2015 / 2016 Mercedes Benz S550 4Matic Review DETAILED in 4K

If you want something spendier than a Lexus but aren't ready for a baby-Bentley or Roller, you have one option: the Mercedes S-Class. The S550 4Matic is exactly what I want out of a big luxury sedan. I want it to be big and bold but avoid brash by a hair. I want it to be impossibly quiet, perfectly smooth, insanely powerful, able to stop on a dime (OK so that part is a little lacking), handle like a sports coupé and get silent nods from the folks at the country club. You can get some of those things in the competition, but this big Merc succeeds at all of them in a way no other sedan does.
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[@joeguitargod]

Nobody else that I'm aware of does such a comprehensive, yet concise and very informative, review of cars than this guy. If you're in the market to buy a new car and don't want the hassle of comparison shopping, just watch this guy. He's already done ALL the comparisons and number crunching for you, trust me. Always enjoyable to watch, even if you're not shopping for a new car.

[@nickolastiguan]

this guy is kzbin.info/www/bejne/o16Tp2mhodSepck

[@NA-du5vm]

If I owned this particular car especially with that color interior I would make everyone including myself wear scrubs, medical booties shoe covers and microfiber white gloves.

[@ahmedjaber7472]

lol

[@GoldenGamer1133]

😂😂😂

[@sonoftatanzambe248]

i'll force them to drink some detergent and i'll spray sanitizer on them after all for more safety.

[@13jrvernon]

@@sonoftatanzambe248 you was ahead of the times huh.

[@sonoftatanzambe248]

@@13jrvernon 🤣🤣 sure I was!

[@Veyronp87]

the interior shames some private jets lol

[@1990Thunderbolt]

+Veyronp87 and people are telling me that the new 7 series can beat this s class? that's like saying samsung galaxy can beat the iphone.

[@LilRick96]

+1990Thunderbolt uh the galaxy does beat iPhone wtf

[@1990Thunderbolt]

prettyrickyd47 fuck no! galaxy is asian cheap made trash! apple is king!!!!

[@Veyronp87]

1990Thunderbolt lmfao. apple is proudly made in china.get out here with that

[@LilRick96]

+1990Thunderbolt 😂😂 are you dumb??? have you seen the s6-note 5 and edge plus???? premium and beautiful af.

[@fhq547]

Kudos to you Alex. I rarely comment on videos or frankly take much notice of American car reviewers or the American concensus on cars but you are very good at what you do. In particular your attention to detail, delivery of that knowledge and your ability to contextualise that info (this is key for the end user to be able to make sense of all the info you're throwing at them/the use of graphics being an excellent tool for this) are your key differentiators. Well done mate and keep up the good work.

[@KatinaLifeCoach4444]

yes, totally agree!

[@afa6361]

Screw Kia900. It isn't in this category. It also makes no sense to spend 235K on a car that almost looks identical to its base price of 94K.

[@MrNanah38]

Rich people don't care about what makes sense when money is not a problem

[@ivorwelch8446]

A great review,thankyou, I have not seen your reviews before . I bought my 2014 registered 2015 model S500 in March 2019, it was 30% of its original list price and well optioned and purchased from a Mercedes dealer , a huge saving to be had by buying used, in the UK there are less 4 matic models chosen, mine is RWD and also has the MBC which is a rare option. I have been very pleased as it is my first S CLass, it is Diamond Silver with Crystal Grey and Seashell grey interior. I also have a 2015 XJL Portfolio ( a 3.0 Diesel twin turbo ) so it is interesting to compare both vehicles.

[@Aschoolbusandsimulatorfan2219]

I'm seven years late, But amazing job bro.

[@kipamore]

You came up with an interesting new metric; actual mpg vs manufacturers claim. Might be something to include with other vehicle reviews.

[@thainguyen-jf5zu]

what a fantastic car but I prefer lexus and I'll choose ls-460l instead

[@rolandocedeno6194]

This is the best review I have seen on a car. Excellent work!

[@amill1563]

In 5 years it will be less than 50k. I'd make sure I was driving this with warranty in tact because repairs will be costly.

[@jordanl5064]

amill1563 hobo

[@amill1563]

Go FUCK yourself

[@1995RangeRover]

5 years later...still droolin'!

[@shujayethossain6554]

Is it relibale if bought used?

[@chiluco2000]

As always great review on the super-luxury standard for all cars. Because of the amount of detail explained by Alex I can appreciate the amount of luxury built inside. Now I daydream of riding on soft leather, in a super quiet cabin with a smooth (air) ride!

