The 2012 Mercedes Benz S550 stands as a testament to luxury and advanced automotive engineering, offering a comprehensive suite of standard features designed for comfort, convenience, and performance. This model sets a high benchmark in the luxury sedan segment, ensuring a premium driving experience from every angle.
Standard Features of the 2012 Mercedes Benz S550
Every 2012 Mercedes Benz S550 is equipped with a range of high-end features right from the base model. Exterior enhancements include 18-inch wheels that provide a balanced ride and aesthetic appeal, an adaptive air suspension for superior ride quality, and active bi-xenon headlights with automatic high beams to maximize visibility while driving at night. LED running lights further enhance the vehicle’s modern look and presence. Practicality is also addressed with a power trunk closer and a sunroof, adding to both convenience and the overall sense of luxury.
Inside the cabin, the S550 is generously appointed with comfort and convenience features. Dual-zone automatic climate control ensures personalized temperature settings for the driver and passenger, while 10-way power front seats, complete with heating, ventilation, four-way lumbar adjustment, and memory functions, offer exceptional comfort and customization. Leather upholstery and extended interior trim elevate the cabin’s ambiance, complemented by a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors. A power rear sunshade adds privacy and helps to keep the cabin cool.
Electronically, the 2012 S550 is well-equipped with the COMAND electronics interface, which manages many of the car’s systems. Bluetooth connectivity allows for hands-free calling and audio streaming, and a navigation system is integrated for seamless route guidance. Voice controls provide an added layer of convenience, enabling drivers to manage functions without taking their hands off the wheel. For audiophiles, a 15-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a six-CD/DVD changer, HD radio, satellite radio, and an iPod interface ensures a rich and immersive audio experience.
S63 AMG Enhancements
Stepping up to the S63 AMG variant brings a significant boost in performance and sporty aesthetics. While retaining the standard features of the S550, the S63 AMG adds distinctive 20-inch AMG wheels and unique styling cues that set it apart. Performance is amplified with an AMG-tuned suspension, steering, brakes, and exhaust system, delivering a more dynamic and engaging driving experience.
The interior of the S63 AMG also receives upgrades, including a sport steering wheel with shift paddles for manual gear control, an enhanced instrument cluster providing performance metrics, and AMG-specific leather and trim that enhance the sporty feel. Furthermore, the S63 AMG includes Active Body Control, an advanced suspension technology designed to minimize body roll during cornering, thus improving handling and stability. For those seeking even greater performance, the available AMG Performance package increases engine output and top speed, pushing the boundaries of what the S63 AMG can achieve.
Optional Packages and Features
For the S350, S400, and S550 models, and as standard on the S63 AMG, the Premium 2 package offers a suite of desirable features. This package includes a rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors, which greatly assist in parking and maneuvering in tight spaces. Keyless ignition/entry adds convenience to daily use, and front seats with massage, adjustable/active bolsters, and enhanced headrests elevate comfort, especially on longer journeys.
Additional optional packages available for the S63 AMG further enhance its capabilities and luxury. The Driver Assistance package adds adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, and blind-spot and lane-departure warning systems that can actively intervene to prevent accidents in certain situations (though this evasive action is not available in the S400).
For rear passengers, the Rear Seat package provides four-zone automatic climate control, allowing for individual climate settings in the rear. Eight-way power rear seats with memory, heating, and ventilation ensure rear occupants travel in utmost comfort. The Rear Seat Entertainment package caters to passenger entertainment needs with a dual-screen rear seat entertainment system and two rear seat remotes that can control all functions of the COMAND system, making journeys more enjoyable for those in the back.
Further optional features across the range include power-operated shades for the rear side windows for added privacy, a panoramic sunroof that enhances the sense of spaciousness and light within the cabin, and a heated steering wheel for cold climates. A night-vision warning system enhances safety during nighttime driving, and a premium 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system offers an even higher fidelity audio experience for discerning listeners.
S600 and S65 AMG: Top-Tier Luxury
The pinnacle of the 2012 S-Class range is represented by the S600 and S65 AMG models. These models come standard with all of the aforementioned optional features, embodying the highest level of luxury and technology available. The S600 further distinguishes itself with 19-inch wheels, enhanced brakes for superior stopping power, and Active Body Control for optimized handling. The S65 AMG, on the other hand, incorporates the S63’s performance enhancements, combining ultimate luxury with high-performance driving dynamics.
A unique option available across all 2012 S-Class models is Splitview. This innovative technology allows the driver and front passenger to view different content simultaneously on the center COMAND screen. It includes a dedicated COMAND remote control for the passenger, providing personalized entertainment and information access without distracting the driver.
In summary, the 2012 Mercedes Benz S550 and its model range offer a comprehensive blend of luxury, technology, and performance, making it a highly desirable choice in the premium sedan market.
