Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe a (Kind of) Stunning Vehicle
A $149,900 German luxury coupe parked in your driveway attracts a lot of attention. So did my ongoing statement, “I don’t think it’s that attractive.’’ Yep, in my view, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 coupe was bland.
It’s something I repeated a lot over the nine days I had this coupe in my possession. Finally, on the ninth day, it dawned on my why I didn’t find it attractive. I only ever approached it from the back, it’s least attractive angle.
It was only while taking photos before reluctantly returning it that the beauty of the 2015 S550 coupe finally struck me. It’s stunning from the front all the way back to the A pillar, which is where the windshield sits. Past there, it’s got little going for it in the looks department.
But, oh good heavens, it lacks for nothing else. Consider this an Olympic gold medalist, a sprinter wrapped in a weightlifter’s body. It has a 4.7-liter, V-8 biturbo engine that produces 449 horsepower and 516 lb. ft. of torque. Mercedes-Benz says it leaps from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds but that feels conservative to me. Its power is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters that I never touched. At this level of sophistication, there is nothing I can do with the paddles to improve shifting.
From the rear, the S550 has little going for it in the looks department.
Handling is also superb thanks to the 4Matic permanent all-wheel-drive and Airmatic suspension system. This coupe, which sits so low to the ground, cuts through curves like a hot knife through butter. You would never guess it weighs 4,707 pounds based on its nimble handling.
Mercedes-Benz says its main competition are: Bentley Continental GT; Rolls-Royce Wraith; Aston Martin DB9; Aston Martin Vanquish; Maserati GranTurismo MC; and BMW 6-Series. I haven’t driven the Rolls-Royce (hint, hint) nor the Aston Martins, but this coupe blows away the competition, especially the 6-series, which has always struck me as bloated and uninspired. If you’re in a position to cross-shop, skip the BMW dealer.
The coupe loaned to me by Mercedes-Benz definitely competes from a price standpoint. It has an MSRP of $119,900 before a $925 destination and delivery charge. Then came the options, including the $10,810 Coupe Edition 1 package. It featured Swarovski crystal headlamps, 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels, sport body styling front and rear, and night view assist plus.
That last feature nearly made me jump out of my skin. I was going through a construction zone on 495 North at night (no surprise there) when five ghosts appeared on my dashboard. They were actually construction workers on the median displayed in spooky infrared. I wasn’t expecting pedestrians on the highway but the system spotted them.
Add in a $6,400 upgraded Burmester 3D surround sound system (I’m no audiophile so I do question a $6,400 sound system in a car); heated front door armrests as part of a $1,990 package that seems to heat everything but the great outdoors; and, a $2.600 driver assistance safety package and you’re approaching a window sticker just a couple bucks south of $150,000 at $149,575.
BUILT-IN SECURITY: The bird’s eye camera helps protect all elements of the Mercedes-Benz S550 coupe, including the optional Swarovski crystal headlamps.
OK, so I’ve already admitted to being underwhelmed by the S550 coupe when viewed from certain angles. Another feature I could do without is the Air Balance Package. Without warning, it will blast fragrance through the cabin. The last thing this spring allergy sufferer needs is more fragrances being pumped at him while driving. Of course, this being a Mercedes-Benz the fragrance disappeared quickly, probably thanks to the ionization and filtration of air through the HVAC system. It’s a feat of engineering beyond this mortal’s comprehension.
Also beyond my comprehension is how this coupe is automotive perfection that is so much better than the sum of all its parts. Sure, elements of the exterior design left me unimpressed, but that’s purely subjective (and it puts me in the bottom 1 percent of humanity). There’s nothing objectively wrong with this car, except for the fact I probably won’t be able to afford one for 20 years and by then will be too damn old to drive it.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe
THE BASICS
Price, base (with destination): $120,825. Fuel economy: 16 city/24 highway/19 combined. Drivetrain: 4.7-liter, V-8 Bi-turbo engine with direct injection. Sports coupe.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 449 @ 5,250 rpm. Torque: 516 lb. ft. @ 1,800 to 3,500 rpm. Overall length: 197.9 in. Wheelbase: 115.9 in. Height: 55.7 in. Width: 74.76 in. Curb weight: 4,707 lbs.
THE GOOD
This is a nimble, spirited coupe that is just packed with technology, luxury, and performance. It’s a sports car wrapped in a luxurious cocoon.
THE BAD
From certain angles, it’s kind of a homely car, which doesn’t seem to live up to its beautiful siblings in the Mercedes-Benz family. Plus, no one with allergies is going to like the forced fragrances.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Is $149,875 in your budget? Have your heart set on an almost perfect high performance coupe? Mercedes-Benz has just the car for you.
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