Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, and the 2015 S-Class, particularly the S 550 model, stands as a testament to this legacy. Built upon the pillars of “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and the “Essence of Luxury,” the S-Class pushes technological boundaries to redefine what a luxury sedan can be. It’s not merely a flagship for Mercedes-Benz; it’s a benchmark for the entire automotive industry, setting new standards in every conceivable aspect of vehicle design and engineering.
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, former Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, succinctly captured the ambition behind this vehicle: “Rather than being about safety or aesthetics, power or efficiency, comfort or dynamism, our aspirations were ‘the best or nothing’ in every respect. No other car stands for the Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class.” This bold statement underscores the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines the 2015 Mercedes-benz S 550.
The Essence of Luxury: Interior and Craftsmanship
The “Essence of Luxury” philosophy is palpable throughout the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550, especially within its meticulously crafted interior. Every element, from the meticulously stitched seats to the whisper-quiet air conditioning system, the intuitively designed controls, and the overall aesthetic, reflects an unwavering commitment to quality and passenger comfort. Mercedes-Benz engineers poured over every detail, integrating innovative ideas and ensuring the highest perceived quality to meet the lofty standards set for their flagship model.
This pursuit of luxury is not just skin deep. It’s woven into the very fabric of the car, ensuring that both driver and passengers are enveloped in an environment of unparalleled refinement. The cabin of the S 550 is a sanctuary of tranquility and sophistication, designed to make every journey, whether a short commute or a long road trip, an experience in sublime comfort.
Intelligent Drive: Merging Comfort and Safety
Mercedes-Benz’s “Intelligent Drive” concept takes center stage in the 2015 S 550, seamlessly merging comfort and safety into a holistic driving experience. Building on innovations like PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC PLUS, the S-Class introduces a suite of new systems designed to make driving not only more relaxing but also significantly safer. This suite of intelligent technologies acts as a co-pilot, anticipating potential hazards and assisting the driver in navigating the complexities of modern roads.
The result is a driving experience that is both confidence-inspiring and remarkably serene. “Intelligent Drive” isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about enhancing the overall well-being of the occupants by reducing stress and fatigue, making every drive in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 a pleasure.
Design: A Modern Interpretation of Status
The design of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is a masterclass in modern automotive aesthetics. It instantly communicates status and sophistication while embracing sensual, flowing shapes. Gorden Wagener, design chief at the time of its release, described the design philosophy perfectly: “The sophisticated design of the S-Class has always been an expression of luxury and automotive grandeur of its era. And our new S-Class continues this tradition. With its classic architecture and flowing silhouette, it is a modern embodiment of sensual clarity.”
The S 550’s design language is a harmonious blend of progressive design and timeless elegance, drawing inspiration from classic Mercedes-Benz models of the 1930s. It’s a design that speaks to the emotions, conveying both stylish sportiness and effortless superiority. This careful balance ensures the S-Class remains a true design icon, recognizable and admired worldwide.
Exterior Elegance and Aerodynamic Efficiency
The 2015 S 550 makes a bold statement with its larger, more upright, and three-dimensional radiator grille, immediately establishing its presence and leadership aspirations. Classic sedan proportions are evident in its long hood, flowing, domed roofline, and gently sloping rear end. These elements combine to create a prestigious silhouette that also hints at the car’s sporty, coupe-like intentions.
The signature “Dropping Line,” a subtle character line flowing from front to rear, elegantly sculpts the side profile, adding dynamism even at a standstill. The interplay of convex and concave surfaces along the flanks creates a powerful, elongated body that exudes both excitement and composure. Pronounced shoulders above the rear wheels further emphasize the car’s athletic stance.
Moving to the rear, the design seamlessly integrates elegance with aerodynamic efficiency. Horizontal lines across the trunk lid and bumper accentuate the car’s width, while the rear windscreen, cutting into the C-pillars with its rounded upper edge, adds a coupe-like flair. The tail lights, fully integrated into the body and meticulously detailed internally, are a highlight, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to finishing every aspect with precision.
