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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Overview

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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

While it's arguably the most technologically advanced sedan on the planet, the all-new ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class remains the embodiment of traditional luxury. In a vehicle that boasts sophisticated innovations like stop-and-go cruise control and infrared night vision, the passenger cabin is dominated not by buttons, knobs and switches, but by wood, leather and a palpable air of richness.

You'll Like This Car If...

Whether you're drawn more toward tradition or technology, a turn behind the wheel of the S550 will have you singing its praises.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unlike several competitors, the S550 is available only in what amounts to a long-wheelbase configuration. So even if you're not interested in an exceptionally roomy backseat, you've no choice but to accept a compromise in parking-lot maneuverability. Also, the S550 does not yet offer a rear-seat entertainment system.

What's Significant About This Car?

The all-new S550 improves upon the outgoing S500 with a more sculpted exterior, more elegant interior, more powerful V8 engine, roomier backseat and a host of impressive new technologies.

Driving the S-Class

Driving Impressions Attack a sweeping turn and the 4300-pound, 17-foot-long S550 obeys like a much more svelte sports sedan. Turn onto a gravel-lined drive and Mercedes' newest flagship seems to float right...

over any unpleasantness. Experiencing the S550 at these extremes makes it easy to appreciate the everyday effectiveness of the car's sophisticated air suspension and adaptive damping systems. Inside, the experience is further refined by an LCD-based centralized control system that's the easiest and most intuitive we've used. Outward visibility is good, but any car that measures just a foot shorter than a Chevrolet Suburban and has a 40-foot turning circle can get cumbersome in tight parking lots—a minor quibble that may not concern you as much as it would your driver.

Favorite Features

Stop-and-Go Cruise Control
With the S550's sophisticated adaptive cruise control system, even stop-and-go traffic can be negotiated without ever touching the pedals.

Night View System
An infrared-based night view system sees up to 500 feet ahead and projects a big, crystal-clear, black-and-white image on the gauge cluster.

2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Details

Interior

The technological sophistication of the S550 is belied by a passenger cabin that's rich in wood and leather and light on switches and knobs. By extending the hooded gauge cluster to include the big LCD, designers were able to give the front of the cabin a clean, horizontal flow that's highlighted at night by a band of orange-tinted light falling from beneath the wood trim. By tracking the location of its passengers and the sun, the S550 can keep everyone comfortable by blowing more cool air on those sitting on the sunny side of the car. Passengers in back are also afforded the luxury of reclining seatbacks. All in all, the inside of a S550 is one of the nicest places you could spend a commute.

Exterior

Slightly longer, wider and taller than the model it replaces, the S550 features a profile marked by a softly arching roof line and bulging fender flares. The front end features the car's most evolutionary styling, while the view from behind can bring to mind the S550's luxury-exotic Maybach cousins. Because the adaptive cruise control and parking sensors are now radar-based and not ultrasonic, the bumpers are free of the unsightly "buttons" that normally accompany such systems. Details to look for include body-color accent strips in the taillights.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In addition to a 382-horsepower V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission, every S550 includes an air suspension with adaptive dampers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, moonroof, electric door-closing assists, heated seats, hard drive-based navigation system, 14-speaker DVD-Audio 5.1 surround sound system, six-CD changer, PCMCIA memory card slot for digital music, power rear sunshade and cruise control. Standard safety equipment includes front, front-side, rear-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, Pre-Safe anticipatory safety system, stability and traction controls and brake assist.

Optional Equipment

The S550's options list includes radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, infrared night view system, keyless unlock and start, park assist, rearview monitor, ventilated front seats, dynamic front seats with massage, electronic trunk closer, satellite radio, heated steering wheel, double-panel panoramic sunroof, power rear side window blinds, power reclining rear seats, heated and ventilated rear seats and independent dual-zone rear air conditioning. Full-time four-wheel drive will be available in the fall of 2006.

