Mercedes Benz
S550
Mercedes makes some of the classiest automotive
interiors, and the S-Class is Benz at their best. It's gorgeous, made from the
same materials used to build five-star hotels and Royal Family bathrooms. And
it's huge, with comfy front and back seats (links go to photos), the latter
boasting loads of legroom.
This car really can do just about anything. It sees in the dark. It shows you
how to park. It practically drives itself in bumper-to-bumper traffic. All that,
plus it drives like a small sports car - a very smooth, very quiet, very big
small sports car.
Even before you step inside, the S550 mesmerizes from the V-shaped trunk lid, to
flared wheel arches and LED side marker lamps, to the iconic hood ornament. And
throughout the cabin, furnishings like ambient lighting and Burl Walnut wood
trim set an enchanting tone. But it's under the hood where the S550 truly
dazzles.
The engine generates 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, with an amazing 75%
of peak torque available at just 1,000 rpm. To help reduce engine weight and
increase durability, the engine block is made of cast aluminum with a solid
bedplate, an ideal construction for performance. Indeed, the engine's smooth,
immediate power delivery whisks the S 550 from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
The S-Class is an awesome automotive achievement.
