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What's New: The S55 is a new high-performance sedan from AMG based on the luxurious Mercedes S500. Type: Full-size car Pros: Stylish exterior design, high-tech luxury features, performance powerhouse. Cons: Complicated COMAND system, some cheap-feeling interior bits, expensive. Review AMG has been making the most of Mercedes-Benz products for over 30 years. What started as a race shop in 1967 soon graduated to a tuner shop for well-heeled tri-star customers who wanted additional performance from their luxury rides. Finally, in 1998, Mercedes-Benz bought a majority stake in AMG, thus creating an in-house performance division that will eventually put its spin on every class of Mercedes car (or truck, in the case of the ML55). For 2001 the high-end S-Class gets is own AMG version, dubbed the S55. Sporting a 5.5-liter V8 (up .5 liters in displacement from the standard V8 found in the S500) this engine sports such high-tech trickery as a pressure-cast aluminum block, a forged billet steel crankshaft, and weight-matched rods and pistons that provide ultra-smooth rotation from idle to redline. All engines are hand assembled and produce 354 horsepower and 391 foot-pounds of torque while achieving low-emission vehicle (LEV) status. Mated to a five-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift control (allowing manual gear selection if the driver so chooses) this drivetrain can pull the 4,100-pound S55 up to 60 mph from a dead stop in 5.7 seconds. Upgraded braking components are standard on the S55, as are stiffer shocks and springs and 18-inch wheels and tires. Augmenting the coil springs found at each corner of the S55 is Mercedes' recently developed Active Body Control, or ABC. This system uses hydraulic servos atop each spring that can control body movement based on 13 sensors that update a central control unit every 10 milliseconds. A comfort/sport switch mounted on the S55's dash can be used to select the type of driving experience desired. In comfort mode body motions are reduced by 68 percent through ABC. Switch to Sport mode and body roll is further reduced by 95 percent for a truly spirited ride. Of course, the S55 comes with the standard array of high-tech features expected on a modern Mercedes-Benz, including ABS and Brake Assist (which reduces braking distance in panic stops), Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and BabySmart child-seat protection. Eight airbags are standard, including two head-protection curtain airbags and a passenger airbag that deploys with partial or full force, depending on the car's speed at impact. Also standard on the S55 is the controversial COMAND (Cockpit Management And Data) system, which controls the navigation program, hands-free cellular phone and stereo/CD controls. Another advanced feature is Mercedes' TeleAid function, which puts a driver in touch with a Protection One representative for help in emergencies, roadside assistance or general information. Other S55 features include a GPS-based navigation system, Distronic Cruise Control and Internet access for e-mail junkies on the go. Performance, luxury and safety in an attractive package; high-speed conveyance has never been so good. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
