The Mercedes-Benz S-class is the segment’s benchmark and a paragon of luxury, comfort, and style. But the S-class has a dark side, one unleashed by Mercedes’ AMG skunkworks. At the head of that department sits Tobias Moers, and it’s not difficult to picture him overseeing work on the brand’s engines while shouting, “Unlimited power!” like sort of a less wrinkly, German Darth Sidious. As to whether lightning actually shoots from his fingertips, we’re not sure, but his team has just delivered the 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG, with a 621-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12. Think of the car as Darth Vader to the S550’s Anakin Skywalker.
The V-12 actually carries over virtually unchanged from that of the previous-generation S65, but it’s still strong enough to top the likes ofAudi’s S8, BMW’s 760, or even Bentley’s Flying Spur. But even more impressive than its power is the engine’s torque, which checks in at 738 lb-ft. Thrust is transmitted to the rear wheels via AMG’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, which replaces the outfit’s seven-speed torque-converter automatic. This change should drastically improve shift-response times.
The awesome, all-aluminum M275 engine propels the S65 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at 155 mph, although that can be raised to 186 mph as an option; without electronic inhibitors, we’re told that the S65 would top out at around 200 mph. While Benz actually claims a 0-to-60-mph time a tenth slower than the V-8–powered S63 AMG, the S65 is said to treat drivers to a truly exclusive driving experience.
Distinctions between the pair of AMG S-classes may be difficult for onlookers to spot. The S65 gains the V-12–specific double-bladed grille, which also will be added to the due-in-Detroit S600; the lower air intakes are covered in bright mesh and surrounded by chrome canards; there are chrome strips in the door sills; and the rectangular quad exhaust finishers are encased in chrome housing and are connected by a chrome bright strip. That’s the extent of differentiation between the two models. The interior goes unchanged, which is fine—it would be difficult to make it any more sumptuous and luxurious. The S65 does debut a new touchpad and a head-up display—which we sampled in the forthcoming C-class—that will become available on lesser S-classes.
Unlike the S63, the range-topper is fitted with the road-sensing Magic Body Control. That’s because the S65 is a rear-driver, and the all-wheel-drive architecture of the U.S.-bound S63 doesn’t allow for the Active Body Control suspension, which is required for Magic Body Control. We’ve found this system to create an exceptionally smooth driving experience, although it doesn’t necessarily recognize every bump and dip. The suspension offers Comfort and Sport modes, which also affect the required effort of the electromechanical power steering. The S65 rolls on forged, center-lock 20-inch aluminum wheels, wrapped in 255/40-front and 285/35-rear rubber. Sixteen-and-a-half-inch carbon-ceramic brakes are optional. A lighter lithium-ion battery is used to power the vehicle’s multifarious electric systems.
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG makes its in-the-metal debut at the Los Angeles auto show later this month, but it won’t show up at dealers until the spring. The dark side of the S-class won’t come cheap, but it is awfully seductive.
via@CarandDriver