The Mercedes-Benz S65 Amg stands as a testament to automotive excellence, representing the zenith of power and opulence in the luxury sedan segment. Boasting a handcrafted V12 biturbo engine, cutting-edge technology, and an exquisitely crafted interior, the S65 AMG delivers an unparalleled driving experience. This high-performance flagship sets new benchmarks, combining breathtaking dynamism with the serene comfort expected from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
At the heart of the Benz S65 AMG lies the formidable AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine. This powerhouse delivers a staggering 621 horsepower (463 kW) and an immense 738 lb-ft of torque. These figures catapult the S65 AMG into a league of its own, outperforming every competitor in its class. The sheer force of this engine translates to breathtaking performance, launching the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.2 seconds (estimated). The electronically limited top speed of 155 mph only hints at the true potential lurking beneath the hood. The V12 engine’s strengths are not just limited to raw power; it offers effortless acceleration across the entire speed range, coupled with the refined smoothness and distinctive V12 growl that AMG enthusiasts cherish. The Benz S65 AMG is the epitome of superior and stylish performance, seamlessly blending power with poise.
Alt text: Close-up of the handcrafted AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine in the Benz S65 AMG, showcasing the carbon fiber engine cover and AMG badge.
The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine is a marvel of engineering, packed with technical highlights that contribute to its exceptional performance:
- Biturbocharging: Twin turbochargers ensure immediate and forceful power delivery.
- Aluminum Crankcase: Reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity.
- Forged Crankshaft: Crafted from high-grade alloy steel for ultimate strength and durability.
- Multi-spark Ignition: Features 12 twin-spark ignition units for optimized combustion and efficiency.
- Air-to-Water Intercooler: With a low-temperature circuit to keep intake air cool and maximize performance.
- Alternator Management: Intelligent energy management for increased efficiency.
- ECO Start/Stop Function: Enhances fuel economy in urban driving situations.
Opening the hood of the Benz S65 AMG reveals an exclusive carbon fiber and aluminum engine cover, a clear indication of the engine’s special status. Two prominent AMG logos flank a centrally positioned Mercedes star, making a bold statement of performance pedigree. Each V12 engine is meticulously hand-assembled at AMG’s dedicated engine production facility, adhering to the rigorous “one man, one engine” philosophy. This hallmark ensures unparalleled precision and production quality, symbolized by the AMG engine badge bearing the signature of the technician who crafted it – an unmistakable testament to the Benz S65 AMG’s exceptional DNA.
Alt text: The engine bay of the Benz S65 AMG, highlighting the exclusive carbon fiber engine cover with AMG branding and Mercedes-Benz star.
The Benz S65 AMG channels its immense power through the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission. This advanced seven-speed automatic transmission replaces the five-speed unit found in its predecessor, offering a wider gear ratio spread for enhanced efficiency and responsiveness. The 7G-TRONIC contributes to lower engine speeds, reducing fuel consumption while ensuring brisk acceleration when needed. Further efficiency gains come from reduced-friction bearings and sophisticated transmission oil heat management.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC offers three distinct driving programs, selectable via a button on the center console: Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S), and Manual (M). Sport and Manual modes prioritize dynamic driving, delivering rapid gear changes with a brief, precise interruption of ignition and injection during upshifts under full load. This results in quicker shift times and a more emotionally engaging, sporty sound. The ECO start/stop function is automatically activated in “C” mode, further enhancing fuel efficiency in everyday driving.
Alt text: Close-up view of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC transmission system in the Benz S65 AMG, emphasizing its advanced technology.
In a pursuit of lightweight performance, the Benz S65 AMG adopts a lithium-ion battery, mirroring the S63 AMG. This innovative technology provides significant advantages over conventional batteries. With a 78 Ah capacity, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter and backup batteries, resulting in a weight reduction of over 44 pounds. This weight saving contributes to improved agility and fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the high-performance battery is resilient to cold temperatures and boasts a compact design. The S63 AMG and S65 AMG models are pioneering vehicles, being among the first volume-produced cars to feature such an advanced battery system.
