Mercedes S65 AMG

J-C Etter

11 years ago

Mercedes launches at the Tokyo autoshow its new flagship: the third generation of the S65 AMG, .

Mercedes stresses the fact that it is the only – understand last – german brand to offer a high performance V12 in its model range. The horsepower junkies in Affalterbach must probably think that the BMW 760 Li and Audi A8L W12 are too tame to qualify as performance vehicles. The new S Class (type W222) is treated to a new Euro 6 emissions compliant twin turbo V12. The transmission is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC gearbox, a more modern unit than the 5 gear system which was entrusted in the S65 AMG mkII with the mission to channel massive torque to the rear wheels. The middle gears can therefore be kept closely spaced while taller upper gears improve gas mileage.

Technical specs are:

Displacement: 5980 cm3
Power output: 630 hp at 4800 – 5400 rpm
Torque: 1000 hp at 2300 – 4300 rpm
Gas mileage: 11.9 l/100 km (NEDC normalized)
CO2 Emissions: 279 g/km
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.3 s
Top speed: 250 km/h
Front tires: 255/40 R 20 on 8.5 x 20 forged rims
Rear tires: 285/35 R 20 on 9.5 x 20 forged rims

As with the S63 AMG, the S65 AMG is equipped with a 12V 78Ah Lithium Ion battery, allowing a 20kg weight saving in comparison with a conventional lead-acid battery. The chassis receives the innovations of the new S Class, including the MAGIC BODY CONTROL and the twin camera based ROAD SURFACE SCAN system which adapts damping rates to the road ahead. Forged 20in rims echo the design of the 540K from the 1930s.

In addition to a specific cosmetic treatment of the interior, the S65 AMG is equipped with a 21x7cm head-up display and a 6.5×4.5 cm touchpad. The latter allows to control all of the infotainment functions. It recognizes one and two finger gestures, including swipes, pinch and zoom which are now ubiquitous in tactile interfaces. A Burmeister 3D surround sound is also part of standard equipment.

Base price is set at 232’050€ in Germany, VAT included.