Surprising Agility

At 17 feet long, the S550 is obviously a large car, but it doesn't feel the least bit ponderous from the driver's seat. It's pretty easy to maneuver through heavy, fast-moving highway traffic and feels rock-solid doing so, like nothing's going to move it off its line.

The big Benz also delivers a comfortable ride. An adaptive air suspension is standard on the S550, and it gives the sedan load-leveling capability as well as a lower ride height when traveling fast.

The sedan's size is most noticeable when you maneuver in tight spaces. Fortunately, there are a number of optional features that can lessen your chances of scuffing one of the bumpers, like front and rear parking sensors and a backup camera. Even with such aids, though, the S-Class can still sometimes feel like a giant when parking.

    See also:

    Through-loading facility in the rear compartment
    WARNING Do not transport any unsecured items in the through-loading area. The through-loading facility is opened from the cargo compartment. – Unlatch the rear seat backrests and tilt th ...

    Refined atmosphere for maximum driving pleasure
    The high-class interior - which seems even more spacious when fitted with the optional panoramic glass sunroof - makes use of new materials and colour combinations to enhance the high-class appeal ...

    Driving tips
    Kickdown Use kickdown for maximum acceleration. ► Vehicles for USA: fully depress the accelerator pedal. The transmission shifts to a lower gear depending on the engine speed. ► ...