I cannot decide which car is best for me, S55 vs. S600....is it reasonable to request a test drive for each of these? Dealers seem to discourage test drives, especially for the AMG models. I currently have a 99 E430 and 2002 E430. The 99 ride is much "softer" since it does not have the low profile tires. The 2002 has been troublesome, with vibration from the tires at certain speeds and many trips back to the dealer for adjustment. The 2002 is a "Sport" version of the E430, and the 99 E430 is not a "Sport".

Should I expect the same vibrations and type of ride from the S55 as the Sport 2002 E430? Can anyone tell me their experiences with regards to the S600 vs. S55? I like the look of the S55, but the "Sport" type ride makes me nervous long term.

Sorry for the long post, but I don't want to be unhappy with the car I choose. I'm going to order the 2004 S600 or S55 in the next couple of weeks and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

s55=493 hp
s600=493 hp,

u decide

 

ano0oj is incorrect in his information. The S600 has MORE power and more torque. Mercedes officially doesn't say that because they want to offer a choice between power or luxuary. This topic has been discussed to death.

Both rides will suck, I'll say it plain like it is. You want ride you get a Lexus. You want a W220 AND ride? You get a S500.

Trust me, either car you get you WON'T be dissappointed. Sorry if i came out harsh in my post. I just got new chains on my braces and it's pulling the crap out of me

 

sry...

 

Had an S430 on the 16 inch rims, 225/60 16 tyres, gave a lovely ride with fair handling but with quite a bit of roll and plenty understeer, possible to roll the tyres on to the side wall when cornering hard on a twisty road . Also cornering at speed the comfort breaks down due to body roll with passengers being thrown around even at moderatley quick speeds .

Drove a S class S500 on 18" Amg wheels (solid spoke style) I think the tyres were same as my current car 245/45's 265/ 40 ? , makes ride a bit harder a tiny bit more fidgity more road clutter transmitted (manhole covers etc) but still a very comfortable car, seemed to have more weight on the steering (good thing) , good looking wheels suit the car. Still rolled on corners as above affecting comfort of passenger, but grip was noticably better.

Been in a CL600 (almost the same chassis as the s600) 18" wheels, wasn't driving ride is a bit harder than "standard" S class but still good, waht really made a difference is the ABC body control which made being a passenger much comfortable when cornering at speed .

I own an S55AMG Kompressor, 245/45 265/ 40 18 inch, this has a slightly firmer ride than the CL600 (firmer than the normal S classes), but it is superbly dampened and the control on cornering is amazing , the car corners virtually flat, this keeps passenger comfort good even at very high cornering speeds, the steering has quite a bit more weight and lots more feel than the standard S classes this makes it far easier to and more rewarding to drive fast on roads with bends and the car feels more secure at high speed. The corner grip is much higher and because it rolls less there is less weight transfer which means you can drive really quickly through a series of S bends or switch backs at speeds that would have the standard cars off the road or on thier roofs .

On the power thing the S600 has more torque lower down 800 nm 1800rpm-3500rpm also its power peak is lower down as well 493bhp at 5000 rpm. However it weighs 4,610 lb 0-62.5 4.8 secs

The S55 has "only" 700nm at 2750-4000 rpm and its power peak is 493bhp at 6100 rpm, giving a broader rev range. Still has loads of power low down as well. The S55 weighs 4,300 lb mine is even lighter being a "short" wheel base. But even on the US version this 310lb difference should keep performance very close. 0-62.5 mph 4.8s 0-125mph 16.3 secs

S600 may be a little quicker in a straight line due to the extra 100nm torque, but then maybe not, as it does weigh 310lbs more. Either way it would be very close

But where it the AMG car really does score is it gets "AMG" shift patterns, giving 35% faster shifts, this, the higher reving engine and the sports suspension settings make this more of drivers car than the others and would leave the others behind on a twisty road yet the great thing it is, it is still a superb as a luxury limo.

All S classes are great,

If you want best ride in a straight line and go easy on corners 16" wheels S430/S500
(ABC option on these cars would help for cornering and AMG 18" wheels and tyres would help with grip)

If you want a pretty good ride and to go very fast on the straight and pretty quick and comfy on corners S600.

If you want the sportiest drive, still a good ride and to go very quick on the straight and very quick and comfy on the corners S55AMG

 

Thank you so very much for your detailed reply. Greatly appreciated. Best regard, Mike Cooper/Atlanta. Georgia USA