The Benz S65 AMG elevates ride comfort and handling to new heights with the standard AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL. This groundbreaking suspension system is paired with ROAD SURFACE SCAN, utilizing a stereo camera to anticipate road undulations. MAGIC BODY CONTROL proactively adjusts the suspension to pre-emptively counteract bumps and dips, providing an incredibly smooth and composed ride. Drivers can select between “Comfort” and “Sport” modes to tailor the suspension feel to their preference. While AMG-specific elastokinematics on the front and rear axles enhance responsiveness for dynamic driving, MAGIC BODY CONTROL ensures the legendary Mercedes-Benz long-distance comfort is always present.
Alt text: Illustration of the Benz S65 AMG’s MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system, highlighting its ability to read the road surface and adjust accordingly.
Complementing the advanced suspension is ESP® Dynamic Cornering Assist, standard on the S65 AMG. This system applies targeted braking to the inside rear wheel during cornering, creating a torque vectoring effect that enhances agility and cornering precision, mitigating understeer during spirited driving.
The electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio further refines the handling dynamics of the Benz S65 AMG. This system provides optimal steering assistance at all speeds, enhancing maneuverability and agility while maintaining stability at high speeds. In “Comfort” mode, the steering is lighter and more assisted, while “Sport” mode delivers a firmer, more direct steering feel, providing enhanced feedback and precision.
The Benz S65 AMG rides on exclusive AMG forged light-alloy wheels, a testament to systematic lightweight construction. These wheels reduce unsprung mass, improving handling and suspension response. The standard specification features AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, ceramic, high-gloss polished, in 20-inch size.
Alt text: Close-up of the AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels on the Benz S65 AMG, showcasing the intricate design and ceramic polished finish.
These multi-spoke wheels are a modern interpretation of classic spoked wheels from the 1930s, reminiscent of iconic Mercedes-Benz models like the 540 K. The forged wheels feature 16 intricately twisted spokes that radiate from the center hub, creating an impression of even greater size. A refined detail is the screw-in, fully integrated wheel bolt cover crafted from forged metal, resembling a motorsport-inspired center lock. This design also provides an unobstructed view of the AMG high-performance braking system.
An optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system is available, offering even shorter stopping distances and enhanced fade resistance. This system is over 20 percent lighter than the standard brakes, further reducing unsprung mass and improving driving dynamics, agility, and ride comfort. The ceramic brakes also boast a longer service life, enhanced corrosion resistance, and superior thermal stability. Identifiable by their bronze-painted calipers and “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo, the system features substantial 16.5-inch (420 millimeters) front brake discs.
The design of the Benz S65 AMG masterfully blends sensual Mercedes-Benz clarity with expressive AMG dynamism. The stately and luxurious S-Class architecture is enhanced with powerful and exclusive AMG elements, creating a self-assured and prestigious presence. The upright, three-dimensional V12 radiator grille with six twin lamellas in high-gloss chrome immediately signals the car’s exceptional status. This is contrasted by the assertive front apron with three large cooling air intakes, incorporating the AMG-typical stylized “A” to emphasize the S65 AMG’s powerful exclusivity.
Alt text: Front view of the Benz S65 AMG, highlighting the V12 radiator grille, AMG-styled front apron, and chrome accents that define its powerful and luxurious design.
High-gloss chrome accents are strategically used throughout the exterior, particularly effective against darker paint colors, highlighting the lower bumper grilles and flics on the side air intakes. The three-dimensional front splitter in high-gloss chrome not only adds to the visual appeal but also increases downforce on the front axle, while the gap above it ensures efficient airflow to the engine oil cooler. Further chrome accents adorn the side sill panels and the high-gloss black rear diffuser insert. For those preferring a more understated aesthetic, high-gloss black grilles and flics are available as an option. Exclusive “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the front wings and a modern “S65 AMG” model badge on the trunk lid further distinguish this flagship model. The AMG sports exhaust system with its dual chrome-plated twin tailpipes provides a captivating visual and auditory signature.
Inside the Benz S65 AMG, exclusivity and luxury meet emphatically sporty design. The cabin is a sanctuary of exquisite materials and exceptional craftsmanship. Exclusive nappa leather upholstery with a unique diamond-pattern seat layout defines the interior ambiance. The meticulously delineated perforations in the leather are designed to avoid contrasting topstitching, resulting in flawlessly neat seams and an unparalleled impression of quality. The Exclusive package includes a nappa leather roof liner (unique to V12 models), a leather-lined dashboard, diamond-pattern door center panels, leather-clad roof grab handles, additional wood trim, and illuminated AMG stainless-steel door sill panels. A range of sophisticated color combinations are available, including black, silk beige/espresso brown, nut brown/black, porcelain/black, and crystal grey/seashell grey.