[@dascientholdings4859]

Is this the San Jose - Soquel drive?

[@mountainhobo]

And I can hear the car mechanics watching this go, "Honey, we are sending the little one to Stanford after all!"

[@jimjardine4705]

OR " Honey, we have achieved our super Annunaciation goals a bit sooner"!

[@damilolaakanni]

😁😀😅😂🤣

[@KatinaLifeCoach4444]

This car is magnificent!!! ThaNK YOU FOR GREAT REVIEW!!!!

[@pmpbuhgm]

Excellent review as always, an ocean of information and comparisons, a real comprehensive coverage. I really appreciate the great work you are doing. I hope that some time in the near future you will have the capacity to break down the new 7 series from BMW the one with M Sport kit. Thank you so much indeed.

[@uncleben4560]

there is a reason why these cars resale is hitting rock bottom!!

[@mercedesbenzs600bash]

That's a great thing....

[@argentumboyle249]

The problem is the seats are very small for the size of the S class... the rear bench seat is narrower than that of Lexus LS460L

[@germanbenzdriver]

This car is just beautiful

[@igorx9234]

Your car reviews are hands down, the best. This is the first video that I am watching from you and I heard exactly everything I wanted to hear about this s class and how it compares to other similar cars. Thank you!

[@scenariomckinney]

In 2021,I just bought this car. I have never made a better purchase in my life.

[@philipsgarage]

In 2024 I bought one and I agree 100%. Incredible car.

[@marreese8405]

What year do you have

[@marreese8405]

@@philipsgaragewhat year did you get sir

[@philipsgarage]

@@marreese8405 2014 added the weistec tune and the car rips

[@scenariomckinney]

@@marreese8405 2015

[@photogl]

Do these year model S Class have Apple Car Play?

[@water892]

Will a diesel S-Class ever come to America like in the previous generation?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Sam Mehta I doubt it, there's just not much of a market for it.

[@ledauphindebourbon6956]

And another thing is - if everyone was to put a radar in his car, and other wave and magnetic emitters, infrared cameras etc - on a highway it would be like driving on that CERN laboratory in Switzerland.

[@jameskerherve7487]

Love this car with the exception of the reverse tan carpet black seats. Not a fan of tan carpet at all due to how dirty they get. Really like the lighter seat tones with the darker floor and trim. Comment addition: the interior of this vehicle is beautiful however after ownership the quality of many touches like leather quality, plastic feeling of metal looking buttons and the poorly wrapped leather dashboard do not equate to the levels of a Bentley or a Rolls. I did not have this expectation however I did expect the quality to be better than my CLS55 from 2006. My w219 CLS had less fancy dated materials like an MB Tex dash instead of leather and low tech electronics however the quality of the interior holds up better than the S550. The leather dash on the s550 unglued in places and the seam around the instrument cluster let loose. The lovely quilt leather on the dash had to be re glued with a syringe and held in place.

[@MrHav1k]

The spec on this car is incredible. White paint, black seats, beige interior otherwise. Perfect.

[@morg4620]

Great review as always Alex. That's a lotto car😀. I will also second on you doing an review on the new Audi A8/a8l. The a8 is the I would buy if I had the money.

[@jordanl5064]

There's no need for review. This car is for at least millionaires that loves toys.

[@flashx1490]

You sir, are now my favorite car reviewer, ever. Thank you for being so thorough, and knowledgeable! 🍻

[@MrSoulDevelopment]

Great review. I find it very interesting that, as someone else has pointed out, it has the coupe's 3-spoke steering wheel :S It also has light (cashmere?) leather along the dash, doors, steering wheel, yet the seats are black leather. I've never seen another S-Class like this, and can't seem to option it like this at all, on the Mercedes website. What's the deal with this trim?

[@michaelcalkins8648]

MrSoulDevelopment I believe this is the Designo package with dark navy blue seats and cashmere trim elsewhere. I don’t particularly care for the combo and it seems not many others do as well since it is very rare to find an S- Class in this configuration.

[@spruceguitar]

The MB crest needs to come back on the hood of the E and C classes

[@MrGreatness412]

Extremely good review

[@ВикторШишков]

This has to be the best review out there for the new S class However, I do have to disagree on the braking. A heavier car, is not necessarily going to stop worse than a lighter one, in general. According to reviews which actually measure the stopping distance, this one beats both the A8L and 760li

[@JSwan-bd1tc]

Well done video and review. Great analysis and comparisons. Keep up the good work.

