After the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet was unveiled at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show 2015 earlier this year, we knew it would only be a matter of time before the guys in Affalterbach presented us with a sportier version of the S-Class convertible. The Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet is now official and will feature the powerful 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine that we know from for instance the SL65 and G65 AMG models.
It’s a first for Mercedes-AMG to offer a V12 in an open-top car that seats a total of four people. The engine has a total power output of 463 kW (630hp) and 1000 Nm of torque, resulting in a spring of 4.1 seconds to a 100 km/h and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. It will additionally feature the sport suspension that is based on the manufacturer’s AIRMATIC system.
The luxury cabriolet’s transmission will feature three individual driving modes and the AMG Speedshift plus 7G-tronic transmission makes sure power is transmitted to the rear axle. The three individual driving modes comprise controlled efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M).
The fabric soft-top is available in the colours black, dark blue, beige and dark red and drivers will be able to open or close it while driving up to a speed of 50 km/h. The opening and closing time takes only 17 seconds. Exterior wise the boosted luxury convertible will feature the usual AMG trims and details, such as the V12 Biturbo signs on the sides, a lot of chrome and the characteristic double twin exhaust-tips that are characteristic for all AMG models.
Interior-wise we are greeted by many similar finishes that we’ve come to know from the S65 AMG and S65 AMG Coupe. The car will feature the designo nappa leather sport seats and of course the seat climatisation is a standard feature. Additionally for the convertible there is heating in the top of the seat called ‘AIRSCARF’ for when driving with the roof down. The soft top is finished in ‘DINAMICA’ microfibre and nappa leather lines finish the window frames and A-pilars.
What’s more is the lithium-ion battery that comes standard with the Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet, which besides saving over 20 kilograms in weight has several advantages over a conventional battery. There are several choices when it comes to the forged wheels, one of them being a design variant with a matte black finish. We can already imagine how great that is going to look on a white S65 Cabriolet.
Standing out on the option list is the ceramic high-performance composite brake system with optional red finished callipers. What comes standard on the convertible AMG are a legion of features including the driving assistance package plus (Distronic plus with steering assist and stop&go pilot, active blind spot assist, etc.), the Burmester 3D surround sound system which is hopefully the same that was recently unveiled at the 2017 E-Class design preview, 360° camera, keyless-go package and LED intelligent lighting.
Orders for the all-new Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet will be accepted from April 2016, launching the new V12 beast in the Mercedes-Benz line-up from May 2016 onwards.
meh…the interior looks nice though.