Alt text: Interior of the Benz S65 AMG, showcasing the exclusive nappa leather upholstery with diamond-pattern stitching, AMG sports seats, and luxurious cabin appointments.
AMG sports seats, exclusively developed for the S65 AMG, provide exceptional long-distance comfort. Electric adjustment, memory function, seat heating, and active ventilation are standard. Enhanced lateral support during spirited cornering is provided by newly contoured seat cushions and backrests. High-quality AMG badges are embossed on all four seat backrests, with further AMG emblems on the front and rear center consoles (for individual rear seats) and seat back trim.
The 2-spoke AMG sports steering wheel offers perfect vehicle control, featuring a nappa leather-covered rim with perforated leather in the grip area and AMG lettering on the insert. Aluminum shift paddles allow for manual gear selection. An exclusive IWC-design analogue clock, positioned between the air vents, adds a touch of horological elegance. High-grade chrome-plated door pins with AMG logos complete the refined interior.
The AMG instrument cluster, displayed on a high-resolution TFT color screen, features two animated round dials. AMG-specific lettering, red/silver needles, an AMG logo in the speedometer (with a 220 mph scale), and “V12 BITURBO” lettering in the rev counter create a distinctive AMG look. An animated AMG start-up display adds a dynamic touch. The AMG main menu displays a digital speedometer and gear indicator. In “M” mode, an upshift prompt appears near the rev limit. Additional dials display engine and transmission oil temperatures when “Warm up” is selected from the AMG menu. “Set Up” displays transmission and suspension modes, as well as ESP® status, visually represented by an animated S65 AMG on the TFT display.
Two groundbreaking innovations debut in the Benz S65 AMG: the head-up display and the touchpad. The head-up display projects crucial information, such as vehicle speed, navigation directions, and DISTRONIC PLUS data, onto the windscreen, appearing to float above the hood in the driver’s field of view. This allows drivers to stay informed without taking their eyes off the road. The display also shows digital speed, engine speed, and selected gear. In manual mode, a colored upshift bar and gear recommendations are also projected. The display brightness automatically adjusts to ambient light, and drivers can customize the brightness and height settings.
Alt text: Driver’s perspective of the Benz S65 AMG head-up display projecting navigation and speed information onto the windshield for enhanced safety and convenience.
The innovative Mercedes-Benz touchpad revolutionizes infotainment system control. Located in the handrest, the touchpad allows intuitive operation of radio, telephone, and navigation functions, recognizing one- and two-finger gestures, swipe and zoom motions, and handwriting input for letters, numbers, and special characters in all COMAND languages. The touchpad is crafted with high-quality surfaces in high-gloss black and silver shadow. Three touch-sensitive keys behind the touch surface provide direct access to back function, favorites menu, and audio quick menu. Haptic feedback confirms inputs, and a hand resting recognition feature prevents accidental commands. Drivers can choose between touchpad, COMAND controller, and Voice Control for infotainment operation.
Standard equipment on the Benz S65 AMG is extensive and includes features like the AIR-BALANCE package, Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system, Driver Assistance package, Drive-Dynamic Seats with Massage including Hot Stone Massage Programs, and much more, ensuring a supremely luxurious and comfortable experience. Numerous personalization options from the AMG Performance Studio, such as AMG Exterior Carbon fiber package, AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system, and AMG trim in carbon fiber/black piano lacquer, allow owners to further tailor their S65 AMG to their individual tastes.
The Benz S65 AMG also sets new standards in safety with Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive systems. Building upon PRE-SAFE® and DISTRONIC PLUS, Intelligent Drive represents a new dimension in driving, seamlessly merging comfort and safety. Features like Rear PRE-SAFE® package and Night View Assist Plus further enhance occupant protection and driver awareness.
The Benz S65 AMG, available exclusively in a long-wheelbase configuration, made its world premiere at both the Los Angeles International Auto Show and the Tokyo Motor Show in November and December 2013, respectively. The vehicle launched in the U.S. market in the second quarter of 2014, bringing its unparalleled blend of V12 power, handcrafted luxury, and cutting-edge technology to discerning customers.
