The History and Evolution of the Mercedes S550
The Mercedes S550 is part of the outstanding S-Class of automobiles that the company has produced for several years. With specific regard to the S550, also known as the Cabriolet, the car has been in production since 2007. Although that hasn’t really been that long, the car has become the standard by which everything else in its class is measured. That’s because every aspect of this car is special. From the interior and exterior to the way the car performs, everything is bathed in luxury. The car also incorporates some of the newest and most innovative technology that you’re likely to see on any vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer in question. If you want to know more about the history of this fine automobile, you can find out how it has evolved by reading through the rest of this article.
2007-2011 Mercedes S550
This is a car that could produce 382 horsepower and was capable of getting a respectable 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Even when being driven almost exclusively in town, it could still manage about 16 miles per gallon. While that’s not the greatest mileage in the world, you have to remember that this is a big, heavy car that has a big engine capable of producing a lot of horsepower. When coupled with the seven-speed transmission, the car was responsive and could accelerate easily. Of course, it it also incorporated the best in interior luxury that was available at the time.
2012-2013 Mercedes S550
The 2012 model year represented the first time that Mercedes changed the exterior appearance of the car. This time around, it proved to be sleeker with a more aerodynamic approach. The nose was sloped as opposed to the previous geometric appearance. It also sported a smaller engine, but was capable of producing more horsepower, at 429. This also allowed the car to offer an improved level of performance and it got better gas mileage than its predecessors. It was capable of 25 miles per gallon on the highway and 15 miles per gallon in town. The car also received a number of upgrades to its information and entertainment package, as well as some slight tweaks to the interior.
2014-2015 Mercedes S550
The horsepower was increased again in 2014, this time to 449. In addition, the exterior body style was changed again. This time, they actually went back to the original exterior design, as the more aerodynamic version that was produced from 2012 to 2013 had proven to be rather unpopular with drivers. For the most part, they preferred the other body style because it was more traditional. The body style would be upgraded again the following year.
2016-2018 Mercedes S550
Beginning in 2016, a number of changes were made to the car. The exterior has been completely upgraded, as has the interior. The engine has also been changed and drivers can now choose from a tamer version that provides 362 horsepower or a more aggressive version that has a whopping 621 horsepower, providing more than enough power to get the driver virtually anywhere they want to go in style. The car is once again more aerodynamic and this time, it seems to be better received by drivers. Perhaps the biggest difference is in the interior. Although Mercedes has always been the very definition of luxury, this car is in a class by itself. It features heated seats, more leg room in the back, and the back seats even recline. Those who are sitting in the back can also take advantage of tables that fold out, allowing them to have a place to lay their belongings. There is even a small refrigerator in the back of the car.
It seems that Mercedes has truly thought of everything, especially with regard to the newest models of the S550. This is a car that is both luxurious and fast. It handles almost flawlessly and responds immediately when the driver hits the gas pedal. All the while, anyone who is riding in this car will know what it feels like to experience a level of luxury that most people are never fortunate enough to know first-hand. This is a car that has always been at the forefront of many thing, luxury, performance and technology, to name a few. As it has evolved, it has proven to have plenty of staying power and it continues to impress even the most discerning of individuals.