Should you happen to be in the market for a special vehicle that embodies beauty, performance, technology, prestige and refinement in one magnificent package – you just might want to consider a very special coupe from the Tri-Star enclave – the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe | $119,900 | $149,575 | 4.7-liter DOHC, 32-valve Bi-Turbo V8 449 @ 5,250-5,550 rpm / 516 @ 1,800-3,500 rpm |
| EPA Rating | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy | Not tested |
This new S-Class Mercedes Coupe is derived from the auto show circuit Concept S-Class Coupe, displaying the classic sporty proportions in a pure interpretation of the Concept example in a form that is virtually unaltered. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe will be available in three stunning versions: the S550 4MATIC; a more potent S63 AMG 4MATIC; and an even more powerful and technologically advanced S65 AMG model. The Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC will draw its motive energy from a 4.7-liter Bi-Turbo V8 that delivers 449 horsepower and 516 pound feet of torque to all four wheels. The S63 AMG 4MATIC steps up the power production to a 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo V8 that makes 577 horsepower along with 664 pound feet of torque delivered to all four wheels. The ultimate S-Class Coupe, the S65 AMG cranks out 621 horsepower while developing 738 pound feet of torque from a 6.0-liter Bi-Turbo V12 in a rear-wheel drive configuration.
The S550 4MATIC comes with a basic 7-speed automatic transmission, while the S63 AMG is equipped with a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT automatic, and the S65 AMG features a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS automatic.
Suspension types include: AIRMATIC Air suspension for the S550; AMG AIRMATIC Air suspension for the S63 AMG; and MAGIC BODY CONTROL for the top model S65 AMG, featuring the world premiere of the active curve tilting function, showcasing the possibilities offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive, which enables the vehicle to lean into curves, much like a motorcycle, minimizing the lateral acceleration force on vehicle occupants.
Steering for all S-Class Coupe models is rack and pinion, but the top two AMG models add a speed dependent electro-mechanical assist. Braking chores are handled by four-wheel internally vented and perforated discs, with the AMG models sporting larger rotors ford and aft. Wheels for the Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe are 19-inchers, while the AMG S-Class Coupes come with staggered 20-inch wheels shod with Summer tires.
All S-Class Coupes share the same wheelbase, while overall length, width and height vary slightly between the S550 and AMG versions. All carry 20.7 gallons of fuel. Curb weight differs for each model, with the S550 weighing in at 4,707 pounds, the S63 AMG being the lightest at 4,678 pounds and the S65 AMG as the heaviest tipping the scales at 4,839 pounds.
The new S-Class Coupe is available with a host of new assistance systems that provide more comfortable and safer vehicle operation. The “Intelligent Drive” systems include: the PRE-SAFE® brake with pedestrian detection; DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist; BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Adaptive High-beam Assist and Night View Assist Plus. COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS features an additional function apart from the adaptive brake assistant, providing collision protection from a speed of 4 mph: if a danger of collision remains and the driver fails to respond, the system can execute an autonomous braking maneuver at speeds of up to 65 mph, reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 25 mph.
As in the S-Class sedan, the PRE-SAFE® _preventive occupant protection system has been expanded through the inclusion of PRE-SAFE® PLUS. PRE-SAFE® PLUS which is able to recognize an imminent rear-end collision. If the danger of a collision persists, the system can also firmly apply the parking brake on the stationary vehicle minimizing the risk of whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by an impact from the rear.
In terms of its visual appeal, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Coupe lineup may well be the most drop-dead gorgeous coupe ever. The S-Class Coupe exhibits a smoothly flowing profile, but in a modern way, that’s emphasized by the hallmark Mercedes dropping line. The long hood features pronounced lines and powerdomes, the low greenhouse with its high beltline, the accentuated wheel arches as well as the large wheels (19- to 20-inch) and the broad visual effect created by the rear combine to create a sensual effect. The side profile is defined by the dome-shaped and stretched roofline and the frameless doors. A continuous chrome frame surrounds the glass areas uninterrupted by B-pillars, underscoring a typical coupe look.
Up front, the creative interaction of diverse design elements lends the S-Class Coupe a superior, self-confident image: in the center of the vehicle’s front end is the further-evolved three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, with a structure defined by rectangular, chrome-plated elements, incorporating the central Mercedes three-pointed star and one louver. Full-LED headlamps display iconic eyebrows as daytime running lamps. On the S-Class Coupe the eyebrows have been further refined with a semi-circular counter-curve. In combination with the standard LED Intelligent Light System, the Edition 1 S550 special edition vehicle will also feature unique headlamps with no less than 47 Swarovski crystals. 17 angular crystals form the flare-shaped daytime running lamps, with 30 round-shaped crystals making up the turn indicator lamps.
The rear end features, broadened shoulders and distinctive character lines, and moving the license plate mounting to the lower part of the rear bumper allows the trunk lid to be made especially sleek. The three-pointed star is more prominent and pivots outwards in order to locate the rearview camera and the surround view camera in an elegant yet functional manner. A muscle above the rear axle extending from the side wall is yet another hint at the S-Class Coupe’s sporty mission statement even when at a standstill. The positively arched surfaces and lines of the side walls flow into the rear end with a dramatic tapered effect.
