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:

    Points to observe before use
    The socket in the center console and the socket in the cargo compartment are not intended for operating the tire inflation compressor. The sockets can be used for accessories, e. g. lamps o ...

    Switching the topographical map on/ off
    The topographical map uses different colors to depict elevation. The color key generally reflects the topography's dominant vegetation or the ground's perceived color when seen from the air, f ...

    Towing a vehicle with both axles on the ground
    When having your vehicle towed, observe the important safety notes. WARNING The power assistance for the steering and the brake force booster do not work when the engine is not running. You ...