A new AMG-developed four-stage version of the Airmatic air suspension from the S-Class controls wheel motion on the E55 AMG. The Airmatic suspension uses sensors that monitor road conditions, driving style and cornering forces to ensure that the system always chooses the best air spring and shock absorber settings. The system can quickly switch between different suspension modes, and the driver can also select from four preset suspension response programs.

The new electronic braking system provides faster, more surefooted response, especially in emergencies. With electronic braking, the brake pedal works with an array of sensors, an electrically driven hydraulic pump, a high-pressure reservoir and a computer that tells four fast-acting valves exactly how hard to apply the brakes on each wheel.

Like all Mercedes-Benz cars, the E55 AMG uses ESP stability control to prevent skids and spins in poor weather driving. However, because the E55 AMG expands the performance envelope, Mercedes-Benz’s Electronic Stability Program is programmed specifically for the model: High power, handling grip, dynamics and braking performance all play a crucial role in its new programming.

The E55 immediately leaps forward with a burst of thrust that makes the factory's 0-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds feel a touch conservative.

Braking performance matches the E55's appetite for speed as stopping duties are tackled by massive 8-piston calipers/14.2-in. vented rotors up front and 4-piston calipers/13.0-in. rotors in back. This racing-derived hardware never fails to effortlessly slow the big sedan no matter what the speed or circumstance.