The Mercedes S550 Coupe stands as a testament to automotive artistry, seamlessly blending the classic silhouette of a grand tourer with cutting-edge technology and opulent appointments. As the two-door iteration of the flagship S-Class, the S550 Coupe embodies “sensual purity,” Mercedes-Benz’s design philosophy that aims to harmonize high technology with emotional allure. This vehicle isn’t merely a car; it’s a statement of refined taste and a showcase of automotive innovation, designed to captivate and exhilarate in equal measure.
Ola Källenius, a prominent figure at Mercedes-Benz, aptly described the S-Class Coupe as “the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness,” emphasizing the faithful translation of the breathtaking Concept S-Class Coupe design into the production model. The Mercedes S550 Coupe indeed reclaims its position as the zenith of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, bearing the prestigious ‘S-Class’ designation once again, a nod to its supreme status within the automotive world.
Professor Dr. Thomas Weber highlighted the pioneering technology integrated within the S-Class Coupe, specifically mentioning the world-premiere of the active curve tilting function. This innovation, part of Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive, allows the vehicle to lean into corners, mimicking a motorcyclist and significantly reducing lateral acceleration for passengers. This translates to enhanced driving pleasure and ride comfort, particularly on winding roads, setting a new benchmark for automotive dynamics in the Mercedes S550 Coupe. Notably, this feature became a standard highlight on the high-performance S65 AMG Coupe, further solidifying the S-Class Coupe’s technological prowess.
Launched at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2014, the Mercedes S550 Coupe made its debut with significant anticipation. For the US market, the S550 Coupe was exclusively offered with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a potent 4.7L V8 biturbo engine. This powerhouse delivers a robust 449 horsepower and a formidable 516 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration and a thrilling driving experience. Adding to the sensory appeal is the emotionally resonant exhaust note, meticulously engineered to amplify the sporty character of the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Alt text: Sleek side profile of a Mercedes S550 Coupe showcasing its long hood and elegant roofline.
Intelligent Drive: Elevating Safety and Comfort in the S550 Coupe
Mirroring the S-Class Sedan, the Mercedes S550 Coupe is equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems under the umbrella of “Intelligent Drive.” These technologies work in concert to enhance both safety and driving ease. Features like PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist, and Night View Assist Plus are all integrated to provide a comprehensive safety net.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS takes preventative safety a step further. Beyond adaptive brake assist, it offers autonomous braking capabilities starting from just 4 mph to mitigate collision risks. If a collision threat persists and the driver doesn’t react, the system can autonomously apply brakes at speeds up to 65 mph, significantly reducing the severity of impacts with slower or stationary vehicles. It can even react to stationary objects at speeds up to 31 mph and prevent rear-end collisions at speeds up to 25 mph, demonstrating the proactive safety engineering within the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
The PRE-SAFE® system, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz safety innovation, is further augmented in the Mercedes S550 Coupe with PRE-SAFE® PLUS. This expanded system can detect impending rear-end collisions. If a rear impact is deemed unavoidable, PRE-SAFE® PLUS can firmly apply the vehicle’s parking brake while stationary. This crucial function minimizes whiplash injuries by reducing the forward jolt caused by the rear impact, further emphasizing the commitment to occupant safety in the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Luxurious Interior and Bespoke Audio Experience in the S550 Coupe
The interior of the Mercedes S550 Coupe is a sanctuary of modern luxury, designed to envelop occupants in comfort and sophistication. Numerous standard features contribute to this opulent ambiance, including the AIR-BALANCE package with fragrancing and ionization systems, creating a refreshing and personalized cabin environment. For enhanced comfort in colder climates, optional electric armrest heating is available as part of the Warmth Comfort package.
Alt text: Luxurious interior detail of the Mercedes S550 Coupe showcasing the leather upholstery and ambient lighting.
Mercedes-Benz collaborated with renowned audio specialists Burmester to develop two exceptional sound systems for the Mercedes S550 Coupe. The standard Burmester® surround sound system delivers an immersive and high-fidelity audio experience. For audiophiles seeking the ultimate in sound reproduction, the optional Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system elevates in-car audio to concert hall levels, providing an unparalleled auditory journey within the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Design Philosophy: Sensual Purity Embodied in the S550 Coupe
Sensual purity, the guiding principle of Mercedes-Benz design, is vividly expressed in the Mercedes S550 Coupe. Designers focused on creating clean lines and fluid surfaces that showcase advanced technology while simultaneously evoking emotional resonance. This philosophy balances tradition, emotion, and progressivism, resulting in a design language that is both modern and timeless.
