The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe emerges as a definitive statement in automotive design, seamlessly marrying the classic silhouette of a grand, sporty coupe with the pinnacle of modern luxury and cutting-edge technology. This breathtaking two-door marvel introduces a standard touchpad interface and offers an optional head-up display, setting new benchmarks for in-car interaction and driver assistance. For those seeking ultimate exclusivity, the Edition 1 model boasts expressive headlamps adorned with 47 exquisite Swarovski crystals each, creating an unforgettable visual signature.
Ola Källenius, a prominent member of the Board of Management for Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales and Marketing, aptly describes it as, “As exclusive as it gets – the ultimate in aesthetic sportiness.” He further emphasizes the design continuity from the Concept S-Class Coupe, stating, “The breathtaking design of the Concept S-Class Coupe marked by sporty-classic proportions and sensual purity is transferred to the series-production S-Class Coupe virtually unaltered. The large coupe has always been the supreme pinnacle of our model range and that’s why it’s now called the ‘S-Class’ again.”
Prof Dr Thomas Weber, a Daimler AG board member responsible for corporate research and Mercedes-Benz Cars development, highlights the technological prowess embedded within the S550 Coupe: “The world premiere of the active curve tilting function demonstrates the possibilities offered by Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive. The vehicle leans into bends much like a motorcyclist, thereby reducing the lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle’s occupants. On country roads in particular, this means greater driving pleasure and ride comfort for our customers.” This innovative Active Curve Tilting feature is slated as standard for the high-performance S65 AMG Coupe, further demonstrating Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to driving dynamics and passenger comfort.
Debuting at the Geneva International Motor Show in March 2014, the 2015 S550 Coupe made its grand entrance onto the global stage, with U.S. deliveries commencing in the fall of the same year. Exclusively available in the U.S. as a 4MATIC all-wheel-drive model, the S550 Coupe is powered by a robust 4.7L V8 biturbo engine. This powerplant delivers an impressive 449 horsepower and a peak torque of 516 lb-ft, ensuring exhilarating performance. The driving experience is further enriched by the emotionally resonant sound emanating from its meticulously tuned exhaust system.
Intelligent Drive: Advanced Assistance Systems for Enhanced Safety and Comfort
Mirroring the esteemed S-Class Sedan, the 2015 Coupe integrates a suite of advanced driver assistance systems under the umbrella of “Intelligent Drive.” These technologies collectively elevate both driving comfort and safety to unprecedented levels. Key features include PRE-SAFE® Brake with pedestrian detection, DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive High-beam Assist, and Night View Assist Plus.
COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS is a standout feature, providing autonomous braking capabilities starting from just 4 mph. Should a collision risk persist without driver intervention, this system can automatically initiate braking at speeds up to 65 mph, significantly mitigating the severity of impacts with slower or stationary vehicles. Furthermore, it can react to stationary objects at speeds up to 31 mph and effectively prevent rear-end collisions at speeds up to 25 mph, demonstrating a proactive approach to accident avoidance.
The PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system, already comprehensive, is further enhanced with PRE-SAFE® PLUS. This advanced system can detect an impending rear-end collision and, if the danger remains, can engage the vehicle’s parking brake to minimize whiplash injuries by reducing the forward thrust caused by a rear impact.
Luxurious Interior and Premium Amenities
The interior of the 2015 S550 Coupe is meticulously crafted to offer an exceptionally luxurious and comfortable environment. Standard features like the AIR-BALANCE package, encompassing “fragrancing” and “ionization,” contribute to a refined cabin atmosphere. Optional features, such as electric armrest heating as part of the Warmth Comfort package, further enhance passenger well-being.
Mercedes-Benz collaborated with renowned audio specialists Burmester to develop two exceptional sound systems for the S550 Coupe: the standard Burmester® surround sound system and the optional Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system. These systems deliver an immersive audio experience, transforming the cabin into a concert hall on wheels.
Sensual Purity: The Guiding Design Philosophy
“Sensual purity” is not merely a design concept; it is the very essence of Mercedes-Benz’s modern luxury ethos. Designers aimed to sculpt clear contours and smooth surfaces that showcase technological sophistication while exuding emotional allure. This philosophy is rooted in core design values: tradition, emotion, and progressivism. These elements are harmoniously balanced and tailored to each model, ensuring that while each Mercedes-Benz is unique, it remains unmistakably a Mercedes-Benz. This is achieved by drawing upon a rich heritage of brand-typical styling cues, blended with innovative and forward-thinking design elements.
Gorden Wagener, Vice President Daimler AG, eloquently captures the design revolution, stating, “Our new S-Class Coupe is one of the most gorgeous coupes of all time, representing the most radical aesthetic departure from its predecessor. The sensuous flowing silhouette in interplay with the clear progressive design language forms a perfect symbiosis and expresses our philosophy of sensual purity with pithy precision.”
