The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 arrived as more than just a new model; it was a declaration of automotive supremacy. Building on decades of S-Class tradition, Mercedes-Benz aimed to not only meet but exceed expectations, solidifying its flagship sedan’s position as “the best automobile in the world.” With a focus on “Intelligent Drive,” “Efficient Technology,” and the “Essence of Luxury,” the S550 pushed technological boundaries and redefined what it meant to travel in ultimate comfort and style. This wasn’t merely about individual aspects like safety or performance; it was about achieving unparalleled excellence in every facet of the vehicle.
The Essence of Luxury: Interior and Design Philosophy
Mercedes-Benz’s pursuit of “the best or nothing” is immediately apparent in the 2015 S-Class S550’s interior. Every detail, from the meticulously stitched seats to the whisper-quiet air conditioning system, was crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality. The controls, the overall design, the state-of-the-art infotainment – each element was conceived and executed to elevate the driving and passenger experience to new heights. This dedication to perfection is what Mercedes-Benz termed “The Essence of Luxury,” a philosophy deeply embedded in the DNA of the S-Class.
The exterior design of the S550 also speaks volumes about its status and intent. Gorden Wagener, Head of Design, described it as “a modern embodiment of sensual clarity,” drawing a lineage from the elegant Mercedes-Benz cars of the 1930s. The larger, more upright radiator grille immediately commands attention, asserting the car’s leadership ambition. Its classic sedan proportions, characterized by a long hood, flowing roofline, and gently sloping rear, exude prestige and a hint of sporty coupé flair.
Alt text: Front grille detail of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550, showcasing its upright and three-dimensional design, emphasizing luxury and brand heritage.
The signature “Dropping Line” along the side, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz design, subtly enhances the car’s dynamism even at a standstill. The interplay of convex and concave surfaces creates a powerful and elongated silhouette, conveying both excitement and serenity. The pronounced shoulder line above the rear wheels further accentuates the S550’s athletic stance. The rear design is equally sophisticated, with horizontal lines emphasizing width and elegant, aerodynamically optimized contours. The tail lights, fully integrated into the body and meticulously detailed, represent the culmination of this design philosophy, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to even the smallest details.
Intelligent Drive: Merging Comfort and Safety
Building on the legacy of PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC PLUS, the 2015 S-Class S550 introduced “Intelligent Drive,” a revolutionary concept that seamlessly integrated comfort and safety. A suite of new and enhanced assistance systems worked in concert to make the S550 not only more comfortable but also significantly safer for both occupants and other road users.
One of the most groundbreaking innovations was the all-LED lighting system. The S-Class became the first vehicle in the world to eliminate traditional light bulbs entirely, embracing LED technology for both interior and exterior lighting. Nearly 500 LEDs illuminate the road ahead, the vehicle itself, the cabin, and even the trunk. This included up to 56 LEDs per headlamp and 35 LEDs per tail light, delivering superior visibility and energy efficiency. The intelligent lighting system also featured multi-level functionality, such as dimming brake lights at night to avoid dazzling drivers behind – a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s consideration for all road users.
Alt text: Close-up of the advanced LED headlights on a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550, highlighting the intricate design and superior illumination technology.
Further enhancing visibility were upgraded Adaptive Highbeam Assist and Night View Assist PLUS systems. Utilizing a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors, the S550 gained 360-degree all-round vision, improving hazard detection capabilities significantly.
The S550 also debuted the world’s first suspension system with “eyes.” ROAD SURFACE SCAN, using the stereo camera, could detect bumps and road imperfections ahead. MAGIC BODY CONTROL, an optional feature, then instantaneously adjusted the suspension to proactively counteract these uneven surfaces, delivering an unprecedented level of ride comfort. Standard suspension included the continuously adaptive damping system ADS PLUS and the enhanced AIRMATIC full air suspension, providing a foundation of exceptional ride quality even without MAGIC BODY CONTROL.
Interior Oasis: Craftsmanship and Cutting-Edge Technology
The interior of the 2015 S-Class S550 was designed as a sanctuary of calm and sophistication. Horizontal lines and elements created a sense of spaciousness and solidity, while the fluid, elegant style exuded modern luxury. The seamless integration of high-quality materials, including generous wood trim and metallized switch surfaces with pearl-effect paint, further enhanced the sense of exclusivity.
Rear passengers were treated to a first-class experience, with seat design, door panels, and controls mirroring the high standards of the front cabin. Optional rear seat packages offered further customization, including a Business center console with added storage, folding tables, and two-place seating, transforming the rear into a mobile office or relaxation space.
The control and display concept was a significant leap forward. Two high-resolution 12.3-inch TFT color displays replaced traditional gauges, forming a new command center. The left display served as the instrument cluster, while the right display controlled infotainment and comfort functions. This dual-screen setup streamlined information access and control, reflecting the increasing complexity of modern vehicle systems while maintaining user-friendliness. Metallized switch surfaces and solid aluminum controls added tactile luxury to the interaction.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 dashboard, showcasing the dual 12.3-inch TFT displays, wood trim, and elegant control layout, emphasizing technological sophistication and luxurious materials.
Voice control was enhanced with the Enhanced Voice Control System, allowing for one-shot address input and voice control of telephone and audio systems. A new feature allowed text messages and emails to be read aloud, further integrating connectivity into the driving experience.
