Japan has received yet another special-edition->ke2041 model. That’s nothing new, at least not when automakers like Mercedes-Benz->ke187 and BMW->ke178 continue to produce these exclusive models dedicated to its customers in the Land of the Rising Sun. This time, it’s Mercedes that has something new to offer for Japan. It’s called the S550 Premium Sports Edition.

I know what you’re thinking. Putting a "Premium" label on an S550 sounds a little redundant given the model’s identity as a luxury sedan.->ke505 However, the "Sports" part is a little refreshing, more so when you realize that parts from AMG->ke8 were used to dress up the S550.

A sporty looking, long-wheelbase S550? Sign us up, Mercedes! Unfortunately, that’s not happening unless we decide to relocate to Japan. But if you're already there, you’ve got a shot to buy one of just 200 S550 Premium Sports Edition models Mercedes is building. It’s going to cost you a lot, as pricing starts ¥18.1 million, which is about $169,330 as of 10/22/2014.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes S550 Premium Sports Edition.

Mercedes S550 Premium Sports Edition in detail

Once you’ve gotten past the shock of its astronomical price, the S550 Premium Sports Edition does have a number of stand-out attributes. For one, Mercedes is offering two exclusive colors for the limited-edition limousine: Obsidian Black or White Diamond. It also comes with an AMG Sport Package and a set of 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

It’s not the flashiest upgrade we’ve seen, but given the S550’s status as Mercedes’ flagship sedan, it’s better suited getting the tried-and-tested substance-over-style treatment.

The interior of the S550 Premium Sports Edition giver the word "refinement" a new meaning. As if the standard S550 doesn’t have a suave cabin on its own, the limited-edition model packs plenty of new additions, including Nappa leather seats, a Designo Ash wood trim, and a steering wheel that packs a sleek combination of leather and wood.

Mercedes also gave it a “Chauffer Package”, which basically sets up the S550 with Executive rear seating that includes heated seats and armrests, and a rear-seat entertainment system, among other goodies.

The only thing the S550 Premium Sports Edition lacks is an engine upgrade. But we're not holding that against Mercedes, especially when you consider that the S550 already packs an impressive 4.7-liter V-8 engine that's good for 455 horsepower and 700 Nm (516 pound-feet of torque). This mighty V-8 allows the limo to sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds.