2009 Mercedes-Benz S550 Review

FIRST PLACE: MERCEDES-BENZ S550

The A8L may have an edge for the sheer beauty of its cabin, but in almost every other respect the big Benz is unsurpassed. Ride quality, for instance, is brilliant -- smooth, relaxed, unfazed by road imperfections. Yet, magically, the S550 also cranked out the highest skidpad grip, 0.89 g. The Airmatic suspension with Adaptive Damping beautifully manages the ride/handling tradeoff, while optional Active Body Control ($3960) holds the Benz flat when heeled hard into a corner (check out the cornering photos).

Our test car also boasted the optional Sport Package (a heady $5690), adding 19-inch AMG wheels and Continental performance tires. So fortified, our S550 proved an eager partner when hustling over favorite roads. Handling feel is very good, grip exceptional, balance impressive. "Big and athletic, but graceful," writes Loh. "Emmitt Smith of 'Dancing with the Stars,' not the Dallas Cowboys."

The 5.5-liter V-8 doesn't have the perfect-storm power of the BMW, but it's infinitely more pleasant to spur. Zero to 60 mph takes just 5.3 seconds, and throttle response is fluid. The brakes feel soft at first, but as you acclimate to them they're easy to modulate. You can drive the S550 like the skilled chauffeur you are. No worries about spilling the champagne in back.

Like its rivals, the Benz is enormous in the rear seat, with room to stretch the legs (and a giant trunk, too). But its seats are the best for support. You also grow to appreciate the pared-down, almost minimalistic cabin. This is the anti-7 Series, the luxury of simplicity. Ed Loh gets it just right: "There's an overall unfussiness to the Benz. From the dash layout to the (only) two driving modes -- unlike the BMW's Comfort/Normal/Sport/Sport+ modes. Not that there isn't tech built in -- from the COMAND interface to crazy-configurable seats, the Benz equals the others in terms of gee-whiz features. Its advantage is that it doesn't depend on these goodies or substitute them for luxury. Enough glam for the rappers, enough gravitas for the yuppie hedge funder who wants to cover up his nouveau riche stink, yet simple enough for your rich, tech-illiterate uncle. Ride, style, power delivery -- the S550 nails all the major luxury categories."

The Mercedes-Benz S550 does what a premium luxury sedan should: It makes you feel like a king. And as a getaway vehicle, we can think of no finer way to escape.