Mercedes-Benz S-Class luxury sedan has been an icon of luxury and driving pleasure for more than 50 years now. Undoubtedly one of the most dazzling vehicles available today, the S-Class has been a favorite of many a people with the resources to afford the best. Its groundbreaking innovation, tremendous power and the timeless style have received drivers' and passengers’ admiration for decades. Every part of the S-Class exudes an opulent classic look and the functionality is impeccably refined.

 

A distinguished appearance, fierce acceleration and a high ride quality sensibly balance comfort with performance in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550. Its comprehensive list of features adds every imaginable high-tech luxury feature that a wealthy man could look forward to buy. That does not make it the only vehicle available in its category; there are models like the BMW 7 Series and Audi A8. However, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 has more opulent than them and comes across as a definitive luxury sedan in a crowd. Thus, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 is an out and out luxurious sedan suitable for those with deep pockets. Its spacious interior, generous trunk and long list of safety features make it a convincing pick for those seeking a high-end family hauler. It is also suitable for wealthy seniors, thanks to its comfort-oriented cabin and the availability of features like Night View Assist.

 

Performance

 

A 5.5-liter V8 good for 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque powers the S550. It reaches 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and the power delivery is smooth, and shifts are flawless, though not much quick. The car grounds to a halt from 60 mph in just 108 feet, and brakes show zero fade even after several punishing runs.

 

The S550's optional Active Body Control (ABC) adaptive suspension is indeed a significant asset which keeps all four tires glued to the pavement on the skid pad, and banished body roll on the slalom. EPA fuel-economy estimates of 2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 stand at 14 mpg in city and 22 mpg on highways and 17 mpg combined.

 

Comfort

 

The doors open widely for easy access into the S550. The seats are firm and supportive with bolstering. There is enough room in the rear seats, even 6-footers can travel in comfort. The child seats are easily accommodated. Though the wind noise is absent, the tire noise can be noticed — not good for a luxury sedan in this price range.

 

The optional Blind Spot Assist is a good feature for a freeway travel. There is also an optional Night View Assist which uses a near-infrared camera to deliver a clear view of the dark road ahead. The audio and navigation systems can be controlled through the COMAND system. A big push-and-turn knob on the center console allows drivers to manage these functions using an in-dash screen. The Harman Kardon stereo system delivers a good quality sound.

 

The S550's spacious trunk can hold 16.2 cubic feet of cargo. It is nearly 2 cubic feet more than its competitors Audi A8 and BMW 7 Series but less the Lexus' LS sedan.

 

The S550's sheet metal is classy and looks a little bit old-fashioned for younger buyers. It is a flagship Mercedes-Benz model that embodies craftsmanship and attention to detail. The quality of materials used is worthy of appreciation. The plastics used are flexible and pleasantly textured. The gauges are lovely. The speedometer — a crisp digital image of a classic analog gauge — is eye pleasing. In short, the S550’s interior is ultra luxurious and takes on the ultra luxury sedans that cost twice as much. In this respect, the S550 sedan is really a good choice.