Topic: Test Drive: 2014 Mercedes-Benz E 550 4Matic

[Autos_Editor]

Effortless performance and all-season confidence define latest E550

Read More...

[OliverD]

It should be noted that the E550 sedan is being replaced by the E400 V6 turbo for '15.

[evil_twin]

It should be noted that the E550 sedan is being replaced by the E400 V6 turbo for '15.

Too bad.   I'm really wasting a lot of time dreaming of a used V8 luxury sedan as the eventual replacement to my WRX.

This E550, BMW 550, S6.....  Could make for an exciting (though potentially risky) buy in about 2-3 years time.

[OliverD]

Apparently the take rate for the E550 sedan is miniscule. The E550 coupe and convertible will continue to be available.

[Northernridge]

Nice review and nice car. The price for the 550 is almost exactly $10k more than the 350 similarly configured so it's basically a ten thousand dollar decision for 2 more cylinders.

[evil_twin]

Nice review and nice car. The price for the 550 is almost exactly $10k more than the 350 similarly configured so it's basically a ten thousand dollar decision for 2 more cylinders.

Yeah, steep difference.  And I presume the jump from a BMW 535 to 550 is similar. The 6 cylinders models really offer everything you could reasonable want for 99% of buyers in this segment.   

It would be interesting to see how many E550's were sold per year relative to E63 sales.  I would guess that a lot of those (presumably deep-pocketed) buyers that felt the need for more than 6 cylinders would step right up to the big boy.

I don't see many E550 and 550xi models on the road...

[mixmanmash]

Nice review and nice car. The price for the 550 is almost exactly $10k more than the 350 similarly configured so it's basically a ten thousand dollar decision for 2 more cylinders.

And 2 turbochargers, intercoolers and associated intake and exhaust plumbing.

[Northernridge]

Nice review and nice car. The price for the 550 is almost exactly $10k more than the 350 similarly configured so it's basically a ten thousand dollar decision for 2 more cylinders.

And 2 turbochargers, intercoolers and associated intake and exhaust plumbing.

Yea, all that too. Given that it's only 100 more horsepower it doesn't seem all that impressive. Quite a bit faster acceleration though, 1.5 seconds quicker 0-60. Same top speed but almost 20% worse gas mileage. I suppose it's sort of a poor-man's E63. However the supercharged A6 is about as fast for a lot less money.

[mmret]

Will be a real shame when the E550 is gone. Though the E400 is an immensely more rational machine, I think I will lament the lack of a V8 powered car without the, uh, flash and hooliganism of the AMG (not that I wouldn't want me an E63, its just a different mood I think).

The V8 E-Class always had something that all other versions lacked: pomp.

Yea, all that too. Given that it's only 100 more horsepower it doesn't seem all that impressive.

Ah, but the torque at say 1800-2200 RPM is very, very considerably more. The 350 cars will never dispatch people in 7th gear the way the 550 does.