Pioneering LED Lighting Technology
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 marked a significant milestone in automotive lighting, becoming the first car in the world to completely eliminate traditional light bulbs in favor of LED technology, both inside and out. This bold move underscored Mercedes-Benz’s pioneering role in automotive lighting. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the road, the car’s exterior, the cabin, and the trunk, offering superior visibility and energy efficiency.
The multi-level functionality of the LED lighting system is another world first. For example, the intensity of the brake lights automatically reduces at night or when stopped at traffic lights to avoid dazzling drivers behind. Depending on equipment, the S 550 features up to 56 LEDs in each headlamp and 35 LEDs in each tail light, plus approximately 300 more illuminating the interior, including ambient lighting.
Enhanced visibility is further provided by improved Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems. Utilizing a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, the S-Class achieves 360-degree vision, enhancing hazard detection in all driving conditions.
Suspension: The World’s First Suspension with “Eyes”
In a groundbreaking innovation, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is available with MAGIC BODY CONTROL, the world’s first suspension system capable of “seeing” the road ahead. Using the stereo camera, ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects bumps and road imperfections in advance. The system then instantaneously adjusts the suspension to proactively counteract these irregularities.
While MAGIC BODY CONTROL is an optional feature, the S 550 comes standard with the continuously adaptive damping system ADS PLUS and the enhanced AIRMATIC full air suspension. These systems work in concert to deliver an unparalleled ride quality, seamlessly blending comfort with dynamic handling. Whether navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the suspension technology in the S 550 ensures a supremely smooth and controlled driving experience.
Interior: A Sanctuary of Calm and Sophistication
The interior of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is designed to be a haven of visual breadth and serene solidity. The clear architecture and horizontally oriented elements create a spacious and calming environment. High-quality materials and elegant design are seamlessly integrated with user-friendly functionality, resulting in an interior that sets new benchmarks for ride comfort, spaciousness, and ease of use.
The harmonious use of materials and colors creates an exclusive ambiance, with generous wood trim on the dashboard and center console. Metallized switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint finishes add subtle yet significant touches of luxury. Rear passengers are treated with equal importance, with seat design, door panels, and controls matching the high standards of the front cabin. Optional rear seat packages offer further individualization, including a Business center console with added storage, a folding table, and two-place seating, transforming the rear into a mobile office or relaxation lounge.
Control and Display Concept: Elegant Command Center
The 2015 S 550 features a revolutionary control and display concept centered around two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays in an 8:3 format. These displays form the new information hub, replacing traditional analog gauges and control panels. The left display functions as the instrument cluster, providing essential driving information, while the right display manages infotainment and comfort settings.
This dual-screen setup reflects the increasing complexity of modern vehicles and the need for intuitive control. Ergonomics, ease of use, safety, and aesthetic appeal were paramount in the development of this new operating logic. Physical controls are minimized and refined, with metallized switch surfaces and solid aluminum controls adding to the premium feel. The rotary pushbutton and direct access keys on the center console provide tactile control for primary functions, while a touch-sensitive telephone keypad and a favorites function with twelve memory places offer further convenience.
Voice control via the Enhanced Voice Control System allows for natural language input of addresses and control of telephone and audio systems. A new feature at the time was the ability to have text messages and emails read aloud, further enhancing driver convenience and minimizing distractions.
Climate Control: Personalized Comfort and Air Quality
The climate control system in the 2015 S 550 goes beyond basic temperature regulation. It’s a comprehensive system focused on performance, air quality, precise control, and efficiency. The optional AIR-BALANCE package introduces perfume atomization, ionization, and enhanced filtration, providing an even more refined cabin atmosphere. Rear passengers benefit from automatic climate control with two additional zones for personalized thermal comfort. A truly novel feature is the electric heating for armrests and center consoles, extending comfort to touch surfaces within the cabin.