[@tuolumne9]

Hi Alex! I had a new C-Klasse in Switzerland this summer vacation for a whole month...some notes: -The C had the brand new intelligent adaptive LED. this tech was amazing and it is a total shame we don't get it here in the US. If you go to Europe I would highly recommend renting a car with it to experience it. it's hard to go back - the S-class's headlights DRLs are the single LED Christmas light variety, whereas all new Mercedes are now using the light pipes. so in that respect its already behind

[@carycoller3140]

I know this is an old video but that steering wheel is not from a 2015/2016 S550. This steering wheel came on the 2018 S550. It wasn't even an option on non AMG S Class sedans.

[@bxniels0]

Great car. Great video. I especially like the format of the little video windows on the left of the main window. I can't wait for your review of the 2016 W213 next year.

[@Mabeylater293]

Hey Alex, quick Question: would you say that this s class rides smoother and quieter than the Lexus Ls600hl? I know u mentioned that it was quiter than the LEXUS LS but I didn't know if u included the LS600hl. Thanks

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

TruAgape1234 Yes it does.

[@Mabeylater293]

Thank man. U give great reviews. And I'm a very critical audience.

[@jvdybsjnsjh]

How dare you to compare a Kia with a Mercedes? Shame on you...

[@leviticusH]

Just get a maybach🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️... Beautiful though👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@MarioDallaRiva]

The car suits you, Alex! ?: where is all the excess weight on this vehicle? Construction? Cheers.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Mario Dalla Riva It's big, it's steel, it has an AWD system and a big twin-turbo V8. None of that is light.

[@TimFleener]

A lot of it is also sound-deadening material. Mercedes does a great job of putting in a lot of sound-deadening material so the ride is whisper-quiet, but all that quietness comes at some weight expense. It's a trade-off.

[@phronesismeister]

Tim Fleener That's a good point Tim. Mercedes doesn't skimp by using active noise cancellation technologies to justify using less physical sound-deadening material. As a result, the vehicle is able to achieve the highest levels of acoustic isolation possible.

[@erics9754]

Sorry bud the last generation looked better, especially in the rear. I enjoy your reviews though even if I disagree with you your reviews are very detailed and well done.

[@5698max]

Are you going to review the current model of the Audi A8/A8L? Great video as allways!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Peanutz I hope so!

[@duranamo4297]

+Alex on Autos Or an S8...

[@lindenblvd25]

we still waiting

[@longhanfei]

simply awesome, both the s class and your video

[@kxngearner698]

The Mercedes S Class is Far Superior than the UGLY lexus ls in every possible way

[@BLBowser]

was that a wolf?

[@Aikynbreusov]

Now i van buy this 2015/2016 model for $45,000.......

[@suraj1964]

Good one

[@YananoBere]

Your reviews are just excellent! This is really is an exquisite car.

[@Fadic4]

I was hoping you'd have the magic ride control or what ever they call it

[@sic22l]

***** Magic Body Control is available with RWD only.

[@willthibault8450]

The 2016 models have Magic Body Control with RWD or AWD

[@nitintnn]

Alex why have American models of Mercedes integrated the indicator lights on the side of the head lamp? Quite different from other countries.

[@jsrobloxvideos8266]

I think laws and regulations regarding lighting on a vehicle have to do with it. Some countries, maybe yours do not have to have certain things that are required here in the U.S.

[@samuelakaniro5108]

Yup, I'm buying it 👏🏼

[@cypis007]

Great review as always!

[@whitepen]

17:00 I love the dog, and 19:42 the cadillac Platinum

[@chibage]

Serious substantive review; nothing like it

[@DrGamble28]

Only two things I disagree with is the fuel economy and trunk space. You can remove the floor pan and have an extra foot in depth (no spare tire comes with the car). As for the fuel economy, it's a 5k lb car with a 450hp V8 that can get 29 mpg on the highway cruising at 75 mph. It's fuel econonmy is bad compared to other CARS but for a car with these options, engine, size etc, it's actually incredible.

[@lancewilliam5184]

The best auto review I have ever seen .

[@RealtimeReviews613]

Can you review a 2016 hyundai santa fe XL (long wheel base) its a very underrated suv and i want to buy one but not without your review. Thanks

[@pejmaantni2366]

Too high speed on explaining, zero coverage on media features, CD, DVD, Radio! Zero coverage on sunroof, moonroof, but too much of boring explanation on $$$ and costs of other models who are not subjects of introduction for this dedicated S500 model! Overall, honestly I didn't like much your introduction! C _

[@chiefaj4745]

Most informative review I’ve ever seen

[@ryanm540]

Almost smashed the white truck

[@ledauphindebourbon6956]

Wonder who came out with the idea for leather dashboard. Buses have that, on their seats. Covering the dashborad like that doesn't make it a luxury feature. Another thing - to put a system like ESC where there were standardly the wipers controlls, and reserve the place of the good old style manual gear stick - for changing the tracks of music playlist, would be the top stupidest innovation in the world. And of course, noone opened a word about endurance and crash tests, which supposedly the brand was famous for.