Under the Hood

A new 5.5-liter V8 generates 80 more horsepower than the 5.0-liter unit in the outgoing S500, but according to Mercedes returns the same fuel economy. The seven-speed automatic transmission is able to skip up to three gears when downshifting for more responsive subsequent acceleration. Together, the new engine and transmission work to move the substantial S550 to 60-miles per hour in 5.4 seconds—nearly a second quicker than its predecessor.

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/24

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles for sale near you.

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2007 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.4

Out of 10

Based on 29 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.2/10

Quality

9.6/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.8/10
Comfort

9.8/10

Styling

9.7/10

Great looking, reliable and comfortable car.

By PHILB (MD) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "The greatest looking, most comfortable car ever."

Cons: "I have no cons."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the car used with 19,000 miles on it in 2010 and saved about 35,000 dollars and the car has been great. Not one expense other than having the regular services done. My wife usually drives it and I have a 2007 SL550 Designo edition and the same with it, not one complaint whatsoever. We love both cars and as seniors, we will never wear these cars out. The S550 comfort seat package with the massage features is so wonderful. The amazing thing is, our daughter who is only 26 loves to take her friends out for a night in it and she thinks it is the best car ever. I have been a Mercedes owner for over 30 years and have never had any trouble with any of them."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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75K and still going strong!

By bigstanup (TN) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort,Sound System,Interior Storage Compartments"

Cons: "To Much Technology to Deal With"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my car at 46K a couple of years ago and have been impressed with just about everything about it! The way the S550 takes to the road is second to none and I am never tired or stiff after a long trip (450+mi)and the 25mpg is a pleasant surprise."

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Bestblarge luxury sedan ever

By Mike (TX) on Sunday, August 05, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Smooth powerful ride"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my third Benz and second S550. I am amazed at the ride and performance improvements from my 2010 to my new 2012. This time I got the Sport Plus Pkg. the car handles wonderful on the road and the ride is silky smooth. My combined fuel economy has in crease by an average og 3-4mpg. I drive about 30,00-35,00 miles per year."

5 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great touring car

By Oz (GA) on Friday, May 25, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 181,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great reliability - have 180K and going strong"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is my 3rd S series. Buoght my S-550 new in 2006 as a 2007 model. Great road car as I can drive 6 hours staight without thinking of stopping. Leather has held up great, all the electronics work great but not up to 2012 pace. Upgrade the GPS every two years so is always current. Car is bullet proof. A few repairs over the years, motor mounts, ball joints but all to be expected with 180K. Will keep until new S series is out in 2013."

6 people out of 6 found this review helpful

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Great car in its day

By Iceman27 (NY) on Monday, April 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 73,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Quick and nimble"

Cons: "Costly to maintain"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"When this car was new, it was state of the art. Time has passed and innovations have been made to the 2007. However, this model was the best "S" I ever owned. It was my fifth. For a little more than $30,000, this is a good buy. Cost to maintain is expensive."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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Dream car - almost dream come true - happy to have

By Bob on Wednesday, February 15, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Quality of ride and thecar build"

Cons: "Cost"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Second MB and first S. 2007 s550 4matic. Wonderful ride and quality inside and out. Love extra toys (camera, distronic plus, massage seats, other features). A few super minor gripes: Bluetooth doesn't work well with blackberry, distronic plus and park assist turn off in foggy/wet/snowy weather (sometimes, nor everytime), after awhile, dynamic seat feature stopped working. Other - fuel economy is great on hwy, so so in city (now new engine might be better). I do love 4wd! Saved the car a few times!!! Accelerates wonderfully in "s" mode - don't need Amg 63 or 65 to pass pretty much anyone (except motorbikes ;-) )... Expensive maintenance (dealer mechanics suggest always! about $1500 in annual work - not repair!) repair if not on warranty or insurance (body) is expensive (so if it's a used car may look too expensive).... But I love it, can't imagine not having it or a similar car... Hard to drive anything else now . If you care for a good car - buy it."

4 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 29 reviews