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:

    Headlamp cleaning system
    The headlamps are cleaned automatically if the "Wipe with washer fluid" function is operated ten times while the lights are on and the engine is running. When you switch off the igni ...

    Tire pressure of 180 kPa (1.8 bar/ 26 psi) is reached
    •► Press the on/off switch on the tire inflation compressor to 0. The tire inflation compressor is switched off. •► Unscrew the filler hose from the valve of the faulty tire. Afte ...

    Important safety notes
    WARNING   If you tow the vehicle, you must use a rigid towing bar if: • the engine is not running. • there is a brake system malfunction. • there is a malfunction in the power suppl ...