S550 vs 600 (and will there be a diesel version)
03-22-2008, 09:45 PM
#1
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2003 S500
S550 vs 600 (and will there be a diesel version)
Can somebody tell me what the 550 lacks that the 600 has besides the different engine? I know the 550 has a 4matic transmission option, though I would like to hear some opinions on how well it operates in the snow. (I live in the northeast and will be taking the car to ski resorts)
I can't find a clear-cut answer on the differences of the 2 cars, if somebody could point me to a side-by-side sheet, that would be great. Also, is there a place I can look at the leasing offers for the S class?
I can't find a clear-cut answer on the differences of the 2 cars, if somebody could point me to a side-by-side sheet, that would be great. Also, is there a place I can look at the leasing offers for the S class?
03-22-2008, 10:05 PM
#2
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Can somebody tell me what the 550 lacks that the 600 has besides the different engine? I know the 550 has a 4matic transmission option, though I would like to hear some opinions on how well it operates in the snow. (I live in the northeast and will be taking the car to ski resorts)
I can't find a clear-cut answer on the differences of the 2 cars, if somebody could point me to a side-by-side sheet, that would be great. Also, is there a place I can look at the leasing offers for the S class?
I can't find a clear-cut answer on the differences of the 2 cars, if somebody could point me to a side-by-side sheet, that would be great. Also, is there a place I can look at the leasing offers for the S class?
S600 has ALL options. Everything is standard. Roughly $10,000 worth of options on an S550.
S600 is not available with the AMG Sports Package or the 4matic option.
S600 has a 5 speed transmission while the S550 has the 7 Speed tranny.
From what I heard, the 4matic is perfection with snowtires in any winter storm. However, some S550's are ordered both with 4matic & AMG Sports package. This renders the 4matic useless as Y/Z rated Summer tires are absolutely useless in the snow.
S600 has a wood phone cover whereas S550 comes with the same leather on the seat.
S600 has a beautiful Ultrasuede headliner while S550s have cloth.
S600 has a beautiful Leather bound interior (ALL SURFACES ARE LEATHER) whereas the S550 has a plastic (although still nice...but not leather) surface.
I guess you could do research also on MBUSA.com
03-22-2008, 10:14 PM
#3
S600 has the best leather available. Not avail. on S550.
S600 has ALL options. Everything is standard. Roughly $10,000 worth of options on an S550.
S600 is not available with the AMG Sports Package or the 4matic option.
S600 has a 5 speed transmission while the S550 has the 7 Speed tranny.
From what I heard, the 4matic is perfection with snowtires in any winter storm. However, some S550's are ordered both with 4matic & AMG Sports package. This renders the 4matic useless as Y/Z rated Summer tires are absolutely useless in the snow.
S600 has a wood phone cover whereas S550 comes with the same leather on the seat.
S600 has a beautiful Ultrasuede headliner while S550s have cloth.
S600 has a beautiful Leather bound interior (ALL SURFACES ARE LEATHER) whereas the S550 has a plastic (although still nice...but not leather) surface.
I guess you could do research also on MBUSA.com
S600 has ALL options. Everything is standard. Roughly $10,000 worth of options on an S550.
S600 is not available with the AMG Sports Package or the 4matic option.
S600 has a 5 speed transmission while the S550 has the 7 Speed tranny.
From what I heard, the 4matic is perfection with snowtires in any winter storm. However, some S550's are ordered both with 4matic & AMG Sports package. This renders the 4matic useless as Y/Z rated Summer tires are absolutely useless in the snow.
S600 has a wood phone cover whereas S550 comes with the same leather on the seat.
S600 has a beautiful Ultrasuede headliner while S550s have cloth.
S600 has a beautiful Leather bound interior (ALL SURFACES ARE LEATHER) whereas the S550 has a plastic (although still nice...but not leather) surface.
I guess you could do research also on MBUSA.com
S600 comes with heated/ventilated/massaging seats all around and also has reclining rear seats.
S600 comes with pano roof automatically.
Also you get the woodgrain steering wheel in the S600.
S600 comes with distronic cruise
S600 comes already with multicontour/driver dynamic seats
S600 comes with twin pipes
The S600 is also very rare. I usually see only one or two W221 S600s on Ebay for sale and they usually are used. As of the time I'm writing this....there are no W221 S600s on Ebay.
S600 comes with power from the engine that is unforgettable
The only thing that is missing with the 600 is the AMG appearance package option.
I almost forgot, you also get higher payments with the S600
Last edited by trumpet1; 03-22-2008 at 10:48 PM.