The “active perfuming system,” part of the AIR-BALANCE package, is a world first. It allows for manual activation and intensity adjustment of fragrances, subtly personalizing the cabin scent without permanently altering the interior smell or depositing fragrance molecules on fabrics.
Seats: Mobile Office and Wellness Oasis
The seats in the 2015 S 550 are engineered to be both supportive and luxurious, acting as both a mobile office and a personal wellness center. Mercedes-Benz introduced several world-first features to elevate seating comfort, including the ENERGIZING massage function inspired by hot-stone therapy and active seat ventilation with reversing fans. Rear seat comfort was a particular focus, with four different rear seat configurations available, including an Executive seat with a backrest angle adjustable up to 43.5 degrees.
The ENERGIZING massage function, a true innovation, utilizes 14 independently actuated air cushions in the backrest along with integrated heating. Six massage programs are available, two incorporating heat, and the function is also available for rear seats. Active seat ventilation, using reversing fans, quickly draws cooler ambient air onto the seat surface initially, then switches to blower mode to minimize drafts after four minutes, rapidly cooling heated seats.
Four seat variants are offered for the S-Class, with redesigned adjustment kinematics in the luxury and reclining seat options. The backrest adjusts separately from the seat cushion, maintaining legroom and seat reference point. The cushion itself is adjustable for angle and horizontal position. The Executive Rear Seat Package offers a maximum backrest angle of 43.5 degrees, the largest in the luxury segment, along with a calf support adjustable for length and angle. Combined with a heel rest on the folding chauffeur seat and a comfort cushion, it creates a reclined position rivaling first-class travel.
The Executive Rear Seat Package PLUS, with a rear center console, extends the front console to the rear, incorporating thermo-cup holders using Peltier technology to cool or warm drinks. Aircraft-style folding tables are also integrated into the center console for added convenience.
Multimedia: A Mobile Concert Hall
A new generation multimedia system debuted in the 2015 S 550, featuring intuitive operation and visually rich interfaces. The multi-user system allows independent access to media sources from any seat. The Frontbass system, standard across audio options, innovatively mounts woofers in the firewall, using the chassis structure as a resonance chamber, freeing up door space and improving sound quality.
Two premium audio systems developed with Burmester are available: the Burmester® Surround Sound system and the Burmester® High-End 3D-Surround Sound system, transforming the S 550 into a mobile concert hall. The navigation system features interactive content presentation, including an animated compass, a “Driveshow” passenger information display (similar to aircraft systems), and Google Maps integration on both front and rear screens. Traffic information is presented with clear, hatched lines for easy interpretation.
Body: Stability and Lightweight Design
The bodyshell of the 2015 S 550 is engineered for maximum crash safety, exceptional rigidity for handling, and minimized noise and vibration. It’s a third-generation aluminum hybrid design, improving the lightweight index (torsional stiffness relative to weight and size) by 50% compared to its predecessor. The use of aluminum in the body structure exceeds 50%, allowing for weight management despite increased features and safety requirements. The entire outer skin, including the roof, is aluminum, while the passenger safety cell utilizes high-strength steel. Structural foams are strategically placed in node areas for enhanced rigidity.
Intelligent Drive: Networked Senses for Enhanced Safety
Mercedes-Benz’s “Real Life Safety” philosophy drives the “Intelligent Drive” systems in the 2015 S 550. Numerous new and enhanced assistance systems work together to prevent accidents and mitigate their consequences. These systems rely on sensor fusion, networking data from a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors to create a 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings.
Professor Thomas Weber, then Member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars Development, explained, “Intelligent assistance systems analyse complex situations and better recognize potential dangers out on the road with the aid of improved environment sensor systems. Figuratively speaking, the new S-Class doesn’t just have eyes at the front, it has 360-degree all-round vision.”
The assistance systems range from driver support and comfort enhancement to active warnings and emergency intervention. Key features include:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist: Provides steering input to keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist: Detects crossing traffic and pedestrians, enhancing braking power when needed.
