Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 550
Many think of a vehicle as simply a machine designed to move people or objects from one place to another. Well, the Mercedes-Benz S550 is hardly a simple machine. More like an intelligent, safe, and extremely good looking people mover, though at first, it may not appear to be a cheap one! After, driving the W222 (Mercedes-Benz's chassis designation for the S-Class,) for a weekend, there is no question that this is a vehicle of very high value, and one that proves that the saying; “You get what you pay for,” applies in more ways than just cost.
The largest in Mercedes-Benz’s line, S-Class models have been known as the flagship sedans for the marque. Elegant in design this S-Class has many features that make driving safer and more enjoyable.
This one came equipped with a sun roof to provide a view to the heavens; ambient lighting to sooth you during a late night drive; leather upholstery and a wood and leather steering wheel to comfort your hands. Magic Vision Control, to see what you cannot see; illuminated door sills, so you know you are
 |
| The S-Class dash is an information central control. |
entering a Mercedes-Benz, Command ® with navigation, CD/DVD audio video player, so you know where you are going, Burmester® surround sound system, for your listening pleasure, including Sirus XM ® radio traffic weather, so you know what you will face on the roads, Attention Assist - PRE-SAFE® to protect you in case of accident, full LED headlights with active cure illumination, to see what’s ahead of you, and a rear view camera to see what’s behind you.
 |
| The grill mounted camera and adaptive cruise control sensor. |
The advanced safety on the vehicle is amazing, with the cameras knowing where the car was all the time, letting the driver know if something needed to be attend to. The Eco-Start/Stop feature that turned off the engine at full stop, which has been very noticeable on other models, not so on this vehicle. The starting and stopping of the engine was less intrusive. Extras like the Air Balance Package and the ambient lighting became downright necessary luxuries. It felt natural to have the ventilated seats upgraded in Napa Leather. The
option we found most useful was the Night View Assist PLUS. Usable during the day or night, the center of the dashboard displayed a black and white image, reminiscent of a 1950’s television display, of what was in front of the car. When it perceived a human figure it would show that in red.
This vehicle came with no-cost metallic paint in Ruby Black, which garnered a lot of attention as folks debated the actual color the car was depending on the light or what direction they were looking at it from. The W222 S-Class appears smaller than previous generations due to its flowing lines, but in reality the size is not much different than the models that have preceded it. The design allows for excellent visibility of the outside world due to the large window glass, even with the integrated camera boxes at the top center of the windshield.
 |
| Doors provide plenty of access for passengers in this sedan. |
Indeed, this car is a people mover, designed to move four people in an enormous amount of comfort, and those people can be substantial in size. Moving objects or items is not its strong suit. With an ample-size trunk, not cavernous, and the back seats do not fold down if you want to load beyond a few bags. If you need space to haul stuff, think along the lines of a GL-Class or Sprinter van, but for moving people in comfort, this is the beast of burden to choose.
 |
The trunk close feature is easy as
pushing a button to close and lock.
|
The doors are large, when you open them you feel their weight. When you close them, they pull themselves in with the Soft-Close feature, latching and locking with precision. No longer do you feel awkward, as if you might break the mechanism, as you go to close the door. The car gives a little resistance, and then performs the task correctly.
 |
| The 550 Engine |
This was a pleasure to drive with plenty of power from the 4.6 liter V8 biturbo direct injection engine with 449 hp 5166 lb-ft torque, with a 7-Speed Auto transmission with shift paddles, and 4MATIC ® permanent all-wheel drive. Even fuel economy was not painful when it came to time to refuel, getting just under 20 mpg during our weekend of mixed driving.
The price of this vehicle would seem like that of a modest apartment, this S550 4MATIC, totaled out at $122,895, with all the options. But it would be hard to find an apartment that is as well designed or provide as much technology and comfort as this vehicle does.
 |
The C-Class takes styling cues from
the S-Class, especially in the rear.
|
It is interesting to note that the C-Class we reviewed this summer follows very closely with all the sophistication and technology as the S-Class, just without the size and at half the price.
 |
| S-Class Coupe in AMG trim. |
The W222 S-Class Sedan has recently been joined by a coupe version, with all the same features, just with a more sporty two-door design. Both vehicles are available in AMG trim as well as multiple engine options, S550, S600 (sedan only), S63 and S65. Go to the MBUSA webpage to configure your choice of sedan or coupe models. http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/build
Knowlton’s
books are designed to be shared. When an adult reads to a child perched in their
lap, they bond as they discover a passion for automobiles together. Young
children love the touch and feel of books and the process of turning the pages
is part of their being involved. What will grab them are the Knowlton’s vivid
drawings that tell the story, making each pages come alive. Everyone will feel
the roar of the race cars, smell the hot brakes, and feel the G forces as the
cars round the turns, as you read the engine sounds aloud. “Err-Rrrr-Rrrt.
BrrrrmmMMM, BrrrrmmMMM!!!” and “Vrrmmm. Vrrrrmm. VRRRRMMMMM!” will engage
listeners and readers alike.