03-22-2008, 10:19 PM
#4
I'm sure when the model refresh comes along, the door sills will be of chrome plating instead of the dull aluminum look we have now. I'll get those for sure just to keep everyone confused
One thing I'm surprised we don't have are those carpeted footrests in the rear floorboard area like in the back of some BMWs and Audis. I had them in my VW Phaeton and they really provide great foot support.
One thing I'm surprised we don't have are those carpeted footrests in the rear floorboard area like in the back of some BMWs and Audis. I had them in my VW Phaeton and they really provide great foot support.
03-23-2008, 10:30 AM
#6
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
Things on the 600 that cant be had on the 550 (i.e. not even an option on 550)
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
The 4-matic is simply awesome in snow. In light snow as we encouter in central PA, the 4-matic with sports pkg does fine going up medium grade hills. I have had no problems this past winter. If I lived in western PA or new england, I would swap to snow tires. The driveway into our condo has a slope where non 4-matic benzes have a terrible time maintaining traction. The road goes from a sharp right into a incline. The 4-matic cars with or without AMG PKG have had no problems. A lot of my neighbors who had previous generation benzes without 4-matic have all switched to ones with the option.
If I did not need the peace of mind of having 4-matic, there is no question in my mind that I would have bought a S63 or S600
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
The 4-matic is simply awesome in snow. In light snow as we encouter in central PA, the 4-matic with sports pkg does fine going up medium grade hills. I have had no problems this past winter. If I lived in western PA or new england, I would swap to snow tires. The driveway into our condo has a slope where non 4-matic benzes have a terrible time maintaining traction. The road goes from a sharp right into a incline. The 4-matic cars with or without AMG PKG have had no problems. A lot of my neighbors who had previous generation benzes without 4-matic have all switched to ones with the option.
If I did not need the peace of mind of having 4-matic, there is no question in my mind that I would have bought a S63 or S600
03-23-2008, 11:44 AM
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
600 has notably better brakes than 550....pedal feel and stopping dist...
600 incls PanoRoof which likely reduces roof strength in any rollover or serious side impact...
'08 600 has those awfully tacky ricer/rapper exhaust tips....who took Grandpa's car to the aftermkt shop to be raped???? And did they run out of money before they did a full rapper-wannabe makeover???
Leto, suspect terrain in CentPA is more steep than that of Greenwich, so 4Matic may be mandatory
...but a couple of colleagues in Greenwich ultimately opted for 600 w/winter tires and report they are pleased w/their decision....4Matic's lack of ABC and weaker 550 brakes may mean that a 600 w/winter tires (and summ perf tires the other 7mos/yr) may have better overall active safety/stability than a 4Matic....
My guess is 4Matic (w/winter, not all-season, tires) may prove itself superior in deep snow of a ski resort setting, but in 99% of urban/suburban winter driving, would bet on a 600 w/winter tires over any 4Matic...
4Matic (like SUVs) is clever marketing aimed at the masses...after all, most buyers have zero understanding of basic physics, winter tires&wheels, emergent braking/handling, rollover risks, etc...
600 incls PanoRoof which likely reduces roof strength in any rollover or serious side impact...
'08 600 has those awfully tacky ricer/rapper exhaust tips....who took Grandpa's car to the aftermkt shop to be raped???? And did they run out of money before they did a full rapper-wannabe makeover???
Leto, suspect terrain in CentPA is more steep than that of Greenwich, so 4Matic may be mandatory
...but a couple of colleagues in Greenwich ultimately opted for 600 w/winter tires and report they are pleased w/their decision....4Matic's lack of ABC and weaker 550 brakes may mean that a 600 w/winter tires (and summ perf tires the other 7mos/yr) may have better overall active safety/stability than a 4Matic....My guess is 4Matic (w/winter, not all-season, tires) may prove itself superior in deep snow of a ski resort setting, but in 99% of urban/suburban winter driving, would bet on a 600 w/winter tires over any 4Matic...
4Matic (like SUVs) is clever marketing aimed at the masses...after all, most buyers have zero understanding of basic physics, winter tires&wheels, emergent braking/handling, rollover risks, etc...
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03-23-2008, 12:40 PM
#8
Banned
Things on the 600 that cant be had on the 550 (i.e. not even an option on 550)
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
The 4-matic is simply awesome in snow. In light snow as we encouter in central PA, the 4-matic with sports pkg does fine going up medium grade hills. I have had no problems this past winter. If I lived in western PA or new england, I would swap to snow tires. The driveway into our condo has a slope where non 4-matic benzes have a terrible time maintaining traction. The road goes from a sharp right into a incline. The 4-matic cars with or without AMG PKG have had no problems. A lot of my neighbors who had previous generation benzes without 4-matic have all switched to ones with the option.