Gorden Wagener, Vice President of Daimler AG, proclaimed the Mercedes S550 Coupe as “one of the most gorgeous coupes of all time,” highlighting its radical aesthetic departure from its predecessors. The sensuous, flowing silhouette, combined with a clear and progressive design vocabulary, perfectly embodies the philosophy of sensual purity, making the Mercedes S550 Coupe a visually captivating masterpiece.
Exterior Elegance: Flowing Lines and Perfect Proportions
The exterior of the Mercedes S550 Coupe is characterized by its flowing profile and perfectly balanced proportions. The signature Mercedes-Benz dropping line accentuates its sensual purity. The long hood, sculpted with pronounced lines and powerdomes, paired with the low greenhouse and high beltline, creates a dynamic and elegant stance. Accentuated wheel arches house large 19- to 20-inch wheels, further enhancing the coupe’s powerful presence. The broad rear design visually widens the Mercedes S550 Coupe, reinforcing its status as a pinnacle of automotive refinement.
The interplay of convex and concave surfaces lends the Mercedes S550 Coupe a sculpted and sensuous character. This design approach blends classic elegance with modern-progressive design elements, creating a harmonious and captivating aesthetic.
The side view is defined by the iconic dropping line, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz coupes. The lines are deliberately minimalist, emphasizing sensual and timeless purity. The front fascia of the Mercedes S550 Coupe exudes confidence with its evolved three-dimensional diamond radiator grille. The grille features rectangular, chrome-plated elements and the central Mercedes three-pointed star, creating a striking focal point.
The full-LED headlamps, featuring iconic eyebrows as daytime running lamps, give the Mercedes S550 Coupe a distinctive and self-assured gaze. The Edition 1 model takes headlamp design to an extraordinary level with 47 Swarovski crystals integrated into each unit. 17 angular crystals form the flare-shaped daytime running lamps, while 30 round crystals create the turn indicator lamps, adding an unparalleled level of exclusivity and brilliance to the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
The side profile is further defined by the dome-shaped, elongated roofline and frameless doors. A continuous, elegant 3D chrome frame surrounds the glass areas, uninterrupted by B-pillars, accentuating the quintessential Mercedes-Benz coupe aesthetic of the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
A muscular shoulder line extending above the rear axle conveys a sense of dynamism even when stationary. The flowing surfaces and lines of the side walls seamlessly transition into the dramatically tapered rear end.
The rear design, with its broad shoulders and distinctive character lines, completes the emotive and captivating overall appearance of the Mercedes S550 Coupe. Relocating the license plate to the lower bumper allowed for a particularly sleek trunk lid design. The prominent, free-standing three-pointed star elegantly pivots outwards to reveal the rearview and surround view cameras, blending functionality with sophisticated design.
The two-piece tail lamps, with LEDs arranged in two horizontal rows, showcase cutting-edge technology and underscore the sporty character and premium quality of the Mercedes S550 Coupe. The light functions are split between the wings and the trunk lid, creating a distinctive and highly recognizable nighttime signature.
The two-part rear bumper mirrors the sporty design of the front, featuring a high-sheen black diffuser that balances aerodynamic requirements with aesthetic appeal. A horizontal wing in silver look, similar to the front bumper, is integrated into the diffuser. Premium-quality tailpipes are seamlessly incorporated, completing the refined rear design of the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
The Mercedes S550 Coupe comes standard with a panorama roof, spanning two-thirds of the vehicle roof and offering a significantly larger surface area compared to its predecessor. MAGIC SKY CONTROL, an innovative feature, allows switching the roof transparency from light to dark at the touch of a button. In its light state, the roof is almost completely transparent, providing an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state, light transmission is drastically reduced, minimizing heat buildup inside the cabin. A roller blind provides complete shading when desired, offering customizable ambiance within the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Interior Avant-Garde: Modern Luxury Redefined in the S550 Coupe
The interior design of the Mercedes S550 Coupe is a profound expression of Mercedes-Benz’s sensual purity design idiom. A captivating combination of sculptural, sensuous volume elements and the clear geometry of its architecture creates an avant-garde interior environment. High-class appeal, exceptional craftsmanship, and luxurious materials create a tactile and sensory experience that defines “modern luxury” within the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
The dashboard of the Mercedes S550 Coupe is a masterpiece of automotive interior architecture. It is divided into a clear top-layer section that wraps around into the doors and a low, sculptural “floating” lower section. This striking design is enabled by repositioning the airbag to a lower location, allowing for the prominent placement of the large, two-part widescreen TFT display. The display appears to hover in front of the trim surface, further accentuated by an ambient lighting corona. The sporty, elevated center console extends towards the rear, and all lids and armrests are lavishly upholstered in leather in the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Alt text: Close-up of the Mercedes S550 Coupe dashboard highlighting the touchpad and silver shadow trim elements.