[@joeguitargod]

The S-Class is the one car that would give the Tesla Model S P85D serious competition if I had to choose one or the other. The deciding factor for me is the interior. The S-Class is just SO luxuriously plush and refined, not to mention gorgeous. If the Model S had an interior that was remotely on par with the S-Class, it would be a no-brainer. Tesla really needs to step up their interior on the Model S. Until then, the S-Class gets my nod...but only by a smidgen.

[@TheGroovey13]

This car is seriously a Living Room on wheels lol, My gosh it looks so pretty. But who needs something like this? I mean i guess if you had the money why not? but like, i think this car is directed towards valet drivers/rich people.

[@bird718]

now this i like...

[@boricua1151]

Is this lwb or short wheelbase?

[@phronesismeister]

The only wheelbase option offered in the US is the long wheelbase

[@michaelcalkins8648]

Short wheelbase cars are sold outside the U.S. We get the long wheelbase S-Class only, along with the Maybachs which have an even longer wheelbase for additional rear seat legroom.

[@aypues]

Alex, did you try any bluetooth audio streaming? I wonder how it is to stream from iPhone/iPad a service like iHeartRadio, or Pandora. I'd like to see track/artist titles and data transmitted to the screen.

[@nickscott4272]

This is an amazing car. Although not in the same league, I'd buy a Genesis first because I could afford it, and second because it reminds me of this car.

[@shopwithaaron]

Nice video as always! Close up of the dash revealed the mis-matched door to dash alignment....Just like the Genesis! Promise not hating this car.

[@amirkazemi2517]

looking at a 2016 now (Feb 2020) between $35000 to $40000) - so that I can get an A for economy instead of C- there are nice cars available with under 50000 miles, certified even for around $40K, saving 50 to 70 grand from a new one. what a steal!

[@Nightbird.]

Amir..I am in the same boat as you. Have you had any luck finding the one you want? I am looking at MB CPO cars to lessen the chance of something being wrong with the car that a private car dealer will hide from me. The main options I want are Driver Assistance Package..4MATIC..HUD..and the Premium Package.

[@amirkazemi2517]

@@Nightbird. I did - I found a 2015 4Matic with drivers assistance package and moonroof etc for $39K at a Lexus dealership. It has under 50000 miles. I bought an extended warranty for $4000 . its been very reliable. no issues so far.

[@Nightbird.]

@@amirkazemi2517 Wow, Amir..you got a good price! Since it was from a Lexus dealership and not CPO from MB..did they guarantee doing an extensive quality check on the car? And did the extended warranty come from them or an independent company? And how many years and miles does the extended warranty cover? Thanks.

[@amirkazemi2517]

Nightbird 3 years 36000 miles I went with my gut on the test drive No warning lights on the car and drive perfect No signs of abuse I still can’t find that deal I shop constantly so when it popped up I grabbed it Probably some athletes gf car I’m guessing lol although colors are masculine Charcoal on black interior

[@Nightbird.]

@@amirkazemi2517 It sounds like you found a beautiful car buddy. I'm probably only going to be able to find a similar deal after the new year when prices should drop just because it's 2021. Besides the Driver Assistance package..I would love mine to have the Premium package, HUD and Magic Body Control..but guys on the MB forums say that's like finding a Unicorn..lol. Enjoy your beautiful new ride in good health my friend and keep wearing a mask until they find a vaccine.

[@carvealegoff]

I watched your other reviews where you included the numbers for stoping distance and cabin noise! Why not with this one?

[@HB45175]

Heh, ashtray and cigarette lighter. Just in case you weren't sure of the chinese/middle eastern target market by the twin turbo V12. Very nice review as always Alex!

[@jordanl5064]

HB45175 tf you on about?

[@ModernDayMixtapes]

You didn't touch on any of the safety tech/semi-autonomous driving tech :(

[@nickscott4272]

This front end, especially the light accents, look like they belong on a jaguar, the car, too.

[@eurouc]

Alex: you didn't cover the amazing tech on the S550: driver assist, lane and steering assist etc. It's time for some comparative reviews of the various technologies

[@ZestyLemonBoi]

Brilliant!

