The widely anticipated Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe has officially been unveiled. Affalterbach’s top of the range S-Class Coupe is a perfect blend of performance, engineering and cutting edge technology. It replaces the outgoing Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG which has formed part of the model range since 2003! The new version is sure to excite fans of the old car whilst also attracting a new audience.
The obvious draw of the new S 65 AMG Coupe is the engine. It is the fourth model in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue to come fitted with the legendary 6.0 litre V12 powerplant. The sedan S 65 AMG, roadster SL 65 AMG and the bonkers G 65 AMG all share the same engine. It is of course a fetled version of the 600-series engines offered in cars like the S 600. For the S 65 AMG coupe it produces 630 hp between 4,800-5,400 rpm and 1,000 Nm between 2,300-4,300 rpm.
The power makes possible a 0-100 km/h sprint of just 4.1 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. Efficiency is also impressive with a combined fuel economy figure of 11.9 litres per 100 kilometres and a 279 g/km CO2 rating. It is compliant with EU6 standard due to come into operation in September 2014. No mean feat for a heavy luxury V12 coupe!
Power is routed to the rear wheels via an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic gearbox. Unlike the S 63 AMG Coupe, the S 65 AMG Coupe is not being offered with four wheel drive. The transmission allows three main settings; Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M). All do as oyu would expect them to do with Controlled Efficiency using Stop Start to reduce down the petrol usage.
AMG’s unique suspension system has also been fetled for the S 65 AMG Coupe. It features a blend of Active Body Control (ABC), Road Surface Scan and curve tilting function to provide what is anticipated to be the best ride of the range. Cure tilting is interesting to note as it actually allows the car to lean into the corners, much like a skier or motorcyclist would.
The S 65 AMG Coupe gets a unique carbon fibre/aluminium engine cover and a 20 kg weight saving has been made by incorporating a 78 Ah lithium-ion battery to replace both the starter battery and the backup battery. The wheels are unique to the S 65 AMG Coupe and measure 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, with 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tyres. A standard AMG composite braking package is fitted to the car although for an extra cost, owners can spec a ceramic high-performance composite brake system.
In terms of style, the S 65 AMG Coupe gets high-sheen chrome at the front, sides and rear. A new three-dimensional front splitter reduces lift at the front axle while the performance potential is evident at the rear with chrome quad tailpipes. Inside, AMG shorts seats are lined with designo AMG Exclusive nappa leather together with the usual AMG refinements. A new steering wheel is fitted and many of the S-Class Coupe options come fitted as standard!
Prices for the Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupe start at €244,009.50 in Germany which includes the 19% VAT. Orders are now being taken and the market launch will take place in September.