The use of premium materials, exquisite surfaces, and meticulously chosen color and seam designs contributes to the exclusive ambiance of the Mercedes S550 Coupe interior. Air vents, switches, belt extender rosettes, and trim elements are finished in electroplated “Silver Shadow,” adding a high-value appeal and enhancing the three-dimensional effect of their surfaces.
Positioned in front of the armrest is the standard touchpad, featuring a black high-sheen surface and chrome-look surround. Similar to a smartphone interface, the touchpad allows intuitive operation of the head-unit functions through finger gestures. Handwriting recognition is also integrated, enabling input of letters, numbers, and special characters in various languages. Controls for multimedia functions are arranged in a semicircle around the central control element in the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Both front and rear seats are designed with a sporty character, with the two rear seats configured as individual seats. Optional Exclusive upholstery includes designo leather with a striking diamond backstitching pattern on the seatbacks and surfaces. Front seatbelts are integrated into the rear side paneling, maintaining a clean waistline with windows down. Seatbelt extenders ensure easy access for occupants of the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
A fluid transition between the doors and rear side paneling emphasizes the vehicle’s sense of well-being. Surfaces and controls are executed in top-quality materials. The standard Burmester® surround sound system and optional Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system are seamlessly integrated, enhancing both form and function within the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
New interior color options, such as Bengal Red/Black, Crystal Grey/Black, Saddle Brown/Black, and Porcelain/Espresso Brown, offer further personalization. Standard ambient lighting with multiple selectable moods enhances the wellness character of the interior. Customers can choose from seven distinct lighting moods to tailor the cabin ambiance of their Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Head-Up Display: Minimizing Driver Distraction in the S550 Coupe
The optional head-up display in the Mercedes S550 Coupe projects crucial driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight, minimizing distractions. Information such as vehicle speed, navigation prompts, and driving assistance system alerts are displayed on the windscreen, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road.
The system utilizes specular optics and a full-color display module with a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels, powered by high-intensity LEDs. The virtual image, measuring approximately 8 x 3 inches, appears to float around two meters ahead of the driver, above the hood. A high resolution of over 60 pixels per degree ensures a sharp and clear image. A light sensor automatically adjusts the display brightness based on external lighting conditions, optimizing visibility in the Mercedes S550 Coupe.
Emotive-Sporty Exhaust Sound: Enhancing Driving Pleasure in the S550 Coupe
The emotionally charged exhaust sound significantly contributes to the sporty driving experience of the Mercedes S550 Coupe. Deeper sound components create a richer, more athletic auditory profile. The twin-pipe exhaust system incorporates two pneumatically controlled flaps within the rear silencer. These flaps modulate the exhaust flow based on engine speed.
When the flaps are open, exhaust gases are routed through a different path in the rear silencer, resulting in a more powerful and pronounced vehicle sound. The flap activation point is linked to the selected drive program. In Sport mode, the flaps open earlier than in Economy mode, delivering a more aggressive sound profile. The potent sound of the Mercedes S550 Coupe engine is immediately apparent upon startup, setting the tone for an engaging driving experience.
A Legacy of Luxury Coupes: The Heritage of the S-Class Coupe
The Mercedes S550 Coupe is part of a distinguished lineage of large Mercedes-Benz coupes, dating back to 1952 with the iconic 300 S Coupe, lauded as a “car for the world’s elite.” The 1956 220 S Coupe, with its innovative pontoon body, further solidified this tradition. From 1961 to 1971, the elegant W111/W112 series coupes captivated discerning customers with models like the 220 SEb Coupe and the 280 SE 3.5 Coupe.
The SEC coupes of the C 126 series, based on the 1981 S-Class, sold over 74,000 units over a decade. In 1992, the C 140 successor debuted, including the powerful S600 Coupe with a V12 engine. This model was also the platform for the world premiere of Electronic Stability Program ESP® in 1995. Later renamed the “CL-Class,” this coupe line continued to innovate, culminating in the last CL-Class (2006) which introduced the PRE-SAFE® brake and other pioneering technologies.
The Mercedes S550 Coupe seamlessly carries forward this tradition of luxury, innovation, and sophisticated design, ensuring the legacy of large Mercedes-Benz coupes continues to thrive. With its blend of breathtaking design, advanced technology, and opulent luxury, the Mercedes S550 Coupe reaffirms its position as a true icon in the world of grand touring automobiles.
