Review: 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550

Good as it was, much about the outgoing Mercedes-Benz S-class was a reaction to the criticism of its predecessor. That car was derided for its size and weight, so the S-class was shrunk and lightened. Competitive pressure, particularly from Lexus, brought cost considerations into the equation, which showed through in the subpar interior materials. And the styling, a huge departure from the slab-sided early '90s car, was almost pandering in its attempt to be fun and approachable.



The new 2007 S-class says to hell with all that. To start, it's larger than today's car in every dimension. The long-wheelbase model-the only one we'll get in the States-is 1.7 inches longer, 0.7 inch wider, and 1.1 inches taller. The already-huge cabin has grown even more spacious, and the trunk is roomier as well.

Full review here

MercBasher - 12/6/2005 12:49:01 PM

+1 Boost

001 Buster: where do you get "facts" from? You say "An LS will never grab a sale from an S-class" . . . well how many LS owners have you interviewed in order to determine what they previously drove?

Judging by the sales superiority of the LS in the US market I'd estimate thousands of folks who might otherwise have purchased an S-class have indeed chosen an LS.

My own experience with S-class unreliability pushed me right into the arms of Lexus.

I'm not arguing about which is the better car, but the Lexus LS is likely to remain the better all-round ownership experience.

Furthermore a new LS is probably only a year away, so even if the new S-class is good, I'd reserve judgment until the new LS is also released.

TagMan - 12/7/2005 2:47:22 AM

+1 Boost

This car will be a big success for many years. The S550 will then be offered a few months later as the S450 and a year later as the S350CDI. The car will evolve slightly. Definately a winner, except that Mercedes will charge too much for options and packages that will drive the price well beyond what it should be. Toyota is meaningless to this car. They can sell all the reliable Prius's and Lexus's they want. It has VERY LITTLE to do with this Mercedes. Of course an LS is a reliable car, but what the heck does that have to do with a Mercedes? Gee whiz, don't buy the gorgeous S-Class? . . .a new LS is coming out soon? ABSURD!! WHO CARES? So are the new cars from CHINA! Those Lexus guys must be intoxicated with themselves. Sorry, Lexus guys, fancy Toyotas are not Mercedes.

flychronic - 12/7/2005 5:26:58 AM

+1 Boost

a new LS is coming out soon? ABSURD!! WHO CARES?
Well, I do. and so does M-B, I have owned two S-classes and they seem to drive more and more like a Lexus, not the other way around. I really admire M-B for taking some lessons from Lexus, making the curent S-class as smooth and comfortable as the LS, I am sure the new S will also follow the same footsteps. Used to be that if you can't afford a M-B, get a Lexus, however there seems to be quite a large number of people who can afford a M-B, but are opting for Lexus.

JimS - 12/9/2005 2:32:26 PM

+1 Boost

The current tests done by leading independent research labs show that Lexus will catch up with MB & BMW in about 10-15 years. Lexus even smells inside like cheap plastic.

Excelero - 12/14/2005 7:37:59 AM

+1 Boost

The S is just unchallenged.

It may look like some other desgins, but it is the combination from every single style.

The interior and the exterior looks just amazing.