- Active Lane Keeping Assist: Detects occupied adjacent lanes and oncoming traffic, applying brakes to prevent unintentional lane departure.
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist: Allows permanent high beams without dazzling other drivers by selectively masking portions of the light beam.
- Night View Assist PLUS: Enhanced with a thermal imaging camera to detect pedestrians and animals in unlit areas, highlighting them and even flashing a spotlight to warn pedestrians.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: Monitors driver behavior for drowsiness and inattentiveness, warning the driver and suggesting rest stops.
Extended PRE-SAFE® Protection: Prevention and Enhanced Occupant Safety
Building on the groundbreaking PRE-SAFE® system, the 2015 S 550 introduces enhanced PRE-SAFE® functions to further improve occupant protection and accident prevention.
- PRE-SAFE® Brake with Pedestrian Detection: Can autonomously brake to avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds up to 31 mph.
- PRE-SAFE® PLUS: Detects imminent rear-end collisions, applying brakes to minimize whiplash and secondary accidents, and deploying reversible belt tensioners before impact.
- PRE-SAFE® Impulse: Controlled seatbelt release in frontal collisions to reduce chest and abdominal pressure, minimizing injury risk.
Rear Seat Safety Leadership: New Innovations
Mercedes-Benz extended its safety leadership to rear seat passengers with features like the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag, and cushionbag.
- Seat Belt Buckle Extender: Automatically extends and retracts the buckle, reducing belt slack and improving occupant restraint.
- Beltbag: Inflatable seatbelt strap to reduce ribcage strain in frontal collisions.
- Cushionbag: Standard in Executive Rear Seat Packages, preventing submarining (sliding under the seatbelt) in reclined seats during accidents.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Portfolio & Pricing (S 550 Focus)
While the S-Class range includes various models, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 stands out as a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and value within the lineup.
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550: Starting at $94,400 MSRP
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 4MATIC: Starting at $97,400 MSRP
These models offer a 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo engine producing 449 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds. Standard features are extensive, including COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, MAGIC VISION CONTROL, Burmester Surround Sound System, LED Ambient Lighting, Touchpad for COMAND System, and the Air Balance Package.
Optional equipment allows for further personalization, with highlights such as MAGIC BODY CONTROL, ENERGIZING massage function, Rear Seat Package enhancements, Warmth & Comfort Package, advanced Driver Assistance Package, and Active Parking Assist.
Model Positioning and Competition
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 represents the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand, embodying industry-leading refinement, a luxurious interior, and groundbreaking innovations in comfort, entertainment, and safety. It competes directly with other flagship luxury sedans such as the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS.
Safety Feature Highlights (S 550)
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is laden with safety technologies, including:
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- Surround View Camera
- PARKTRONIC w/Active Parking Assist
- Active Lane Keeping Assist
- DISTRONIC PLUS® with Steering Assist & BAS PLUS® with Cross-Traffic Assist
- Rear seatbelt airbags and PRE-SAFE rear active belt buckles
- PRE-SAFE Impulse
- Night View Assist PLUS
- PRE-SAFE PLUS® for rear-end collision
- PRE-SAFE Brake® with Pedestrian Recognition
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Specifications at a Glance (S 550)
| Feature | S 550 | S 550 4MATIC |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $94,400 | $97,400 |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 17/26/20 mpg | 16/26/19 mpg |
| Engine | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo |
| Performance | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 4.8 sec |
| Drive Configuration | RWD | All-Wheel Drive |
| Transmission | 7-Speed Automatic | 7-Speed Automatic |
| Dimensions (L/W/H) | 206.5/83.86/58.7 in | 206.5/83.86/58.7 in |
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S 550 is more than just a luxury car; it’s a statement of automotive innovation and a commitment to passenger well-being. It represents the best of Mercedes-Benz and continues to set the standard for luxury sedans worldwide.
