There are plenty of studies out there that show how the middle class being eroded as more wealth becomes concentrated at the very top of the income distribution. So what exactly does that ultra-rich minority do with that every increasing stack of money?

There’s just so much choice when it comes to expensive cars these days. You don’t just have to get a Rolls-Royce or Bentley anymore.

The recently unveiled $500,000 Maybach Pullman limo is just the latest attempt by Mercedes to cater to the desires of the world’s ultra rich. Put in that context, the $147,500 Mercedes-Benz S550 coupe is just a toy for the weekend — something different to drive up to the Club.

Walkaround: 7.8/10

Mercedes has some very strange-looking cars on the market: the compact CLA sedan and GLA SUV, for example. They’re either behind the curve, or ahead of it. We can’t quite tell.

The S-Class coupe, however, is absolutely beautiful. Along with the AMG GT, it is the best looking car in the brand’s lineup. The S550’s sheer size gives it presence on the road, but the design doesn’t shout. It doesn’t need to. It’s mature, restrained.

Interior: 7.2/10

The greenhouse is huge, thanks to the lack of B-pillar. The result is a cabin which feels feel open and airy. However, the high-tech seats are so large, the car isn’t actually as spacious as we would’ve imagined looking at it from the outside. There is however so much adjustment in the million-way electric seats (which multiple massage and heating functions) that it’s easy to find a good driving position.

Technology: 6.8/10

The S550 is very similar to the S-Class sedan on the tech front, meaning it’s pretty much a supercomputer on wheels. The all-digital instruments reside beside a widescreen infotainment display that’s larger than some laptop screens.

If there’s one complaint about the S-Class it’s that the technology is almost too much. There are so many sub-sub-sub-menus that it’s dizzying, not to mention distracting. A simple act like turning on the seat heaters offers so many options for customization it’s wise to pull over while you configure your chair. This is not particularly practical tech.

Driving: 7.1/10

It may cost $150,000 but the S550 is just the base model. Its twin-turbo V8 puts out 449 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Going from 0-100 km/h happens in a relaxing 4.6 seconds. Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system is standard.

There’s little pretense of sportiness here. The controls feel remote and in this case, that’s just fine. At 4,600 lbs this coupe is a natural born cruiser: equally at home on the highway as it is in downtown traffic. It’s a car you pilot rather than drive.

For that reason, we’d say this is the most “Mercedes” Mercedes currently on sale. It gets back to the brand’s opulent, luxurious roots.

The two AMG models offer a choice of V8 or V12 engine, with 577 and 621 horsepower respectively. The V8 is actually faster to 100 km/h though.

Value: 7.6/10

The V8 AMG starts at $174,800, while the V12 is $259,900. Even in our $150,000 base-model S550 tester, fuel consumption is officially rated at a thirsty 14.4 L/100 km city and 9.8 highway. Like we said up front, Mercedes sees a strong market in the ultra-luxury segment.

Surely the Germans are hoping to lure buyers away from the Bentley Continental GT range, which starts at $234,000 for the V8 model. Compared to it, the S550 seems like incredibly good value.

Neither Audi nor BMW have models that truly compete in this segment. The M6 comes close at $124,900 but it’s a much sportier proposition than the Benz. So too is the $172,000 Porsche 911 Turbo.

Conclusion

Seeing as the S550 stands alone in its particular automotive niche, there’s little reason not to recommend it. As a luxurious weekend cruiser it is ideal, so long as you’re willing to either master or ignore its overwhelming array of menus and gadgets. Overall score: 7.3/10