What's New in the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e?
Mercedes has been revising model names lately. So S-Class AMG versions are now known as Mercedes-AMG. For instance, there's the 2016 Mercedes-AMG S63, but Mr. Benz was unavailable for comment. The S550e plug-in hybrid goes on sale in ZEV states (California, Oregon, Maine, Vermont, etc.). The only other changes are that the coupe version can now come with crystal-trimmed headlight assemblies, and the Driver Assistance package includes a new speed limiter function. See the 2016 Mercedes-Benz S-Class models for sale near you
Which S 550e is the Best?
There's a difference between need and want. For example, the S550 is quick, civilized and well-equipped (even with no options), so it could easily be the only S-Class you'd need. But at this level, no one's going to tell you that you can't have what you want. Be sure to look out for the upcoming 2017 S-Class Cabriolet, as well. Find a Mercedes-Benz S-Class for sale
How Much Does a 2016 Mercedes-Benz S 550e Cost?
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 is offered in five trim levels: S550, S550e, S600, S63 AMG and S65 AMG. All trims are available as sedans; all trims except for the S550e and S600 are also offered as coupes.
The S550 sedan ($96,575) and S550 coupe ($122,475) come standard with full LED exterior and interior lighting, semi-active air suspension (Airmatic), adaptive dampers, automatic wipers with heated blades, a wood/leather steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats with memory settings, a cabin fragrance system, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-closing doors and trunk, a 115-volt power outlet, a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a Burmester surround-sound audio system with dual USB ports, 10 GB of music storage, mobile Wi-Fi, hard drive-based navigation and the COMAND infotainment system with a touchpad-enhanced controller and its own 12.3-in display screen.
The coupe also has 19-in wheels, automatic parallel parking and upgraded leather upholstery. The S550e sedan ($96,575), the company's first plug-in hybrid, has to accommodate a battery pack, so its trunk space is only 12.2 cu ft., compared with the regular sedan's 16.3 cu ft.
The S63 AMG sedan ($144,175) and S63 AMG coupe ($164,075) have their own exterior styling enhancements: 20-in AMG wheels, upgraded brakes, performance suspension, front and rear parking sensors, predictive adaptive dampers (Magic Body Control), a self-parking system, keyless entry/start, multi-contour front seats with active side bolsters and six massage programs, hands-free trunk access with a foot sensor and Nappa leather upholstery.
The S600 sedan ($169,975) drops the S63's sport-themed features, but has its own grille design, 19-in wheels and numerous additional luxuries, such as quad-zone climate control, multi-contour rear seats with power adjustment and massage functions, an executive passenger-side rear seat with a power footrest and even heated door panels and armrests.
The S65 AMG sedan ($225,575) and S65 AMG coupe ($234,975) ice the cake with a more powerful V12 and an assortment of AMG styling and performance upgrades.
Many standard features in the higher trims are optional on lower models. Additional options include carbon-ceramic brake discs and exterior carbon fiber trim (AMG models only), dual-power rear seats with folding tables on the front seatbacks and a refrigerator box for the rear cabin.
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