All-New 2015 Mercedes S 65 AMG Packs 621HP V12, Starts from €232,050 in Germany [w/Video]

This is it, the most powerful series production Mercedes-Benz S-Class ever: with 621hp (630PS) and 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque available from as low as 2,300 rpm, the new S 65 AMG combines raw power with refinement and luxury.

Thanks to its AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine, the S 65 AMG sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The acceleration time is improved by 0.1 seconds over the previous generation S 65 AMG, thanks to the slightly increased output (+9hp).

That’s pretty impressive for a sedan that tips the scales at above 2 tons (4,409lbs), and fuel economy is not as poor as one would expect: the S 65 AMG averages 11.9 l/100 km (19.8 mph US) – 2.4 l/100 km less than the previous model. That is mainly due to the fact that the EU 6-compliant engine gets a new 7-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox with a wide ratio spread that guarantees a noticeably lower engine speed level than the previous AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, the S 65 AMG is fitted as standard with an Eco start/stop function.

Visually, the 2014 Mercedes S 65 AMG plays the same understated card as the S 63 AMG and sports the same bodykit. However, it is a little more blingy thanks to the high-gloss chrome splitter, grilles and air deflectors on the side air intakes, and the dedicated V12 radiator grille with six twin louvres in high-gloss chrome. Also in high-gloss chrome are the inserts in the side sill panels and the trim of the high-gloss black rear diffuser insert. The AMG sports exhaust system with its two chrome-plated, separate twin tailpipes and the “V12 BITURBO” lettering on the front fenders round out the exterior modifications.

Naturally, as the most expensive Mercedes S-Class model (it starts from €232,050 in Germany), the S 65 AMG features everything the brand has to offer in terms of technology and luxury, including Magic Body Control with Road Surface Scan, the head-up display and the touchpad, which makes it easier to operate radio, telephone and navigation system. However, Mercedes-Benz will charge extra for AMG ceramic brakes.

Available exclusively with a long wheelbase, the new S 65 AMG will premiere simultaneously at the Los Angeles International Auto Show and at the Tokyo Motor Show later this month. Deliveries will begin in March 2014.

By Dan Mihalascu

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