If I did not need the peace of mind of having 4-matic, there is no question in my mind that I would have bought a S63 or S600
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
The 4-matic is simply awesome in snow. In light snow as we encouter in central PA, the 4-matic with sports pkg does fine going up medium grade hills. I have had no problems this past winter. If I lived in western PA or new england, I would swap to snow tires. The driveway into our condo has a slope where non 4-matic benzes have a terrible time maintaining traction. The road goes from a sharp right into a incline. The 4-matic cars with or without AMG PKG have had no problems. A lot of my neighbors who had previous generation benzes without 4-matic have all switched to ones with the option.
If I did not need the peace of mind of having 4-matic, there is no question in my mind that I would have bought a S63 or S600
03-23-2008, 12:43 PM
#9
Banned
03-23-2008, 12:59 PM
#10
Things on the 600 that cant be had on the 550 (i.e. not even an option on 550)
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
1. More powerful engine
2. Rear drive dynamic seats
3. Full leather interior, with alcantara headliner(this can be had on the 550, if the car is ordered in designo trim)
4. Wood phone keypad cover
It has rear drive dynamic seats??? My S600 doesn't.
03-23-2008, 01:10 PM
#11
Banned
03-23-2008, 11:47 PM
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12 CLS550, 09 CLS550, 04Cooper,10 Cooper S
My guess is 4Matic (w/winter, not all-season, tires) may prove itself superior in deep snow of a ski resort setting, but in 99% of urban/suburban winter driving, would bet on a 600 w/winter tires over any 4Matic...
Or in some cases the small stretch of road that the snow plow always seems to neglect or poorly plow and sometimes compact the snow. It is not the highways and heavily travelled roads that make the argument for 4-matic. I feel that 4-matic like ESP is a necessary nanny for very small situations that gurantee that you can make it into your driveway. Again this is very specific to where one resides.
Or in some cases the small stretch of road that the snow plow always seems to neglect or poorly plow and sometimes compact the snow. It is not the highways and heavily travelled roads that make the argument for 4-matic. I feel that 4-matic like ESP is a necessary nanny for very small situations that gurantee that you can make it into your driveway. Again this is very specific to where one resides.
03-24-2008, 06:37 PM
#14
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2003 S500
600 has notably better brakes than 550....pedal feel and stopping dist...
600 incls PanoRoof which likely reduces roof strength in any rollover or serious side impact...
'08 600 has those awfully tacky ricer/rapper exhaust tips....who took Grandpa's car to the aftermkt shop to be raped???? And did they run out of money before they did a full rapper-wannabe makeover???
Leto, suspect terrain in CentPA is more steep than that of Greenwich, so 4Matic may be mandatory...but a couple of colleagues in Greenwich ultimately opted for 600 w/winter tires and report they are pleased w/their decision....4Matic's lack of ABC and weaker 550 brakes may mean that a 600 w/winter tires (and summ perf tires the other 7mos/yr) may have better overall active safety/stability than a 4Matic....
My guess is 4Matic (w/winter, not all-season, tires) may prove itself superior in deep snow of a ski resort setting, but in 99% of urban/suburban winter driving, would bet on a 600 w/winter tires over any 4Matic...
4Matic (like SUVs) is clever marketing aimed at the masses...after all, most buyers have zero understanding of basic physics, winter tires&wheels, emergent braking/handling, rollover risks, etc...
600 incls PanoRoof which likely reduces roof strength in any rollover or serious side impact...
'08 600 has those awfully tacky ricer/rapper exhaust tips....who took Grandpa's car to the aftermkt shop to be raped???? And did they run out of money before they did a full rapper-wannabe makeover???
Leto, suspect terrain in CentPA is more steep than that of Greenwich, so 4Matic may be mandatory
...but a couple of colleagues in Greenwich ultimately opted for 600 w/winter tires and report they are pleased w/their decision....4Matic's lack of ABC and weaker 550 brakes may mean that a 600 w/winter tires (and summ perf tires the other 7mos/yr) may have better overall active safety/stability than a 4Matic....My guess is 4Matic (w/winter, not all-season, tires) may prove itself superior in deep snow of a ski resort setting, but in 99% of urban/suburban winter driving, would bet on a 600 w/winter tires over any 4Matic...
4Matic (like SUVs) is clever marketing aimed at the masses...after all, most buyers have zero understanding of basic physics, winter tires&wheels, emergent braking/handling, rollover risks, etc...
03-24-2008, 07:51 PM
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