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:

    Making adjustments in 5 mph (Canada:

    10 km/h) increments
    Briefly press the cruise control lever beyond the pressure point, up 1 for a higher speed or down 2 for a lower speed. The last speed stored is increased or reduced. ...

    4MATIC (permanent four-wheel drive)
    4MATIC ensures that all four wheels are permanently driven. Together with ESP® and 4ETS, it improves the traction of your vehicle whenever a drive wheel spins due to insufficient grip. WARNI ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING Only use roof racks approved by Mercedes-Benz for your vehicle model to avoid damage to the vehicle. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. Otherwise, an improperly a ...