For enthusiasts in the UK looking for a blend of luxury and raw power in a pre-owned vehicle, the Mercedes S55 Amg from the early 2000s represents a compelling option. Having spent a month behind the wheel of a 2001 model, it’s time to share a detailed owner’s review, particularly for those more familiar with the later supercharged iterations. This review focuses on the 2001 and 2002 models, often overshadowed by their 2003 onwards counterparts. My S55 AMG boasts nearly 100,000 miles, a sleek Obsidian Black (197) exterior, and a sophisticated grey nappa leather interior. Let’s delve into the nuances of owning this remarkable machine, covering everything from the opulent interior to the thrilling performance and real-world ownership experiences.
Stepping inside the S55 AMG, the interior immediately speaks of Mercedes-Benz luxury, amplified by AMG’s sporty touch. While my initial preference leaned towards a black interior, the grey nappa leather has proven to be an excellent choice, offering a striking contrast against the dark exterior. The seats are nothing short of exceptional – supremely comfortable and offering a vast array of adjustments to tailor the driving position perfectly. Beyond basic adjustments, features like heating, cooling, and even a pulse massage function elevate the comfort levels significantly. While the pulse massage is subtle, the heated seats are undeniably effective, a welcome feature for the UK’s colder months.
The rear cabin of the Mercedes S55 AMG mirrors the front in its commitment to passenger comfort. Space is abundant, ensuring even taller adults can relax comfortably on longer journeys. Rear passengers also benefit from dedicated climate controls, adding a layer of personalised comfort. A thoughtful touch is the fold-down vanity mirror, and the inclusion of optional rear power seats in my model means passengers can recline and adjust their seating position electrically. Practicality extends to side window and rear sunshades, although with tinted windows already in place, their use is less frequent.
Visibility from the driver’s seat is commendable. The expansive windscreen provides a clear view of the road ahead. While rear visibility does present some blind spots inherent in larger sedans, the inclusion of Parktronic is invaluable. This parking assistance system is particularly useful in navigating tight driveways and urban parking scenarios, providing audible alerts to obstacles, enhancing safety and preventing minor bumps.
Distronic, Mercedes-Benz’s adaptive cruise control, is another highlight. Initially, there might be a slight hesitancy to fully trust a system that controls the car’s speed automatically. However, with familiarity, Distronic becomes a trusted companion on motorway journeys. It allows for relaxed cruising, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles ahead while reducing driver fatigue. Even when Distronic is disengaged, the system provides a visual and audible warning if you approach a vehicle too rapidly, a precursor to the advanced “Attention Assist” systems found in newer Mercedes models.
The COMAND system, while representative of its era, is still functional and integrates seamlessly with the car’s controls. An updated GPS disc from 2009 was sourced, enhancing the navigation capabilities. While not as intuitive as modern smartphone-based navigation, it remains a capable system for in-car guidance. The in-built CD changer is functional and reliable, although its inability to play MP3 CDs is a limitation in today’s digital music age.
One area where the age of the Mercedes S55 AMG is apparent is the phone system. Integrating modern Bluetooth connectivity can be a costly upgrade, potentially reaching £1,500. For many owners, a Bluetooth earpiece or aftermarket solutions might be more practical alternatives. Similarly, the absence of an AUX input requires creative solutions for satellite radio or smartphone audio. Options include using the tape deck with an adapter or exploring FM modulators, each with varying degrees of audio fidelity.
Despite these technological limitations by modern standards, the interior of the S55 AMG remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz build quality. Even in a 2001 model, the cabin materials have aged gracefully, often leading casual observers to mistake it for a much newer vehicle. For added convenience, a hard-wired Escort 9500xi radar detector has been installed, a worthwhile addition for UK roads.
Moving to the exterior, the Mercedes S55 AMG possesses a timeless and muscular aesthetic. The AMG body kit is a defining feature, lending an aggressive stance that distinguishes it from standard S-Class models. The wide rear tyres contribute to this powerful visual impression, and the signature AMG twin-pipe exhaust tips are a stylish detail. The original AMG alloy wheels perfectly complement the car’s design, negating any desire for aftermarket replacements. A 35% window tint was the only modification made to the exterior, preserving the factory-intended appearance. The understated aggression of the W220 S55 AMG is a key part of its appeal; it’s a handsome car that doesn’t need visual upgrades to shout about its performance pedigree. While some might mistake it for a lesser S-Class due to the twin exhaust instead of quad exhausts on later models, the AMG body kit, wheels, and, most importantly, the distinctive engine note, clearly signal its high-performance nature.
To rejuvenate the paintwork, a professional detailing session was undertaken. This included clay bar treatment, waxing, and interior shampooing, restoring the Obsidian Black paint to a deep shine and removing swirl marks and minor scratches, ensuring the car presents at its best. This is a worthwhile investment for any pre-owned vehicle, especially one with performance aspirations.
The driving experience is where the Mercedes S55 AMG truly shines and justifies its AMG badge. Beneath the bonnet resides a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre V8 engine, producing 354 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. While the supercharged models from 2003 onwards boast significantly more power (493hp), the earlier engine still delivers impressive performance. A 0-60 mph time of around 5.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 14 seconds at approximately 100 mph place it on par with many modern performance cars and only marginally behind today’s truly rapid machines.
Personal driving impressions underscore the engine’s responsiveness. The throttle is remarkably alive, even at low speeds. A gentle press of the accelerator unleashes a subtle but noticeable V8 growl, hinting at the power within. Flooring the throttle, engaging the kick-down switch, unleashes the full potential, pinning you back in the seat with exhilarating acceleration. While perhaps not possessing the outright brutal force of later supercharged AMGs, the 2001 S55 AMG is undeniably fast and immensely enjoyable to drive. Wheelspin is readily achievable when accelerating aggressively from a standstill, a testament to the engine’s torque. The engine note itself is a captivating symphony, a classic V8 rumble that is both refined and exhilarating.
On the motorway, the S55 AMG transforms into a refined and comfortable cruiser. It has a remarkable ability to mask speed; at 80 mph, the cabin remains tranquil, and the sensation of speed is deceptive. Kick-down acceleration at motorway speeds is met with effortless and rapid progress, the speedometer climbing quickly, often surprising you with the actual speed due to the car’s composed nature.
The steering is light yet responsive, providing good feedback and making the car feel agile for its size. Engaging the ABC (Active Body Control) sport button firms up the suspension and steering, reducing body roll and enhancing handling. For a car weighing over two tonnes, the Mercedes S55 AMG handles with surprising poise and agility, further reinforcing its sporting credentials.
In terms of reliability and maintenance, the Mercedes S55 AMG is generally well-engineered and robust. As with any performance vehicle approaching 20 years old and with higher mileage, preventative maintenance is key. In my ownership experience, issues have been limited to expected wear-and-tear items.
Replacing worn front lower ball joints and control arm bushings addressed some age-related wear in the suspension. Routine maintenance included rear rotor and pad replacement, along with fluid flushes (oil, coolant, and brake fluid) and new spark plugs. A minor issue was traced to missing headlamp washer nozzles, which were causing a leak. Replacing these resolved the leak and restored the functionality of the headlamp washers. Beyond these typical maintenance items, the car has proven to be mechanically sound.
In conclusion, the 2001 Mercedes S55 AMG offers exceptional value in the pre-owned performance sedan market in the UK. Significantly more affordable than the later supercharged models, it delivers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and timeless AMG appeal. It’s a rewarding car to own and drive, offering a genuine AMG experience without the premium price tag of newer models. For those seeking a capable, comfortable, and characterful performance sedan, the original Mercedes S55 AMG warrants serious consideration.
