Derby

because I would prefer a S 600 but do drive in snow in winter - and 4Matic is not available with 12 cyl. Thanks in advance to anyone who might have an opinion. Currently have a '06 S500.

WSH

I can't offer first-hand expces, given my CA location, but would observe that know a couple of colleagues in NYC who are reasonably adept drivers who use their S-Class for daily commuting; one commutes intra-Greenwich...other does Greenwich-Manhattan.....each got S550 4Matics (w/std all-season tires) and within wks reverted to '08 S600 w/winter tires....and each seems quite pleased w/600 for winter duty.....

Need to assess dynamic value of ABC vs 4Matic's far more primitive chassis (and the issues w/digital vs analog interlinks btwn an archaic chassis set-up vs ESP, BrakeAssistPlus, etc etc); value of proper winter tires/wheels vs all-season (or "no-season") tires; value of 600's superior brakes vs 550.....even in NYC/Chic, much of winter is relatively dry and cold...and most snowfall on urban rds is not very deep at all....suspect a 600 w/proper winter tires is far more capable in emergent braking/handling than any 550 4Matic....

If one is often driving to deep-snow winter ski resorts, perhaps a 550 4Matic (w/proper winter tires) may be a better bet, but I suspect most S-Class buyers drive their cars in reasonably flat, well-plowed/traveled urban/suburban settings 360+d/yr.....

gellie

Dont settle for a 550, get the 600 with proper snows for the winter...It still amazes me how people can compare the two cars. the 600 is a TRUE sports sedan. The 550 is very ordinary.

nitromilt

wow,you should have lived in Iowa last winter.............that would change your outlook most s-class drivers operate on well plowed,flat,suburban areas.Just doesnt quite happen here like you assume.Yes,the state and county road workers do a reasonably good job of keeping the roads as good as possible,but without doubt ans550 4matic with good winter tires will still be better than an s600 or a regular s550 for that matter on snow covered roads.

trumpet1

I'm just as spoiled as you . I really would have a hard time settling for a V8 again. The smooth and balanced V12 is just incredible. I always dreamed of getting a V12 but never thought it was worth the difference in price.....now I finally see what it's all about. Big performance and smooth luxury.

If anyone is looking for a W221, and you're ability to buy a V12 is limited, I'd rather see someone get a slightly used S600 for under $100K than get a new S550. The used 2007 S600 market allows for killer deals right now. Keep in mind, the S600s are wholeselling for numbers near $80K or less, so don't let a dealership push you over $85K. The 2008s are at or near $110K and some with less than 7500 miles (just broke in).

AsianML

Where do you live?

Derby

upstate winter driving - often on dirt roads - appreciate very thoughtful and informative replies

Derby

is my assumption that the interior of the 600 contains superior material and workmanship than the 550 correct? color choice seems limited now - at least of inventory shown on autotrader - i assume the '09 will be not be very different from '08's

trumpet1

It sure seems that way to me.

Derby

and for information my concern is that there are very few 2008 s 600 available now though i would expect a hefty discount

Eddie Knopp

Derby - I can't speak for the road conditions of upstate NY, but I can say without a doubt winter wheels with snows in the NYC area are absolutely no problem (if it's even gonna snow anymore). I did it in a CLK 430, E55 and my current S63 - all were (are) my daily drives and I commuted into the city from westchester with NO problems at all.

Derby

afraid as this will be weekend car with majority of driving 3 hrs upstate, 4Matic necessary - unrelated question, I notice new "S" class no longer has auto/manual shifter on floor but on stalk - is effect good or bad?