with advanced washers and heated blades ensure clear vision in inclement weather, while keyless ignition and entry provide seamless access and operation.
For driver and passenger comfort, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control are standard, featuring air purification and cabin fragrance systems to create a pleasant interior environment. The 12-way power front seats, upholstered in leather, offer heating, four-way lumbar support, and memory settings, allowing for personalized comfort. A power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, along with leather seat upholstery and “MB-Tex” simulated leather interior trim, further enhance the luxurious cabin ambiance. Auto-dimming mirrors, soft-close doors, a power trunk lid, and a power rear sunshade add layers of convenience and sophistication. Both body styles of the S 550 are equipped with a standard panoramic sunroof, with the coupe version offering an optional upgrade to Magic Sky Control, enabling adjustable tint levels at the touch of a button.
Advanced Electronics and Connectivity
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is at the forefront of automotive technology, featuring the COMAND interface, which integrates two expansive 12.3-inch display screens. Control is intuitively managed through a touchpad/rotary knob controller. A rearview camera enhances safety and ease of maneuvering, while Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity ensures seamless smartphone integration. The standard navigation system provides turn-by-turn directions, complemented by real-time traffic information. Voice controls offer hands-free operation of various vehicle functions, and an in-car WiFi hotspot keeps occupants connected.
Mercedes mbrace telematics provides a suite of connected services, and a 13-speaker Burmester surround-sound audio system delivers an immersive audio experience. The system includes a six-CD/DVD changer, two USB audio inputs, an iPod/media player interface, HD and satellite radios, TuneIn Internet radio, and 10GB of digital music storage, ensuring a wide range of entertainment options.
Sedan vs. Coupe: Tailoring Luxury to Preference
While sharing a foundation of luxury and technology, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 sedan and coupe models exhibit distinct characteristics. The sedan is fitted with 18-inch wheels, while the coupe sports larger 19-inch wheels and includes all-wheel-drive as standard. Additional standard features on the coupe, available as options on the sedan, include front and rear parking sensors and an automatic parallel parking system, simplifying urban driving and parking. The coupe also features upgraded leather upholstery as standard, further elevating its luxurious appeal.
Premium and Optional Packages: Customizing the S 550 Experience
To further personalize the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550, Mercedes-Benz offers a range of packages. For the sedan, the Premium package enhances convenience and comfort with front and rear parking sensors, an automatic parallel parking system, hands-free trunk opening, power rear side window shades, and heated and ventilated active multicontour front seats. These seats offer additional adjustments, six massage programs, and rapid heating functionality, maximizing passenger comfort.
The coupe’s Premium package includes active multicontour front seats, a head-up display projecting key information onto the windshield, and a surround-view parking camera system, providing a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
AMG Performance: Elevating Power and Dynamics
For those seeking heightened performance, the S 63 AMG variant builds upon the S 550’s foundation, incorporating all of the aforementioned features and adding substantial performance enhancements. The S 63 AMG boasts a more powerful engine and transmission, 20-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension components, performance brakes, and more aggressively bolstered seats for enhanced driver support during dynamic driving. Styling differences further distinguish the AMG model, reflecting its performance-oriented nature.
Standalone Options: Further Personalization
Beyond packages, the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 offers a selection of standalone options to cater to individual preferences. Both the S 550 and S 63 sedans offer the Driver Assistance package, incorporating adaptive cruise control with steering assistance and automated braking and accelerating, along with a suite of electronic safety aids. The Rear Seat package enhances rear passenger comfort with four-zone automatic climate control, rear seatbelt airbags, upgraded headrests, a power right-rear footrest, and power-adjustable rear seats. The Executive Rear Seat package further refines rear seating with “multicontour” rear seat adjustments with memory settings and enhanced passenger-side recline. The Warmth & Comfort package provides power-adjustable rear seats along with heating and ventilation, front and rear heated armrests, and a heated steering wheel, ensuring comfort in all climates. The Sport package offers distinct exterior styling elements and 19-inch AMG wheels.
Standalone options available on both the S 550 and S 63 sedans and coupes include 20-inch wheels, a night vision system, upgraded leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, an in-car WiFi hotspot, and a premium 24-speaker Burmester 3-D surround-sound audio system. Sedan models exclusively can be equipped with Magic Body Control suspension, a surround-view camera, heated rear seats, and a rear seat entertainment system with individual screens and COMAND remotes. For the coupe, headlight assemblies accented with Swarovski crystals are available as a unique standalone option, adding an extra touch of exclusivity.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550 exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury and innovation in the automotive world. Its comprehensive list of standard features, coupled with a wide array of customizable options and packages, allows buyers to tailor the vehicle to their exact preferences. Whether opting for the sedan or coupe, the S 550 delivers an exceptional driving experience characterized by supreme comfort, advanced technology, and refined performance, solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury car segment and a desirable choice for discerning drivers.
