Merc’s magnificent V12

As before in the SL 65 AMG high-performance roadster, AMG combines the 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine with the AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-tronic, which has three individual driving programmes that can be selected at the press of a button in the centre console: controlled efficiency (C), sport (S) and manual (M).

Like the S 63 AMG, the S 65 AMG features a lithium-ion battery. This innovative technology offers numerous advantages over a conventional battery concept: with a capacity of 78Ah, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery – resulting in a weight saving of over 20kg.

The S 65 AMG features as standard the AMG sports suspension based on magic body control. The new S-Class is the first car in the world able to recognise road surface undulations in advance. If Road Surface Scan detects such undulations with the help of its stereo camera, magic body control adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation. The “Comfort” and “Sport” modes are available for a driver-defined suspension setup.

For the first time, the S 65 AMG is available exclusively with AMG forged light-alloy wheels. This design reduces weight while increasing strength. The result is lower unsprung masses: giving advantages in terms of handling and spring/damper element response.

The S 63 AMG is equipped with a weight-optimised AMG high-performance composite braking system. An AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system is also available. The more than 20% lighter design ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility and ride comfort. In addition, the system has a longer service life, is more resistant to corrosion and has higher thermal stability. The AMG ceramic high-performance composite braking system has front brake discs with a diameter of 420 millimetres and is recognisable by the “AMG carbon ceramic” logo on the specially painted brake callipers.

Inside the defining features are the upholstery in exclusive nappa leather, with seat upholstery layout in an exclusive diamond pattern design. The delineated perforations in the leather upholstery of the AMG sports seats are a special highlight: there are intentionally no perforations in the nappa leather wherever there is contrasting topstitching.

The 2-spoke AMG sports steering wheel is covered with nappa leather, with perforated leather in the grip areas. The insert is provided with characteristic AMG lettering. Aluminium shift paddles allow manual gear selection.

The AMG instrument cluster with two animated round dials appears on the high-resolution TFT colour display. The AMG main menu has a digital speedometer and a permanent gear display in the upper section. Two new developments are fitted in the S 65 AMG as standard: the head-up display and the touchpad. The head-up display projects important information, such as vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation information, traffic signs and information from distronic plus on to the windscreen. The virtual colour display of 21 x 7 centimetres appears to float on the bonnet at a distance of about two metres from the driver. This means that the head-up display is perfectly positioned in the driver’s field of view. He or she is able to take in relevant information without having to look away from what is happening on the road ahead. In addition, the display shows the digital speed, engine speed and currently selected gear. The new, innovative Mercedes-Benz touchpad makes it significantly easier to operate radio, telephone and navigation.

Like the previous model, the new S 65 AMG is available with a long wheelbase. The market launch will start in March; the price in Germany (incl. 19% VAT) is just shy of R3.5 million. – Own Correspondent.