IanGreening

Why do we call it the S550 and not by the same name "S500" that they use in Europe. As I understand it the engines are exactly the same.

AsianML

Because we're special.

I'll go find the thread about this.

dbtk

Probably because S500 would appear to close to S450 when it comes out. Hence, S550 appears distinctly differentiated to S500. However, it is clsoe to S600. But I think there is equity in the 600 name, i.e., that of the Grosser version.

ClayJ

M-a-r-k-e-t-i-n-g.

AsianML

I thought there was a good chance that we wouldn't get the S450.

VAHML350

I would think they will bring the 450 here, especially to have a lower entry price point for this vehicle to compete with some of the others (7-series, A8,LS, etc.)

MattB

I think it's more about marketing. BMW has the 750i as the base model now, so Mercedes one-ups them with the S550. The idea is that people will see the higher numbering as a sign of better performace...and given America's obsession with automobile power it's a good marketing ploy.

mick1

well, the engine is a 5.5L 32-valve V-8, so the name S550 sounds right to me.

silberrosa

It seems the US nomenclature makes the most sense given the engine size of 5.5L. Also, from a marketing prospective, the new engine might go unnoticed to the average person if the old 500 nomenclature were used. This is especially important for the other cars in the MB range as new nomenclature will be part of the facelifts for the SL550 and E550. Why Germany decided to keep 500 makes no sense - are they trying to keep the new engine and its 80 additional horses a secret?

AsianML

I don't know. It seems to me that the Europeans are actually aware of the changes. As for us in the US, most probably aren't aware, and need the 550 name to let us know.