2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 4Matic Coupe Review

““It has a refined, subdued sexiness, not a bold, bright-red-lipstick sexiness.””

This is true not only for its exterior but also its leather-swathed interior, which neatly incorporates not one but two huge LCD displays, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester audio system, touchpad controls for the infotainment system, and LEDs that provide soft, red ambient light on the dashboard at night. Massaging front seats and a surround-view camera system are part of the $3,500 Premium package; a heated steering wheel, a heated center armrest, and heated seats and door armrests are part of the $1,990 Warmth and Comfort package; and a night-vision system with an infrared camera that can detect animals and pedestrians costs $2,260.

Push the accelerator hard into the plush, high-pile carpeting, and the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe stops whispering and starts screaming, discarding all its refinement in favor of down and dirty speed. The 449-hp twin-turbo V-8 with 516 lb-ft of torque makes guttural noises you didn’t know it could make. All-wheel drive means traction isn’t an issue, and zero to 60 mph comes in 4.5 seconds, which gives those big, cross-drilled brake rotors purpose.