The automotive world is full of endless questions, from the practical to the philosophical. But some questions cut right to the chase, like “What car gives you everything you could ever need?”. After spending time with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz E550 4MATIC, I think I’ve found a compelling answer, and it comes in at around $73,060 as tested. This isn’t just a car; it’s a masterclass in balancing luxury, performance, style, and all-weather confidence. Step beyond this price point, and you’re often paying for diminishing returns, driven more by exclusivity than tangible improvements in the driving experience.
Adaptive Suspension: Comfort and Sport, Perfectly Balanced
The true genius of the E550 lies in its chassis, specifically the air suspension. Historically, I’ve been critical of Mercedes-Benz air suspension systems, often finding the difference between comfort and sport modes underwhelming. However, the 2014 E550 is a revelation. In “Comfort” mode, it’s like gliding on air, isolating you from road imperfections and creating a serene environment ideal for long highway journeys or relaxed country drives.
Switch to “Sport” mode, and the transformation is remarkable. The car hunkers down, body roll is minimized, and the steering becomes more responsive, offering a greater sense of connection to the road. While it’s no track-ready sports car, the E550 becomes surprisingly agile and capable of spirited driving. This dual personality is further enhanced by the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system, providing exceptional grip in both dry conditions and challenging winter weather, as we discovered firsthand during a significant snowstorm.
One often overlooked advantage of the E550’s adjustable air suspension is the ability to raise the ride height. This practical feature is invaluable for navigating steep driveways, clearing high curb car washes, or traversing snow-rutted roads, adding another layer of everyday usability to this luxury sedan.
Conquering the Snow: 4MATIC in Action
Speaking of snow, a 10-inch snowfall provided the perfect opportunity to put the E550’s 4MATIC system to the test. This system is rear-biased, intelligently distributing power to the front wheels when rear slip is detected. For those seeking a bit of fun, disengaging the stability control and applying throttle around a snowy corner allows the rear to playfully step out before the front wheels seamlessly engage to pull you back on course. With stability control engaged, the car remains remarkably composed and sure-footed, even in slippery conditions.
Our snow testing may have been further influenced by the Pirelli Sottozero winter tires equipped on the test car. These are high-performance winter tires designed for optimal grip on ice and dry surfaces, although they can become slightly less effective in moderate snow, exhibiting a somewhat greasy feel. Despite this, the overall winter performance of the E550 4MATIC was undeniably impressive.
Potent V8 Power: Performance on Demand
Under the hood of the 2014 Mercedes E550 lies a potent 4.6-liter bi-turbo V8 engine, producing 402 horsepower and a substantial 443 lb-ft of torque. This torque is readily available from a low 1,800 rpm all the way to 4,750 rpm, resulting in effortless power delivery that feels both immediate and relentless. The engine feels even more powerful than the numbers suggest, thanks to its broad torque curve and generous displacement. Despite the E550’s weight of 4,145 lbs, it achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in a brisk 5.2 seconds. And for enthusiasts, the V8 emits a pleasingly deep burble under hard acceleration, a welcome auditory treat that is more pronounced than expected in a luxury sedan.
Mated to this V8 is Mercedes-Benz’s ubiquitous “7G-Tronic” seven-speed automatic transmission. While this transmission can sometimes feel sluggish in other applications, its calibration in the E550 is surprisingly refined. Gear changes are quick and smooth, perfectly complementing both relaxed cruising and more spirited driving. Perhaps the abundance of power and torque masks any potential transmission shortcomings, but in this car, it delivers seamless and comfortable gear transitions, crucial for the E550’s character.
Refreshed Styling: A Modern Edge
In the realm of luxury cars priced around $70,000 and above, visual presence is paramount. While the pre-facelift 2013 E-Class was undoubtedly elegant, the subtle styling updates for the 2014 model year significantly enhance its road presence. Even with minor revisions to the headlights and taillights, the 2014 E-Class, and particularly the E550, gains a more contemporary and cutting-edge aesthetic.
Inside, the E550 cabin embodies the refined elegance expected of a Mercedes-Benz. The design is aesthetically pleasing, and while the black and tan color scheme of our test car might not be to everyone’s taste, a wide range of interior options are available. The leather front seats are exceptionally comfortable, featuring plush, pillow-like headrests. The optional active multi-contour driver’s seat, with its dynamic side bolsters and massage function, is a luxurious, if perhaps indulgent, addition. Another appreciated feature, especially during colder weather, is the standalone heated steering wheel option, a favorite among automotive enthusiasts.
User-Friendly Technology: COMAND Infotainment
Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND infotainment system continues to impress with its user-friendliness. The interface is logically organized, and the system responds quickly and smoothly between menus. Mercedes-Benz deserves credit for resisting the industry trend of frequent infotainment system overhauls and eliminating physical buttons. In this case, the adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings true.
However, even the 2014 Mercedes E550 isn’t without minor drawbacks. At this price point, features like adaptive cruise control and a forward-view camera are optional extras, requiring the selection of specific option packages. Our test car also experienced a minor electrical glitch: during a few cold starts, a warning message indicated that the blind spot monitoring system was disabled. This issue resolved itself after a few minutes of driving, and the system functioned normally thereafter.
In terms of practicality, the E550 offers 35.8 inches of rear legroom and a 15.9 cubic foot trunk. While rear legroom is comparable to the BMW 550i xDrive (35.3 inches), the BMW boasts a significantly larger trunk at 18.4 cubic feet. However, the E550 4MATIC holds a price advantage, starting nearly $5,000 less than the 550i xDrive, making it a compelling value proposition in its class.
Final Verdict: The All-Around Luxury Leader?
These minor shortcomings are easily overshadowed by the E550’s overall excellence. The 2014 Mercedes E550 truly delivers on its promise of providing a comprehensive luxury and performance package. While the S 550 offers even greater luxury and the E 63 AMG delivers superior performance, they come at a considerably higher price. The price jump to these higher-tier models is disproportionate to the incremental gains over the E550, positioning them more as statements of ultimate excess. If you’re seeking one of the most well-rounded and compelling luxury sedans in the automotive landscape, the 2014 Mercedes E550 4MATIC is exceptionally hard to beat.
LOVE IT:
- Powerful V8 Engine
- Versatile Suspension Modes
- Attractive Styling
- Luxurious Comfort
LEAVE IT:
- Limited Rear Seat Space
- Occasional BSM System Issue
- Some Options Should Be Standard
