The S65 AMG is the only high-performance 12-cylinder automobile from a German premium manufacturer – and it’s a car with a pedigree: the first generation of the S65 AMG was launched in 2005, with the second generation being produced from 2006 until 2013.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: “Soon after the successful launch of the S63 AMG, we are unveiling the new S65 AMG. Supreme exclusivity and incomparable dynamism provide the guarantee of a high fascination potential. With the third generation of the S65 AMG, we offer our loyal and discerning V12 customers a unique high-performance automobile.”
The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine delivers 621 hp with a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft – figures that enable the S65 AMG to outperform all other vehicles in its segment. This superiority is highlighted by the car’s performance: the S65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (electronically limited). The strengths of the 12-cylinder biturbo engine from Mercedes-AMG include its effortless acceleration in all speed ranges as well as its refined operation with the distinctive V12 sound typical of AMG. In short: the S65 AMG impresses with its superior and stylish performance.
Opening the hood reveals the exclusive carbon fiber/aluminium engine cover, which is a further sign of the exceptional status of the AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine. Two AMG logos on left and right together with a centrally positioned Mercedes star create a lasting impression. The 12-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at AMG’s engine production facility in compliance with the most rigorous quality standards according to the philosophy “one man, one engine”. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative precision and production quality, the AMG engine badge bearing the engine technician’s signature underneath the Mercedes star offers unmistakable proof of the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance brand.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC
As before in the SL65 AMG high-performance roadster, AMG combines the 6.0- liter V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Unlike in the direct predecessor of the S65 AMG, which featured an AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission, the seven-speed automatic transmission with its wide ratio spread guarantees a noticeably lower engine speed level. This makes a key contribution to reducing the vehicle’s fuel consumption. The efficiency of the power train is further significantly improved by reduced-friction bearings and transmission oil heat management.
AMG sports suspension
The S65 AMG features as standard the AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL. The new S-Class is the first car in the world able to recognize road surface undulations in advance. If ROAD SURFACE SCAN detects such undulations with the help of the stereo camera, MAGIC BODY CONTROL adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation. The “Comfort” and “Sport” modes are available for a driver-defined suspension setup. While AMG-specific elastokinematics on the 4-link front axle and multilink independent rear suspension make for greater directness when a dynamic driving style is adopted, the AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL ensures the legendary Mercedes long-distance comfort.
The S65 AMG is equipped as standard with ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist. Targeted braking intervention at the inside rear wheel provides torque vectoring resulting in defined cornering of the vehicle and ensuring greater agility when taking corners at high speed. This technology helps to mitigate irritating understeer when turning into corners.
AMG light-alloy wheels
The S65 AMG is available exclusively with AMG forged light-alloy wheels. This design reduces weight while increasing strength. The result is lower unsprung masses, giving advantages in terms of handling and spring/damper element response. In the standard specification, the S65 AMG is fitted with AMG multispoke light-alloy wheels, ceramic, high-gloss polished – front: 8.5 x 20, rear: 9.5 x 20, tyre sizes 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20.
The multi-spoke light-alloy wheels can be considered a reinterpretation of the traditional spoked wheels from the 1930s – such as the ones used in the legendary 540 K Mercedes dream car. The exclusive forged wheels on the S65 AMG fascinate through their exceptional design: each of the 16 spokes is twisted, which causes the light-catching contours to radiate to the center of the wheel hub. The effect: the wheel gives the impression of being even bigger. An additional high-grade detail is the screw-in, fully integrated wheel bolt cover of forged metal. Its shape is reminiscent of a center lock as seen in motorsport. The design also allows an unobscured view of the AMG high performance braking system.
Alternatively, three other AMG forged wheels and 1 cast wheel of the same size are optionally available. The 10-spoke design is available painted in titanium grey and polished or painted in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange – and likewise features a screw-in, fully integrated wheel bolt cover of forged metal. Alternatively, AMG forged wheels in a 5-twin-spoke design painted in titanium grey with a high-sheen finish and a black wheel bolt cover or AMG 5-spoke wheels with grey inserts are available.
AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system
Extremely short stopping distances and rapid deceleration are a given for any AMG high-performance car. And the S65 AMG is no exception as it is equipped with a weight-optimized AMG high-performance composite construction braking system. An AMG ceramic high-performance composite construction braking system is also available as an option. The more than 20 percent lighter design ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. In addition, the system has a longer service life, is more resistant to corrosion and has higher thermal stability. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system has front brake discs with a diameter of 16.5 inche and is recognizable by the “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo on the specially bronze painted brake callipers.
Design
The S65 AMG shows off its exceptional status not just with regard to its technology, but also in terms of design. The sensual clarity typical of Mercedes- Benz, with its classic architecture and flowing profile, is combined with expressive elements typical of AMG. Luxurious and stately, powerful and exclusive, dynamic and prestigious – the S65 AMG is a true eye-catcher with a self-assured presence. The large, upright and distinctly three-dimensional V12 radiator grille with its six twin lamellas in high-gloss chrome underlines the car’s special status. An exciting contrast to this is provided by the front apron with its three large cooling air intakes. The front section sports the AMGtypical, stylized “A” to emphasise the powerful exclusivity of the S65 AMG.
Exciting equipment and appointments together with supreme quality in the interior
Exclusivity and luxury, combined with emphatically sporty design elements – the interior of the S65 AMG fascinates through its exceptional feel, highestgrade materials and exquisite quality. The defining features are the upholstery in exclusive nappa leather with seat upholstery layout in an exclusive diamondpattern design. The delineated perforations in the leather upholstery of the AMG sports seats are a special highlight: there are intentionally no perforations in the nappa leather wherever there is contrasting topstitching. The result is extraordinarily neat seams and an unrivalled impression of quality. Other features of the Exclusive package include the nappa leather roof liner (exclusive to the twelve cylinder models), leather-lined dashboard, door center panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, additional wood trim and AMG stainless-steel door sill panels illuminated in white. Customers are able to choose between black, silk beige/espresso brown, nut brown/black, porcelain/black and crystal grey/seashell grey.
AMG instrument cluster with animated round dials
The AMG instrument cluster with two animated round dials appears on the high-resolution TFT colour display. In addition to the AMG-specific lettering and the needles in red/silver, the typical AMG look includes the AMG logo in the speedometer with 220 mph scale (left) and the “V12 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter (right). An animated AMG start-up display is shown on the right-hand display. The AMG main menu has a digital speedometer and a permanent gear display in the upper section. In transmission mode “M”, the driver is also prompted to perform an upshift shortly before the rpm limit is reached. Two additional round dials provide information on the engine oil and transmission oil temperatures when the driver selects “Warm up” from the AMG menu. “Set Up” displays the transmission and suspension mode as well as the activated ESP® mode. Visual feedback is by means of an animated S65 AMG on the TFT display between speedometer and rev counter.
Head-up display for enhanced comfort and safety
Two new innovations make their debut in the S65 AMG: the head-up display and the touchpad. The head-up display projects important information such as vehicle speed navigation information and information from DISTRONIC PLUS onto the windscreen. The virtual colour display of size 8’’ x 3’’ appears to float on the hood at a distance of about two metres from the driver. This means that the head-up display is perfectly positioned in the driver’s field of view. He or she is able to take in relevant information without having to look away from what is happening on the road ahead. In addition, the display shows the digital speed, engine speed and currently selected gear. In manual transmission mode, a colored upshift bar and the possible gears for a manual gear change are projected onto the windscreen.
Innovative touchpad for significantly easier operation
The new, innovative Mercedes-Benz touchpad makes it significantly easier to operate radio, telephone and navigation system. Unlike in conventional systems, the touchpad makes it possible to operate all infotainment functions.
The input area is approximately 2.6’’ x 1.8’’ in size and is integrated into the handrest with a cover for the keypad. The touchpad can be controlled in the same way as a smartphone or tablet PC: it can recognize one- and two-finger gestures, swipe gestures and zoom gestures through intuitive widening and narrowing of the fingers. It is also possible to enter letters, numbers and special characters using handwriting. Every language available in COMAND is possible. The touchpad is designed with high-quality surfaces in high-gloss black and silver shadow.
World premiere in November, market launch in 2014
Like the previous model, the new S65 AMG is available exclusively with a long wheelbase. The AMG V12 sedan will celebrate its double world premiere simultaneously at the Los Angeles International Auto Show on November 20, 2013, and at the Tokyo Motor Show on December 1, 2013. The vehicle will go on-sale in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2014. Pricing will be announced closer to the launch.
