The Mercedes S550 Coupe - A Forgotten Legend

Mercedes, always known for their ability to build a spectacular car... in recent years I feel have been lacking the luster that once made them great. I don't share the typical complaints most enthusiasts have about the small-engine AMG cars or the obscene number of SUVs, because I understand that they need to compete in an ever-growing market.

However, every once in a blue moon I feel as though Mercedes puts out a car that somehow gets forgotten, even being one of the best cars you will ever have the pleasure of sitting in. Similar to the Mercedes CL of late, the S class coupe is one of those perfect cars. In the times where coupes ruled the world, this car would have been a star. The problem is nowadays, it's a challenge in the sedan market, let alone if you chop two doors off! Everyone wants an SUV, CUV, plug-in this, or electric that—it makes this expensive coupe market borderline obsolete.

One thing that has always charmed me about the CL and now S class coupe, is the ability to have that open air experience you can only really get from a handful of cars, the Bentley Continental GT comes to mind on this thought. It's an ultimate Autobahn cruiser. With the windows down, it eats up the miles like a bowl of cereal. Let's talk about the S550 - always known as the pinnacle of luxury. The coupe resonates that well in its DNA, but it provides something else, something special... Even in the base 550 (S63 & S65 variants are also available as a coupe OR convertible) when you hit that start button, the engine roars to life. It's roudy, loud, but understated. It isn't out to offend anyone, but it wants to be heard... The car provides a borderline visceral driving experience similar to that of a light, agile sports car, which, let's face it, isn't what this car is supposed to be. It's supposed to be a cruiser right? Low and slow, cruising the highway.

Astoundingly, the S550 coupe is able to provide all of the luxury of a high end cruiser car, with all of the excitement you would want from a V8 coupe. The chassis is very well tuned, with Mercedes lovely Airmatic air ride. When you toggle the suspension between sport and comfort, you notice an immediate difference from steering response to the dampers REALLY putting in the work to keep the car flat in corners. It doesn't push hard like most heavy front weight biased cars, it handles very well, cornering flat & apexing corners with ease. Flip that same switch back into comfort, and you could travel 1,000 miles without batting an eye. The S550 coupe truly maximizes both sides of what a car can be. Now, I know what you're thinking, with an original as tested MSRP of $136,790 it certainly should be able to do a whole heck of a lot... The thing is, the car truly competes and in my opinion is arguably a much better car than cars like the Bentley Continental GT & Rolls Royce Wraith. When you put the S550 in that class, it starts to become inexpensive... and worth every dollar!

Interior ergonomics and comfort are through the roof, set your cruise control at 150 MPH, while you are getting your back rubbed by a nice little german man who lives in the seat... maybe he will fan you or warm you too if you ask nicely. The gauge cluster is intuitive and nicely laid out, but the star of the show is the inlays. From the steering wheel, to the dash, all the way around the doors and into the back interior panels, it sets the mood for the event that is driving this car. I have genuinely rarely been impressed to the point that this car impressed me. These cars are entirely slept on and I believe one day may be worth a dollar or two if kept nice. I challenge you to find a better car for (on the second hand market) sub $50,000.00 USD. If you have never been in one, I highly recommend getting out there & finding one to drive!

As always, stay meaty!