2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 By: ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net    The S class sedans by Mercedes were reserved for the rich and almost-rich, according to my way of thinking.  After a week of driving this magnificent vehicle, I’m not so sure that it wouldn’t be perfect for me also.

   The 2009 S550 is an example of understated performance.  It looks really nice, inside and out, but once you are behind the wheel, it only takes a few minutes to discover there is so much more.  This car is a supercomputer on wheels.  It is easy to operate all the gadgets, dials, and buttons, although a few were a bit challenging.  It would satisfy the need for your rich uncle that has to go to the country club in-style, while also satisfying the wants of your pseudo-rich, techie nephew that instantly knows how everything works.  It takes anyone anywhere in fashion, including diplomats and corporate executives who don’t have their Bentley easily available. 

The S550 is certainly quiet.  The instantly-responsive V-8 engine is shielded from the interior.  There is no roar of a street-racing machine, but the 5.5 liter V-8 spits out 382 horsepower, matched up with a seven speed automatic transmission.  The drive and shifting is ultra-smooth.  This car drips luxury even in its performance.  The stats say it can move from a flat standstill to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.    I suppose that is for making a fast get-away when being chased by some bad guys.  Other power plants are available as options.

The exterior makes the S550 look inviting.  It has some distinct sharp edges, but mostly, the lines are gentle curves.  Inside, the premium luxury touches instantly welcome you to get in, sit down, and close the door, excluding the noisy world you quickly leave behind.  For that point on, you feel almost pampered, especially if you have the optional massaging seats.  Mercedes refers to the option as Drive-Dynamic Multicontour, and they do a whole lot more than just provide a massage.  The seats can be programmed so that side pockets are air inflated when taking sharp turns or cornering fast.  There are four settings that help provide support to your upper body.  It ranges from a gentle hug to a grabbing, hold-me-down feeling that help you feel secure in the front seats.  I liked that feature.  The massaging portion gently and slowly provides a movement up and down your back to help relax tense muscles.  It is not intrusive in your driving, but can certainly help relax you so that you can pay more attention to the road.      
 
Obviously, there is so much offered in this ultra-luxury sedan, I would need several newspaper stories to describe and explain everything.  One special note, however, is the Airmatic suspension system.  It is adjustable, adaptable, and can be programmed for different ride settings.  It can be taken on bumpy back roads, yet passengers and driver hardly notice the bumps.

The S550 is the base model of several in the S-Class luxury line-up of Mercedes-Benz.  It has an overload of safety features, but a great mixture of luxury options and performance.  Passenger room in the front and rear seating areas is great.  For all of this, you certainly pay a price.  Base MSRP for my test model was $89,350.  It had a lot of options added on, however, bumping the bottom sticker price up to $111,550.  EPA mileage ratings are only 14 mpg city, but 22 mpg on the highway.  It does go through a lot of fuel in a short time.

There is no question that the S550 is a benchmark for a luxury sedan that can do everything and has everything.  I heard someone say it this way, “The Mercedes-Benz S550 does what a premium luxury sedan should: It makes you feel like a king.”  If you want to be pampered and treated like a king in luxury style, check out the S550 at a Mercedes-Benz dealership.