2008 Mercedes-Benz S550 4MATIC
Base Price: $89,700
Options: premium leather upholstery, distronic PLUS adaptive cruise control, panorama sunroof, Premium III package (rear view monitor, Parktronic, active ventilated front seats, massaging front seats, night view assist, electronic trunk closer), AMG sport package (AMG body cladding, 19-inch AMG five-spoke wheels)
Price as Tested: $108,785
Total Miles Tested: 641 miles
Miles Per Gallon: 16.4 mpg
Editors' Comments
Damon Bell:
The S-Class is a regal machine, no two ways about it. Oftentimes price
is not an object in this class, but if you're pinching gold coins, you
could easily forgo some of the uber-pricy options such as the AMG
package and panoramic sunroof. Gas-guzzler tax included, the options on
our tester rung up to a cool $18,310. For that money, I could almost
have a spare base-model Mini Cooper. Don Sikora:
I'm still having trouble with the concept of a $108,000 car for
everyday transportation. That said, if any car is worth that much
scratch, it's this one. Ed
Piotrowski: The S550 4Matic is tailor-made to the elite who live north
of the Mason-Dixon line. Ample power, a solid body structure, the
security of all-wheel drive, and a sumptuous interior are among the
S-Class's many hallmarks. Indeed, this is a car that has earned a seat
on automotive Olympus as one of the finest vehicles ever built. John Biel: A
creamy ride, the virtual seamlessness of the seven-speed automatic
transmission, and elegant surroundings make driving the S550 an
outstanding motoring experience. Spending the time necessary to master
the functionality of every button, toggle, and screen (and then
teaching them to any other family member permitted to use the car)
might detract from the enjoyment a bit, however.
