The 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is now official! The S 65 AMG is the top of the range V12 S-Class model and it features just as much technical innovation as the rest of the range. It will go on public display simultaneously at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and at the Tokyo Motor Show. The S 65 AMG is now in its third generation and stronger than ever before!
At the heart of the package is Affalterbach’s hand assembled 6.0 litre V12 powerplant with its carbon-fibre cover. It features a twin-turbocharging, an aluminium crankcase, a forged crankshaft, a multi-spark ignition and a stop-start feature. For this latest generation, it produces 630 hp and 1,000 newton metres of torque.
The power is transferred to the tarmac via an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox rather than the 5-speed version that featured in the outgoing model. It gets three individual driving programs, which can be selected at the press of a button in the centre console; Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). M and S modes offer optimised performance while C mode features optimal efficiency.
0 to 100 km/h takes just 4.3 seconds with an electronically limited 250 km/h. Fuel economy is greatly improved with 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres now possible. Mercedes-Benz also announced that the S 65 AMG is now compliant with the EU 6 exhaust emissions standard, a standard that does not officially come into force until 2015.
AMG sports suspension based on Magic Body Control comes as standard with Road Surface Scan, the world’s first suspension with eyes. We have experienced this before on both the S 500 and S 63 AMG models. The Road Surface Scan uses radar to scan the road surface, detecting bumps, potholes, surface changes and general road surface imperfections. This information is fed back to the Magic Body Control unit which then adapts the suspension to smooth and optimise the ride. For the S 65 AMG, this is further refined to provide the best blend of comfort and dynamics.
To further aid handling, ESP systems are refined to ensure agility at high speed and eliminate understeer. AMG configure a unique Electromechanical, speed-sensitive steering rack with variable steering ratio which adjusts according to the gearbox setting.
The Lithium-ion battery helps reduces weight by over 20 kilograms. With a capacity of 78 Ah, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery. Along with the S 63 AMG, the Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is the world’s first volume-produced vehicle to use such a battery.
Multi-spoke forged wheels are available for the Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG. The design harks back to legendary Mercedes-Benz models of the 1930’s. The design and build reduces weight while increasing strength, to create the look, AMG subjects each wheel to a two-stage polishing process. The standard wheels are 16-spoke ceramic, high-gloss polished units measuring 8.5 x 20 inches at the front and 9.5 x 20 inches at the rear. To lock the wheels in place AMG developed a fully integrated screw-in wheel blot cover.
Alternatively, three other AMG forged wheels of the same size are optionally available including a 10-spoke design available in titanium grey and polished or painted in matt black.
The wheels cover high performance AMG ceramic composite brakes which are also available as an option. The front brake discs measure 420 millimetres in diameter and are instantly recognisable through their “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo an specially painted brake callipers.
The S 65 AMG look is achieved through the application of a number of changes over the standard S-Class look. Most will notice the high-gloss chrome, exclusive to the V12 model. The front splitter is finished in the same high-gloss chrome and a larger gap above the front splitter ensures a more effective flow of air to the separate engine oil cooler behind it. The inserts in the side sill panels and the trim of the high-gloss black rear diffuser insert are also finished in chrome. Optionally, these parts can be finished in high-gloss black.
To identify the model, the V12 Biturbo badge is applied to the wing and the S 65 AMG model adorns the boot lid. Both are redesigned in new, modern typography. The quad AMG tailpipes finish off the detailing.
Inside it is business as you would expect. The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG features exclusive nappa leather withe diamond pattern design seat upholstery. An Exclusive package includes a nappa leather roof liner, leather-lined dashboard, door centre panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, additional wood trim and AMG stainless-steel door sill panels illuminated in white. A variety of colours are available.
As with the S 63 AMG, the Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG gets AMG sports seats with electric adjustment, memory function, seat heating and climate control. AMG fit a 2-spoke sports steering wheel covered with nappa and perforated leather. The shift paddles are finished in Aluminium and a high-quality IWC analogue clock takes centre stage in the dashboard.
The AMG instrument cluster gets two animated round dials on a high-resolution TFT colour display. The car features a head-up display which projects information including vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation information, traffic signs and gearbox information onto the windscreen. The S 65 AMG features a touchpad which can be controlled by one and two finger gestures, swipe gestures, zoom gestures as well as handwriting.
Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG deliveries will start in March 2014 with the German recommended retail price set at 232,050 Euros inclusive of VAT (at 19%). If you want to see it now we recommend heading to the Los Angeles International Auto Show or the Tokyo Motor Show between the 20 November to 1 December 2013. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to test it soon!
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