Climate control in the S550 went beyond basic temperature regulation. The AIR-BALANCE package, a new option, introduced perfume atomization, ionization, and enhanced filtration. The “active perfuming system,” a world first, allowed for manual activation and intensity adjustment of interior fragrances, adding a personalized touch to the cabin environment. Electric heating for armrests and center consoles was another novel feature, maximizing comfort in colder climates.
Seats: Mobile Office and Wellness Retreat
The seats of the 2015 S-Class S550 were designed for both long-distance comfort and comprehensive support. Mercedes-Benz introduced numerous world-first features, including the ENERGIZING massage function based on the hot-stone principle and active seat ventilation with reversing fans.
The ENERGIZING massage function utilized 14 independently actuated air cushions in the backrest, combined with an integrated warming function, offering a choice of six massage programs, some incorporating heat therapy. This feature was also available for rear seats, ensuring all occupants could enjoy spa-like relaxation on the go.
Active seat ventilation used reversing fans to quickly draw cooler ambient air onto the seat surface at startup, rapidly reducing temperature before switching to blower mode to maintain comfort. Four seat variants were available, with luxury and reclining options offering enhanced adjustability. The Executive Rear Seat Package offered a backrest angle adjustable up to 43.5 degrees, the largest in the luxury segment, along with a calf support and heel rest for unparalleled rear passenger comfort.
Multimedia and Audio: A Concert Hall on Wheels
The 2015 S-Class S550 featured a completely new multimedia generation, emphasizing intuitive operation and rich visualization. The multi-user system allowed independent access to media sources from any seat, catering to the individual entertainment preferences of all passengers.
The innovative Frontbass system, a first for a sedan, placed woofers in the firewall, utilizing the chassis structure as a resonance chamber. This eliminated the need for door-mounted woofers, improving sound quality and freeing up door storage space. Mid-range speakers were relocated upwards for enhanced sound staging.
Optional Burmester® Surround Sound and Burmester® High-End 3D-Surround Sound systems, developed in collaboration with the renowned audio specialist, transformed the S550 into a mobile concert hall, delivering audiophile-grade sound reproduction throughout the cabin. The navigation system featured interactive content presentation, including an animated compass, a “Driveshow” passenger information display (akin to in-flight entertainment), and Google Maps integration on both front and rear screens.
Body and Safety: Strength and Intelligent Protection
The body of the 2015 S-Class S550 was engineered for maximum rigidity, crash safety, and lightweight construction. A third-generation aluminum hybrid bodyshell improved torsional stiffness by 50% compared to its predecessor while maintaining comparable weight despite increased safety and comfort features. Aluminum comprised over 50% of the body structure, including the entire outer skin, while high-strength steel was used extensively in the safety passenger cell.
Mercedes-Benz’s “Real Life Safety” philosophy underpinned the S550’s comprehensive safety systems. “Intelligent Drive” relied on sensor fusion, networking a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors to provide 360-degree awareness. Systems like DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, Brake Assist BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist worked proactively to prevent accidents and mitigate their consequences.
Night View Assist PLUS, enhanced with a thermal imaging camera, could alert drivers to pedestrians or animals in low-light conditions, even flashing detected pedestrians with a spotlight function. ATTENTION ASSIST monitored driver alertness and provided warnings for drowsiness.
The PRE-SAFE® system, a Mercedes-Benz innovation, was further expanded in the S550. PRE-SAFE® Brake could now detect pedestrians and initiate autonomous braking at speeds up to 31 mph. PRE-SAFE® PLUS could detect imminent rear-end collisions and apply vehicle brakes to reduce whiplash risk and secondary accidents. PRE-SAFE® Impulse offered controlled seat belt release in frontal collisions to minimize chest pressure.
Rear passenger safety was also a priority, with features like illuminated seat belt buckle extenders, beltbags (inflatable seat belts), and cushionbags (preventing submarining under seat belts in reclined seats) available in rear seat packages.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550: Pricing and Positioning
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 started at $94,400 for the rear-wheel-drive model and $97,400 for the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive version. It was positioned as the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz brand, embodying industry-leading luxury, refined interiors, and groundbreaking innovations in comfort, entertainment, and safety. Its main competitors included the BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and Lexus LS.
At a Glance: 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan Portfolio
| S550 | S550 4MATIC | S600 | Mercedes-Maybach S600 | S63 AMG 4MATIC | S65 AMG | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $94,400 | $97,400 | $166,900 | “around $200k” | $141,450 | $222,000 |
| Fuel Economy (city/hwy/combined) | 17/26/20 | 16/26/19 | 12/21/15 | TBD | 15/23/18 | 13/20/15 |
| Engine | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo | 4.6L V8 Bi-Turbo | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo | 6.0L V12 Bi-Turbo | 5.5L V8 Bi-Turbo | 6.0L V12 Bi-turbo |
| Performance | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque | 449 hp @ 516 lb.-ft. torque | 523 hp @ 612 lb.-ft. torque | 523 hp @ 612 lb.-ft. torque | 577 hp @ 664 lb.-ft. torque | 621 hp @ 738 lb.-ft. torque |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 sec | 4.8 sec | 4.5 sec | 5.0 sec | 3.9 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Drive | RWD | AWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | RWD |
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 was more than just a car; it was a statement. It represented the pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and luxury, setting new benchmarks for the industry and reaffirming the S-Class legacy as the world’s best automobile. For those seeking the ultimate in driving experience and passenger comfort, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S-Class S550 delivered in every conceivable way.
