Next Generation W221 S-Class Named S 550

[Jono171]

Text courtesy MBUSA
10-24-2005


2007 S-Class Features All-New 5.5-liter V8 Engine


Mercedes-Benz today announced new nomenclature for its flagship sedan. The model year 2007 S-Class will be named the S550, replacing the S500. In the U.S. market, the new S-Class line will be launched with an all-new 5.5-liter V8 engine delivering 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, the first of a new-generation V8 engine family featuring four-valve-per-cylinder technology and variable valve timing. The “S” designation had long been used to identify top-of-the-line Mercedes-Benz sedans and coupes, and the S-Class has embodied the brand’s flagship role for more than five decades.



Sorry if it's old news, but I wasn't aware of the name change!

 

[PanterroR]

The HP numbers are exact in the current S500's V8. If they're going to increase the displacement i guess the numbers (hp and torque) will be different as well. A weird and a false info i'd say... I've heard about 550 engine too, but my guess is that it's gonna be a complete different engine.

 

[Zafiro]

just like with BMW 325i and 330i. In US 325i uses 3.0 liter engine (just like 330i) but in europe, 325i has a 2.5 liters engine.

 

[PanterroR]

just like with BMW 325i and 330i. In US 325i uses 3.0 liter engine (just like 330i) but in europe, 325i has a 2.5 liters engine.

Sure, but you don't work for 2 years on an engine just to increase the displacement.

 

[Merc1]

I took this as being just a name change for the U.S. market top of the line S-Class V8, S500 in Europe, S550 in the U.S. no engine changes. The S500 is a brand new engine no matter what you call it, 500/550 its the same car.

M

 

[Zafiro]

I took this as being just a name change for the U.S. market top of the line S-Class V8, S500 in Europe, S550 in the U.S. no engine changes. The S500 is a brand new engine no matter what you call it, 500/550 its the same car.

M

exactly, just like BMW 325/330i

 

[Yperion]

And some members were blaming Audi S8 for being underpowered!

Now what do they have to say? Only 382 hp from 5.5 lt engine?

 

[LaArtist]

by the way its 388hp.. and its not underpowerd.. cause its a original car.. not a sports spec like the S8---the engine in the S8 is not underpowerd.. but the car as a whole is underpowerd.. it should have more hp

 

[Yperion]

by the way its 388hp.. and its not underpowerd.. cause its a original car.. not a sports spec like the S8---the engine in the S8 is not underpowerd.. but the car as a whole is underpowerd.. it should have more hp

Sorry but 388 from 5.5 lt is a low output. The torque is not very good also.

 

[LaArtist]

well its always been like that with MB big displacement.. im sure they can give it more output easily and they will this is a brand new engine.. it will be developed further in the coming years..

 

[Kleemann_SL]

And some members were blaming Audi S8 for being underpowered!

Now what do they have to say? Only 382 hp from 5.5 lt engine?

This is not AMG! Remember
MB had always bigger engines than the competitors. They can get more HP of it, and believe me....very easy.

 

[Zafiro]

This is not AMG! Remember
MB had always bigger engines than the competitors. They can get more HP of it, and believe me....very easy.

some cars dont need a lot of horsepowers do be a great car

 

[Yperion]

MB had always bigger engines than the competitors. They can get more HP of it, and believe me....very easy.

So why they don't?

 

[ALI]

Isnt the new S500 V8 a brand new engine ? I mean doesnt it have four valves percyl. ?

 

[Yperion]

Isnt the new S500 V8 a brand new engine ? I mean doesnt it have four valves percyl. ?

Yes it has. It say so in the specs.

 

[LaArtist]

Why they dont??
Man dont tell me you are dissappointed at the power in MB engines.. if they have one thing its power.. all their engines have more or equall power to the competitors same class engine.. they dont need to have more than 388hp out of that engine right now.. its enough to put audi and BMW´s V8 luxury cars behind no matter what displacement..

 

[rammie]

How is the torque on the S compared to its rivals? I just thought that since they have these massive engines perhaps the torque would be quite impressive as well but what do I know

 

[Mr. Chigga_Chan]

Its only a base S550/500, 382hp US Spec already trumps the competition, that displacement is a general trend of MB cars, having higher displacement and extremely detuned engines for longivity.

example...the S600 with 500hp...gets 600 hp with a Chip...100 hp gain from a chip.

And yea, the S8 is pretty disapointing, I was expecting so much from that car and I was let down...at least it looks good and I can buy a A8 W12 or a 750iL over it.....

 

[GTA45E]

Sorry but 388 from 5.5 lt is a low output. The torque is not very good also.

The car is fast enough. it goes from 0-100km/h in 5.4sec. I believe it`s the fastest in it`s class. What more could you ask for!!

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Remember for the most part Mercedes is all about relaxed, unstressed engines. I'm sure if they wanted to they could squeez a lot more out of the engine. They probably will further into its life.