"For 2007, Mercedes-Benz has done some serious whittling on its new S-Class line-up: it’s been reduced from seven models in 2006, to three regular editions and an AMG version for 2007. My tester, the S550 with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, is a step up from the S500 of 2006; that model carried a 5.0-litre V8, while the S550 uses an all-new 5.5-litre V8. Horsepower jumps from 302 to 382, while the all-important torque number steps up from 339 to a healthy 391 lb-ft.





Prior to this new model, the S-Class came in two wheelbase lengths; the 2007 models, which can easily double as chauffeur-driven vehicles, come in only one length, but it’s longer than the long-wheelbase model of 2006.

Most cars intended for a “driven” audience tend to be understated, and the S550 is no exception. During my week with it, it usually blended into traffic; most of the attention I received was only from other luxury-car owners who knew exactly what I was driving. That’s not to say that it isn’t nicely styled overall though; it’s smooth and slippery, and while I’m still undecided about the tall Maybach-inspired trunk line, I love the exaggerated wheel arches, which make it look like it’s hunkering down on its muscular flanks. Like most Mercedes vehicles, it also sports an upright grille ornament – call me shallow, but I really like looking down the hood and seeing one.





The styling continues inside, which is even nicer than the exterior. The wide charcoal dash is broken up by a burled walnut insert that runs its length, and is matched on the steering wheel and centre console. An elegant line of ribbed metallic centre stack buttons is echoed in the controls on the door and console. Cars in this price range always have meticulous attention to detail, but the S550’s interior is extremely well done, both in the materials and craftsmanship, and in the way that all of the components are meshed into a cohesive whole.

For all that, though, form sometimes triumphs over function: the tiny identical ribbed buttons look great, but they do require considerable time spent looking away from the road. They’re also used on the overhead console, to operate the various courtesy lights throughout the vehicle. Their functions are indicated by a backlit button, and one’s initial instinct is to press the illuminated button, instead of the unlit tab that actually performs the operation. No doubt an owner would get used to it in time, but as a temporary denizen, I frequently pressed the wrong control.

Several of the controls are redundant, especially for the stereo and heater. Although you still have to go through the COMAND computer screen to adjust the modes, the temperature and fan speed can be controlled through the centre stack buttons, while the stereo volume can be controlled via the wheel, an awkward console-mounted dial, or onscreen. One redundant control that had all of us guessing – including the Mercedes-Benz representative – was one that allowed access of the front passenger’s seat controls from the driver’s door, including the power adjustment, and seat heating and cooling functions. Perhaps it’s meant to be used when less-mobile people are in the front seat; I just used it to bug my husband."

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Specifications:

2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC

Base price $122,000

Options $ 10,400

(Premium Package of leather/burl walnut steering wheel, side window roller blinds, climate comfort multicontour front seats, luxury front headrests, heated rear seats, electronic trunk closure, Keyless Go $6,500; panorama sunroof $1,400; Night View Assist $2,500)

Freight $ 1,795
A/C tax $ 100
Price as tested $134,295

I just love the S-Class now. It has been the most well received Mercedes in quite a while. There isn't an magazine in the world that doesn't like this car. If Mercedes could do all their cars to this level (SL and CL included) they'd be back to pre-BMW resurgence and pre-Lexus days in no time. I love the wood in particular example:



M

Good review.

The only thing that bugs me about this particular S-Class is the interior color combination: it looks so dead. I feel that lighter colors add more happiness to the interior and also look better, plain and simple.

Thanks for posting, Bruce.

I'm more impressed with Mercedes line-up then ever! I honestly felt that the last generation S-Class couldn't get any better without changing the whole design! I do wish
Mercedes would change the boot!