Why is the S500 named S550 in the US?
10-06-2009, 12:42 PM
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M-B GLE, Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche Boxster (spouse)
10-06-2009, 12:44 PM
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Well, its a 5.5L engine in Europe as well. People in the US care a lot about the badge, thats why its the S550 in the US and S500 for the identical car in the EU.
10-06-2009, 12:46 PM
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2003 CL55
10-06-2009, 02:11 PM
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- S500 has brand equity outside U.S.
- But the S500 is a 5.5 liter (just like the U.S. S550) and in U.S. meant to be competively badged against the BMW 750Li
- But the S500 is a 5.5 liter (just like the U.S. S550) and in U.S. meant to be competively badged against the BMW 750Li
10-06-2009, 02:40 PM
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I think you're getting a few years ahead of yourself. I have no doubt we'll eventually see M-B with a hybrid diesel but they aren't there yet, at least not for mass production.
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10-06-2009, 02:44 PM
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2003 CL55
10-07-2009, 12:53 AM
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2013 SL 550 (Previously 2012 Porsche Panamera Turbo-S, 2015 Tesla P85D, 2007 S600, 2005 E55 AMG)
If engine size is the determinant the S600 should be an S550 also.
Chris
Chris
10-07-2009, 01:16 AM
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2013 650i Coupe, 2010 IS250 AWD, 1999 S500
The S550 is called that because MBUSA decided to be back to naming the cars here what they really are.......where feasible.
The S600 would be a S550 too since the V12 in the S600 is 5.5L in size. Can't have that now. Plus "600" says something totally different from "550".
M
The S600 would be a S550 too since the V12 in the S600 is 5.5L in size. Can't have that now. Plus "600" says something totally different from "550".
M
10-07-2009, 04:27 AM
#11
The S550 is called that because MBUSA decided to be back to naming the cars here what they really are.......where feasible.
The S600 would be a S550 too since the V12 in the S600 is 5.5L in size. Can't have that now. Plus "600" says something totally different from "550".
M
The S600 would be a S550 too since the V12 in the S600 is 5.5L in size. Can't have that now. Plus "600" says something totally different from "550".
M
10-07-2009, 01:49 PM
#12
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I prefer it too. And true geeks use W*** + alpha-numerics and next level is calling your car like DieselBenz does 
10-13-2009, 01:17 AM
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Because we in America are all big dumb status ******. 
It makes sense as it is a 5.5, yet at the same time, M-B isn't always accurate with naming (AMG 63 cars should really be called 62's, V12's aren't 6.0, etc.), so I think they badge accurately when convenient, and badge-up when not.
I always thought "S500" has that classic essence, which they lost when going up to an S550, but the 550 number has that "newer" and "cool" essence for the moment.
It makes sense as it is a 5.5, yet at the same time, M-B isn't always accurate with naming (AMG 63 cars should really be called 62's, V12's aren't 6.0, etc.), so I think they badge accurately when convenient, and badge-up when not.
I always thought "S500" has that classic essence, which they lost when going up to an S550, but the 550 number has that "newer" and "cool" essence for the moment.
10-13-2009, 11:45 PM
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E550 4MATIC
Interesting NYT article on this topic. They talk about how European customers often prefer the debadged look, but in America, people want more badges. I like the quote from the MB PR guy at the end:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
10-14-2009, 12:30 AM
#18
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Interesting NYT article on this topic. They talk about how European customers often prefer the debadged look, but in America, people want more badges. I like the quote from the MB PR guy at the end:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
I'm selling my badges, who wants them?
10-14-2009, 06:34 AM
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Interesting NYT article on this topic. They talk about how European customers often prefer the debadged look, but in America, people want more badges. I like the quote from the MB PR guy at the end:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/11/au...ef=automobiles
at our culture.