Exterior Design: A Flowing Masterpiece of Proportions
The exterior profile of the 2015 S550 Coupe is a testament to sensual purity, characterized by flowing lines and perfectly balanced proportions. The iconic Mercedes dropping line elegantly accentuates its side profile. The long hood, sculpted with pronounced lines and powerdomes, the low greenhouse complemented by a high beltline, and the emphasized wheel arches housing large 19- to 20-inch wheels, all contribute to the Coupe’s commanding presence and status as an automotive masterpiece. The broad rear stance further reinforces its sporty and refined character. The S-Class Coupe boasts a 116-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 198 inches, a width of 75 inches, and a height of 56 inches, striking an ideal balance between spaciousness and sleek coupe aesthetics.
The interplay of convex and concave surfaces bestows the S550 Coupe with a sensuous and dynamic character. This sculpted form exudes classic elegance, seamlessly fused with a modern and progressive design language. The side view is dominated by the emotive dropping line, a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz design, underscoring the brand’s signature proportions with timeless purity.
The front fascia of the S550 Coupe exudes confidence and sophistication. At its center resides the evolved three-dimensional diamond radiator grille, defined by rectangular, chrome-plated elements and featuring the central Mercedes three-pointed star and a single louvre.
The full-LED headlamps, with their iconic eyebrow-like daytime running lamps, impart a self-assured and distinctive gaze. On the S-Class Coupe, these eyebrows are further refined with a semi-circular counter-curve. The Edition 1 S550 model takes illumination to an extraordinary level with headlamps incorporating 47 Swarovski crystals within the standard LED Intelligent Light System. Seventeen angular crystals form the striking flare-shaped daytime running lamps, while 30 round crystals constitute the turn indicator lamps, creating a dazzling and unique lighting signature.
The side profile is further defined by the dome-shaped, elongated roofline and frameless doors. A continuous, elegant 3D chrome frame surrounds the uninterrupted glass area, devoid of B-pillars, accentuating the quintessential Mercedes-Benz coupe aesthetic. A muscular contour above the rear axle, originating from the side wall, conveys a sense of dynamism and agility, even at a standstill. The positively arched surfaces and lines of the side walls gracefully merge into the dramatically tapered rear end.
The rear design, with its broad shoulders, distinctive character lines, and carefully sculpted surfaces, completes the emotive and cohesive overall appearance. Relocating the license plate mounting to the lower section of the rear bumper allows for a particularly sleek trunk lid design. The three-pointed star, now seemingly free-standing, is more prominent and pivots outwards to reveal the rearview camera and surround view camera in an elegantly functional manner.
The two-piece tail lamps, featuring LEDs arranged in two horizontal rows, showcase cutting-edge lighting technology and underscore the vehicle’s sporty character and premium quality. This characteristic arrangement ensures high recognizability, even at night. The two-part rear bumper echoes the sporty design language of the front, featuring a high-sheen black diffusor that harmoniously blends aerodynamic requirements with aesthetic appeal. Integrated within the diffusor are premium-quality tailpipes, further enhancing the vehicle’s sporty and luxurious persona.
The 2015 S-Class Coupe is equipped with a standard panorama roof, spanning over two-thirds of the vehicle’s roof area. With a surface area of approximately 1.32 m2, it is nearly 150 percent larger than its predecessor’s roof. MAGIC SKY CONTROL, an innovative feature, allows for adjusting the roof’s transparency at the touch of a button, transitioning from light to dark. In its light setting, the roof becomes almost completely transparent, offering an open-air experience even in colder climates. When darkened, light transmission is reduced to less than 1%, effectively minimizing heat buildup within the cabin. Additionally, a roller blind is available for complete interior shading.
Interior Design: Modern Luxury as Avant-Garde Art
The interior design of the 2015 S-Class Coupe epitomizes Mercedes-Benz’s “sensual purity” design philosophy. The captivating fusion of sculptural, sensuous volume elements and the clear geometry of its foundational architecture creates an avant-garde and luxurious ambiance. High-class appeal, meticulous craftsmanship, and exceptional tactile quality cater to the senses, establishing the interior as the pinnacle of “modern luxury.”
The dashboard of the S-Class Coupe is a focal point, distinguished by its spectacular architecture, setting it apart in the upper coupe segment. It is divided into a clearly defined top-layer section that wraps expansively into the doors, and a strikingly low, sculptural, “floating” lower section. This unique architecture is made possible by relocating the airbag to a lower position. This design allows for the prominent placement of the large, two-part widescreen format TFT display, which appears to hover in front of the trim surface, stylishly accentuated by an ambient lighting corona. Beneath the display, the sporty, elevated center console extends towards the rear. All lids and armrests are lavishly upholstered in leather.
The selection of the finest materials, color combinations, and seam designs contributes to the truly exclusive interior environment. Air vents, switches, belt extender rosettes, and trim elements are finished in electroplated “Silver Shadow,” lending a high-value appeal and enhancing the three-dimensional effect of their surfaces.
