How Reliable is the W221? | 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 550 4matic Full Tour & Review

We're continuing with our classic car theme with another 2013 model year vehicle, this time it's a German luxury flagship we haven't driven before.

00:00 Introduction
04:28 Exterior
10:56 Rear Seats
15:10 Front Seats
22:48 Driving Test
31:33 Buyer's Guide
36:34 End Screen

Over the years on TestDrive we've had the pleasure of driving many Mercedes-Benz S-Class models, our first were a handful of W220s, followed by two episodes on the same W126 560 SEL, and our long-term goal to get a W140 came true with an S 600 V12. The latest S-Class we featured and drove in general was the 2003 Mercedes-Benz S 55 AMG a few years ago, so it's time we got behind the wheel of another one.

This week we're featuring this awesome 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 550 4matic SWB sedan, finished in Magnetite Black Metallic Paint, with Grey Nappa leather seating, and the Ash Tree Black wood trim. This W221 S-Class is a little special as it's Nile's personal car, replacing his 2013 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4matic although we're still keeping that car.

This S-Class came very well equipped, with options like the Premium 2 Package which includes Parktronic sensors, rear view camera, KeylessGo, active multi-contour front seats with massage, and multi-adjustable comfort-type front head restraints. This car also has the Driver Assistance Package which adds Distronic Plus with Pre-SAFE Brake, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. The Sport Package (1) brings 19" AMG Triple 5-Spoke alloy rims, and sport body styling. This vehicle has most of the rear seat package with heated and ventilated, power adjustable rear seats. Additional options include Night View Plus with pedestrian detection, heated steering wheel, and the rear seat entertainment package.

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz S 550 4matic is powered by the M278 4.6L twin-turbo V8 engine and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Power is delivered through all 4 wheels, and comes with Airmatic as standard. RWD models could have been optioned with Active Body Control. We go over the exterior styling of this sedan and how it compares to some of the other vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup at the time.

As we're doing a comprehensive review on this vehicle, we get into the back seats to go over how the rear seating is on the SWB sedan, how well the features and tech work, and why you want to look for a well-optioned model. We get into the driver's seat to talk about the plethora of features found in the front, including the COMAND infotainment system, Designo anthracite alcantara headliner, storage compartments, and more.

We then take the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S550 4matic on a real-world road test to talk about how comfortable, smooth, and quiet this vehicle is on the road and how we've come to like it over the week we've been driving it. We do several interior noise tests along with a couple full throttle pulls. We go over how smooth Airmatic is with this vehicle and the overall comfort for passengers when driving this vehicle.

We then wrap up our full episode on this luxury sedan by going over a buyer's guide on this car, including the common problems and maintenance issues you want to look out for on this car.

TestDrive is proudly produced in Elgin County, Ontario, Canada.

[TonySinatra]

Love my ‘09 S550 4Matic Designo- it’s needed a little bit in repairs (mostly AC related), but it still is an amazing motor! Crazy that it can still feel modern 15 years later.

[bmwman]

I have a 2011 that I bought off my Uncle for $12, 000 2 years ago nearly and at 134, 000 miles. Car now has 169, 000 and runs like an absolute beast still. I have replaced one compressor, one strut, oil cooler housing gaskets, a thermostat, and both keyless go handles on the driver side (my car is black so super easy to source the handles lmao). Has the ownership been cheap? No not by a long shot. Has the car been reliable and served me well? Very much so. All but one air strut is still original (knock on wood) and the rest are factory. That's extremely impressive at nearly 170k miles. The M273 is an absolute tank of an engine after the 2007 model years. I make my commute to college every week in it and it tackles the interstate just magnificently. It's the one car I've owned that has boosted my confidence in driving just massively. It's definitely not the best example, but it sure is the damn best car I've ever owned.

[LasseSLOriginal]

Thank you for the best test/ review of the W221 that I have found on Youtube. It was really helpful. I have had E38:s since 2005 and now I am looking for a W221 in good condition to use as a regular driver.

[aramos]

I recently bought an S430 from 2000 with the Designo package. I love it. Smooth, powerful, and very comfortable. I did have to repair the front-end suspension that needed to be done. 23 years old and still going strong. Good video we can tell you are excited about your S Class.

[skatuhplayah]

Love my 2017 c300 and had it for years no issues. Really like this S class era before it really changed. I want this exact one with the back features so bad! Good review

[Erikzapp]

Howdy from London, ON! Seen your post on Mercedes Benz of ontario and led me here. Great video! Have an 09 CLS63 if your wanting to review

[jimcabezola]

I would take SO MANY long road trips in this car! I hope you enjoy the heck out of it. Aloha from "What's a Road Trip?" Hawai'i.

[Mr.H.J]

Great video! Thanks for the details and information. I'm looking at that model myself around the same milage. I am concerned about the cost to own and you helped me a lot in understanding. I appreciate your enthusiasm.

[michaelg]

Amazing ride, absolute steal for the money.

[saladbreath]

That was a well presented, articulate, and informative review. Great job!

[erics]

I liked the preface lifted one with the body panel lines going through the tail lights

[sxxhuun]

I bought a 60K mile 2012 S65 AMG last year, loving it! The W221 is an older car, but some good cars from this era has alot good things and feelings you just miss from modern cars. There are EVs everywhere now, where you gonna find a Bi-turbo V12 anymore? So I decided to keep this 2012 S65 as a collection instead of a daily drive. I found a low mile good condiction S550 online, and that's why I found your review here.

[GranMastaDee]

This is the same year/model I came so close to buying. Good job! On the other hand, I have so much $$ tied up in my '99 W140 3.2L that I will never recoup if I sell it, and at 70 years old, I hardly drive much at all. Like the post-'97 W140s, this year-model S 550 was the best one to acquire as pertains to getting all the bugs out and reliability. IMHO, it's the best-looking S-Class to date! I hope you got the optional refrigerated panty-cooler glovebox! You are going to need it.

[alexeymoujeer]

That's a sweet ride! Are you still gonna be driving the c class?

[jesnor]

I think the pre facelift looks better, especially the rear lights.

[ShiroUwUs]

Got my 2011 s550 rwd (last naturally aspirated v8)

[davidcchi]

My 08 has m273. Later. I need with twin turbo have bore scoring issues and then some.

[sushamamohapatra]

I love my s550 amg model, which I got in 2014

[marcellodaniel]

Just bought an "09 S320 cdi (probably no such cars in US or canada?) but loving it so far!

[jeancey]

I had a 2004 S430 everyone’s so trash talking about that’s the money pit dude I never had problems with my car. I was the second owner that thing ran pristine