Mercedes brings back the V-12 in its S65 AMG Coupe.
With its big V-12 putting out 621 horsepower and a raft of luxurious and high-tech features filling the cabin, Mercedes-Benz is out to redefine the concept of an automotive flagship as it rolls out the new S65 AMG Coupe.
It’s the latest variant of the S-Class line-up first introduced a year ago, and is clearly meant to shore up the Teutonic maker’s reputation as king of the premium luxury segment. The S-Class sedan launched a year ago has been handily outselling competitors such as the BMW 7-Series and Audi A8.
Mercedes added a new 2-door version earlier this year, renaming the CL the S-Class Coupe. Along with the “base” model it recently launched a new 8-cylinder AMG version, the S63 AMG. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG caps the line-up.
(Click Here to check out the 2015 Mercedes S63 AMG.)
It also shows that despite the increasing interest in downsized alternatives, there’s still demand for the classic, V-12 power once seen as essential to a flagship luxury car.
In this case, however, Mercedes pumps things up quite a bit thanks the help of twin turbocharger that deliver significant amounts of power and torque from bottom to top of the rev range. The 6.0-liter engine makes a solid 621 horsepower and an even more impressive 738 pound-feet of torque. That’s enough to launch it from 0 to 60 in just four seconds. The top speed is an electronically limited 186 mph.
The S65 is the third AMG model to go for a V-12, noted Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes’ AMG subsidiary
“There are AMG fans for whom our V12 biturbo engine is the measure of all things,” says Moers. “For this clientele we have developed a unique car in the form of the new S65 AMG Coupe. From driving dynamics to comfort and equipment – our new twelve-cylinder coupe surpasses even the highest of expectations.”
Along with the twin turbos, the new engine uses several technical tricks to maximize performance, including an air-to-water intercooler with a special low-temperature circuit, a multi-spark ignition system, and a forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel. The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG also adopts a Stop/Start system and alternator management to improve fuel economy, though the maker isn’t yet releasing mileage numbers.
A high-power lithium-ion battery replaces the conventional lead-acid design and also saves 44 pounds, Mercedes notes.
The new flagship adopts the Magic Body Control system first seen on the S-Class sedan line last year, which uses a camera to scan the road and automatically adapt to surface conditions, as well as driver input. Meanwhile, the S65 shares the new Tilt Curve function launched on the S63 AMG, which allows the vehicle to lean into a corner, much like a skier or motorcycle rider.
(Click Here for more on the new Mercedes Tilt Curve system.)
The new coupe also gets speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio to enhance the car’s behavior during aggressive driving.
Ceramic disk brakes are among the relatively few options available for the new S65 AMG Coupe.
From a design standpoint, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG shares key features with the S550 and S63, albeit with a few high-sheen chrome enhancements, such as tri-star on the grille, and the trim strip on the “A-wing.” Inside, the coupe is finished with what Mercedes boasts is its finest materials, including an exclusive version of Napa leather.
(Mercedes will build compact luxury models in Mexico alongside Infiniti. Click Here for the latest.)
The 2015 coupe also gets a full array of safety gear, including a 360-degree camera, and the maker’s radar-guided cruise control which also can spot pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as other vehicles, bringing the S65 AMG to a complete stop, even without driver intervention, if necessary.
The new 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG will start at just over $224,000.