Positioned in front of the armrest is the standard touchpad, characterized by its black high-sheen surface and chrome-look surround. Mimicking smartphone functionality, the touchpad enables intuitive operation of all head-unit functions through finger gestures. It also supports handwriting input for letters, numbers, and special characters in any of the head unit’s languages. Various controls, including those for the multimedia system, are arranged as keys in a semicircle around the central control element.
Both front and rear seats exhibit a pronounced sporty contour, with the two rear seats designed as individual units. Optional Exclusive upholstery includes seats in Exclusive nappa designo leather, featuring a striking diamond backstitching pattern on backrests and seating surfaces. The front-seat seatbelts are seamlessly integrated into the rear side paneling, maintaining an uninterrupted waistline when windows are down. Seatbelt extenders ensure easy accessibility for occupants.
A fluid transition between the doors and rear side paneling further enhances the sense of well-being within the cabin. Surfaces and controls are masterfully crafted from top-quality materials. The standard Burmester® surround sound system, and the optional Burmester® High-End 3D surround sound system, represent a highlight in both form and function, seamlessly integrating premium audio with sophisticated design.
New interior color options, such as Bengal Red/Black, Crystal Grey/Black, Saddle Brown/Black, and Porcelain/Espresso Brown, allow for personalized interior aesthetics. The standard ambient lighting system, offering a selection of seven lighting moods, further contributes to the wellness character of the cabin, allowing occupants to tailor the atmosphere to their preferences.
Head-Up Display: Minimizing Driver Distraction
The optional head-up display projects crucial driving information directly into the driver’s line of sight, presented on the windscreen to minimize distraction from the road. The system displays vehicle speed, navigation prompts, and driving assistance system messages, ensuring that vital information is readily accessible without diverting the driver’s attention.
Technically, the system employs a specular optics system and a full-color display module with a resolution of 480 x 240 pixels, powered by high-output LEDs. This projects a virtual image, approximately 8 x 3 inches in size, into the driver’s field of vision, appearing to float about two meters ahead, above the hood. The high resolution of over 60 pixels per degree of viewing angle ensures a crisp and sharp image. A dedicated light sensor, positioned near the top edge of the roof, automatically adjusts the head-up display’s brightness to adapt to external lighting conditions, maintaining optimal visibility at all times.
Emotive Exhaust Sound: Enhancing the Sporty Driving Experience
The emotionally resonant sound of the exhaust system is integral to the 2015 S550 Coupe’s sporty driving character. Deeper sound components contribute to a richer, more athletic sound profile. The twin-pipe exhaust system incorporates two pneumatically controlled flaps within the transversally positioned rear silencer. These flaps modulate the exhaust flow based on engine speed.
When the flaps are open, exhaust gases are routed through a different path within the rear silencer, resulting in a more powerful and pronounced vehicle sound. The activation point of these flaps is drive program dependent – in “S” (Sport) mode, the flaps open earlier than in “E” (Economy) mode. The auditory presence of the S-Class Coupe is evident from the moment the engine is ignited, setting the stage for an engaging and dynamic driving experience.
A Legacy of Grand Mercedes-Benz Coupes
The lineage of large Mercedes-Benz coupes post-World War II traces back to 1952 with the iconic 300 S Coupe, hailed by the automotive press as “a car for the world’s elite.” This was succeeded in 1956 by the 220 S Coupe of model series W 180, notable for its groundbreaking self-supporting pontoon body. From 1961 to 1971, the elegantly elongated Coupe of model series W111/W112 captivated 29,918 discerning customers, offering a choice between the six-cylinder Type 220 SEb Coupe and the eight-cylinder Type 280 SE 3.5 Coupe.
The SEC coupes of model series C 126, derived from the 1981 S-Class and remaining in production for a decade with over 74,000 units sold, further solidified the legacy. In 1992, the successor model (model series C 140) debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, introducing the S600 Coupe with a potent 389 hp twelve-cylinder engine. This model also marked the world premiere of the Electronic Stability Program ESP® in 1995. Later, this coupe lineage was rebranded as the “CL-Class.” Another predecessor to the new S-Class Coupe, bearing the CL-Class name, premiered in March 1999, pioneering innovations such as active ABC suspension (Active Body Control) and bi-xenon headlamps, setting new standards in the luxury coupe segment.
The last CL-Class (2006) continued this tradition of supreme exclusivity, sophisticated design, and trend-setting technology, introducing PRE-SAFE® brake and incorporating Mercedes innovations like the Intelligent Light System and PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant safety as standard features.
The 2015 S-Class Coupe and its innovations represent a seamless continuation of this esteemed lineage, propelling the tradition of grand Mercedes-Benz coupes into the future. Launching in the U.S. in the fall of 2014 with the S550 4MATIC, it stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s unwavering commitment to luxury, performance, and innovation.
