Increased horsepower is the big news for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550. Its 5.5-liter V8 engine now produces 382 horsepower, 80 more than the outgoing model, and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, with 75 percent of that thrust available at just 1,000 rpm. Despite all the additional horsepower, Mercedes maintains the previous S500’s fuel economy numbers of 16 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, quite an achievement. All that power is linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear or all four wheels, and shift buttons are mounted on the back of the steering wheel spokes for manual shifting when navigating back roads at an enthusiastic pace.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 rides on standard 18-inch, nine-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with 225/45R18 all-season tires connected to an Airmatic four-wheel independent suspension and speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering. Slowing the S550 are 13.8-in. front discs with four-piston calipers and 12.6-in. rear discs with a single floating piston. ABS is standard for short distance emergency stops and both the traction and stability control systems assist the driver with keeping control of the car. Also included as standard equipment is Brake Assist with Electronic Brake Proportioning.

The upcoming 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600 will include all of the standard technologies the S550 has to offer, but it will be powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 making 510 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. The Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is astoundingly powerful, thanks to its 604 horsepower and 738 lb.-ft of torque from a twin turbo, 6.0-liter, hand-built V12 engine. All of that power and torque is delivered to 20-inch rear wheels through a specially calibrated five-speed automatic transmission. From its two-piece brake rotors with eight-piston calipers and high-performance suspension upgrades to its fully appointed leather interior including AMG-specific performance seats, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is the epitome of a luxury sports sedan.