The arrangement of the LEDs in two horizontal rows in the two-piece tail lamps reveals cutting-edge technology while underscoring the vehicle’s sporty character. Part of the light functions are located in the wings, and part in the trunk lid. The two-part rear bumper complements the sportiness found on the front design. The diffuser is painted in high-sheen black, meeting both aerodynamic and design requirements. Below it there is a horizontal wing in silver look and integrated in the diffuser are the premium-quality tailpipes.
The S-Class Coupe features a standard panorama roof extending over two-thirds of the entire vehicle roof. MAGIC SKY CONTROL makes it possible to switch the transparency of the roof at the push of a button, from light to dark. it is possible to shade the interior completely by means of a roller blind.
Moving to the inside, the new S-Class Coupe exhibits an enthralling combination of sculptural, sensuous elements and components. High-class appeal, quality workmanship and inviting touch and feel represent the highest level of “modern luxury”.
The S-Class Coupe’s dashboard is divided into a very clear top-layer section with an expansive “wrap-around” effect extending to the doors, and an extremely low, sculptural “floating” lower section. This concept enables the large, two-part wide-screen format TFT display to be placed in a prominent “hovering” position in front of this trim surface. Under the display, the sporty elevated center console extends to the vehicle rear. All lids and armrests are covered in leather. Air vents, switches, belt extender rosette and trim elements are in electroplated “Silver Shadow”, giving the trim elements a high value appeal and enhancing the three-dimensional effect of their surfaces.
Forward of the armrest is a standard touchpad can, with a black high-sheen surface and chrome-look surround. As on a smartphone, the touchpad allows all the head-unit functions to be operated using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any of the head unit’s languages. Controls for the multi-media system, are displayed as keys in a semicircle in front of the central control element. An optional head-up display provides important information directly into the driver’s field of vision, presenting it on the windscreen to ensure less distraction. The system informs shows vehicle speed, navigation instructions and driving assistance system messages.
Both the front and the rear seats provide a pronounced sporty character, with the two rear seats designed as individual seats. The Exclusive upholsteries optionally includes seats in Exclusive nappa designo® leather with a striking diamond backstitching pattern on backrests and seating surfaces.
My test 2015 Mercedes-Benz was an S550 4MATIC, sporting a Magnetite Black metallic exterior, complemented by a designo® Bengal Red and Black interior in exclusive Nappa leather. The base sticker read $119,900. While adding the optional designo® package, Burmeister High-end 3D surround Sound System, Premium Package, Edition 1 Package, Warmth and Comfort Package Driver Assistance Package and Destination and Delivery charge, escalated the final price tag to $149,575.
SUMMARY: In a word, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe is phenomenal. Its appearance and performance attributes are equally amazing. Okay, admittedly, both of the S-Class AMG Coupe versions deliver progressively heightened levels of performance and technology. If there’s an issue with any of them, the broad range of technological features and equipment are not immediately intuitive or readily accessible. By that, I mean that mastering all of the car’s capabilities requires a considerable learning curve. My test vehicle did not come with a printed Owner’s Manual and operational information and instructions were only available through its computer, which in itself takes some getting used to in accessing specific issues.
Unfortunately, a week is simply not enough time to familiarize oneself with every available nuance that the car has to offer. Driving it on the other hand, tends to offset any feelings of personal inadequacy.
The designo® package delivers a level of beauty and elegance that surrounds one in opulence – perhaps even to a level of decadence. It is extremely comfortable, as well as highly supportive. The ride quality is adjustable, depending upon the occupant’s preferences.
The performance level shares the same kind of adjustability, aimed at satisfying the driver’s motoring desires. The 4.7-liter V8 is perfectly capable of delivering stellar acceleration, and the 7-speed automatic changes gears in either direction smoothly and instantaneously on its own or via the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The sport mode delivers a pronounced improvement in virtually all of the car’s responses. The S550 is certainly capable of bringing a smile to the countenance of even the most avid gearhead. If 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 130 aren’t enough to get your juices flowing, then one of the AMG S-Class Coupes is sure to.
This latest example large S-Class Mercedes-Benz sport luxury coupe definitely pays homage to the legendary DNA of the Three-Pointed Star that just seems to get better and better with each generation.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe a Buy It! if you’re a Mercedes fan and can afford it.
Watch the S63 AMG make its debut at the 2014 New York Auto Show.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC Coupe
Base Price: $119,900.
Price as Tested: $149,575.
Engine Type and Size: 4.7-liter DOHC, 32-valve Bi-Turbo V8 with Direct Injection
and Eco start/stop system.
Horsepower (bhp): 449 @ 5,250-5,550 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 516 @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with shift paddles.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / 4MATIC All-wheel
drive.
Suspension: AIRMATIC Air suspension – Air spring, Single-tube shock
absorber with continuously adjustable damping.
Front – Multi-link independent.
Rear – Multi-link independent.
Brakes: Power-assisted internally ventilated and perforated
four-wheel discs with ABS, ESP, BAS and Pre-safe brake.
Tires: Goodyear Eagle F1 -245/40 R20 99Y front / 275/35 R20
102Y rear mounted on 14 machine faced spoke alloy wheels
with piano black interiors.
Wheelbase: 115.9 inches
Length Overall: 197.9 inches
Width: 74.76 inches – excluding mirrors.
Height: 55.75 inches
Curb Weight: 4,707 lbs.
Turning Circle: 40.0 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 20.7 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
Drag Coefficient: Not listed.
0 – 60 mph: 4.5 seconds – Top speed electronically limited to
130 mph.
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