[@dominicancash]

Bro this is my dream car , and im a geek and to be honest i would feel overwhelmed by so much shit going on , inside this car is just too much shittt lol

[@AlfordLau]

Thank you Alex.

[@cadsux]

I believe this is the most expensive vehicle you've reviewed this year so far. What is the most pricey car you've reviewed? You've mentioned some mouth watering examples like the Flying Spur, but there aren't such reviews on your channel. CNET's Brian Cooley had reviewed some Bentleys and even a Bugatti Veyron. Since you're also an "Editor-at-Large" like him, why should he get all the fun?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

cadsux I've never sought anything more expensive because frankly the sales volumes are low and it doesn't really fit my channel's demographics.

[@angel_machariel]

A direct 1-1 comparison with the new 7-series is now a must, I feel.

[@scarlettlens4894]

Alex, which car do you believe is better: 7 Series or S Class?

[@EliteJovenAgent]

I would have the executive seat package if i would buy an s class

[@ClassicBMWFanInQuebec]

I thought goose neck hinges were used on trunks because gas struts are pricier. Why do most of the large luxury sedans use these hinges instead of struts if cost is not a factor? Better packaging? I always thought struts were vastly superior, so there must be a good reason.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

MiniCactuar Its mainly because the average shopper doesn't seem to mind.

[@michaelcalkins8648]

Gas struts wear out and require replacement. Also, the Mercedes hinge design incorporates the power trunk opener/closer mechanism.

[@joburke10]

Great detail video I like it I hope you have other vehicle details like this such as the Audi

[@BDOC99714]

I thought only the S-Class Coupe came with that three-spoke steering wheel. All other S-Class sedans I've ever seen have that two-spoke steering wheel.

[@CanDrive55]

thebluexanadu78 Ditto.

[@matiaspetrali45]

thebluexanadu78 Alex on Autos I was wondering the same.. why does it have the coupe steering wheel??

[@Wodz30]

...this was incredible. I am in the market for either a Rolls Royce Ghost, this S550, or the Audi A8L and this video helps with the research. Such fantastic detail!

[@iamDR92]

Wodz30 get the ghost! These are super nice but everyone will have them in 2-3 years.

[@beinjar5634]

I watched it in 2015. Watching it again in 2021🔥

[@c.chavis6314]

Someone is driving mine right now. I only ask you handle with care and keep up the maintenance. I’ll get it in a few years for a fraction of what they paid for it.

[@andrewwhite5422]

someone is driving mines too ugh i cant wait for 2-3 years to get it for 60k

[@A_guan]

Will you be getting an amg variant? Also will you be reviewing the face lifted Audi A7?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Tech Defender The A7, yes I hope so. The AMG S-Class is less likely since the sales volumes are so low.

[@MyLife-so1jl]

not a fan of the interior....the exterior is BORING....personally not a fan of those big heavy saloons.

[@Nightbird.]

So..what you are saying is you prefer the excitement and cutting edge styling of a Ford Mustang?

[@patrickvalencia3170]

you should mention this interior costs additional 5k..otherwise the door panels and dash and seats have cheap vinyl throughout

[@Nightbird.]

Nothing on a MB S Class is cheap amigo. Even their synthetic leather is luxurious and durable.

[@cknorthpole]

wow what a car! Beautiful area as well where you live.

[@ccolivardia]

tooootally hit his head closing the trunk lol.

[@MultiRyan2112]

At around 22:13, you have the S600 listed as the Maybach. The standard S600 doesn't come with the extended wheelbase does it? I thought the Maybach started about $30,000 higher than the standard S600. (Not being a troll, just read your status the other day about wanting people to correct you in your videos if we spot a mistake) :)

[@jordanl5064]

MultiRyan2112 the S600 is the maybach..........

[@MultiRyan2112]

Jordan L there is a seperare model which is just the S600, then there is the maybach s600

[@Othercargo]

Are all the buttons that look metal, metal?

[@anamgguy3794]

The s600 is a 5.5l v12 not 6.0

[@SuppppperPosii]

Review the current 7 series plz

[@brandonyen1245]

Are the riches people needed a lot of power on this car ? Why do they built a luxury car with big horsebpower? They don't drive aggressively on the lux

[@Nightbird.]

For the same reason a guy will choose a supermodel girlfriend rather than just a regular pretty girl. They want the most they can get just for the sake of it..not because it's practical.

[@michaelcalkins8648]

Passing on two-lane roads will make you appreciate the additional power, besides which it is FUN!