As the technological leader of the Mercedes-Benz brand, the big coupes have sent us searching for superlatives for decades. The new S-class coupe is awesomer than ever. See? We’re still searching.

Built on a shortened version of the all-singing, self-driving S550’s bones, the S550 coupe is a stunner in person. There’s real presence here, from the lack of a B-pillar, to the chrome ring around the greenhouse, to the small chrome dots on the grille that look like the knobs on a dresser drawer. The S-class-based coupes have always drawn envious stares from men old enough to remember when personal luxury denoted two-doors with names like Toronado and Eldorado, but this Benz’s new styling had strangers of all ages eyeing it.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI

We couldn’t stop staring at the leather-lined interior. Most cabin pieces are shared with the S-class sedan, but the coupe receives a unique upper instrument panel. It’s a more playful design, as if Italians had been asked to redo the S-class’s interior. Our test car arrived with the optional Designo package ($3250) that wraps even more surfaces in leather. Add the Premium package’s massaging front seats and the Warmth and Comfort bundle’s heated seats, steering wheel, and armrests and you won’t want to get out. You’re putty in the S550 coupe. Just sit back and melt into the heat while the $6400 Burmester audio system plays whale sounds. Driving? You should probably park if you’re that relaxed, but the $2800 Driver Assistance gadgets mean the S550 coupe can practically drive itself. Back-seat riders might want to get out, though. There’s adequate space for two adults back there, but rear legroom is limited despite a long 115.9-inch wheelbase.

Personal luxury is just that—it’s personal. And, to that end, the S550 is a sublime car for the solo pilot. The structure is made up of welded stampings, just like other cars’, but the silence and solidity suggests forging. Not much disturbs the cabin. Wind noise is eerily absent. A slight hum from the wide tires is the only audible indication of motion. Only under extreme use does the 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 raise its voice. Even then, it emits only a 79-decibel snarl.

View Photos MICHAEL SIMARI

Not much upsets the serenity, even if you begin treating the 4761-pound Benz like a Mazda Miata. Cornering grip is good for something this large, at 0.92 g, and the handling is secure. The steering doesn’t serve up sports-car feel, but it is accurate even at triple-digit speeds. Acceleration is strong, but there is slight delay before the wick lights the 449-hp charge. Sprints to 60 mph take 4.5 seconds, four-tenths quicker than the rear-wheel-drive S550 sedan. Standard four-wheel drive makes for repeatable runs. Top speed is governed at 130 mph for U.S. versions, despite the Y-rated Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.

Mercedes-Benz certainly charges full price for its personal-luxury experience. Prices start at $120,825, but our test car cost $149,575. We’d suggest avoiding some of the more expensive options on our example, but if you can afford this car in the first place, we wouldn’t dream of denying you of your personal luxury.

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