The new S65 AMG Coupe
07/14/2014
Mercedes-Benz
The S65 AMG Coupe is the new twelve-cylinder top-of-the- range model in the S-Class Coupe series. Unique drive comfort, benchmark performance and exquisite appointments are all hallmarks of this stuning new two-door. The irresistible contours of the V12 Coupe are accentuated by a host of expressive design elements in high-sheen chrome. The AMG 6.0- litre V12 biturbo engine, with an output of 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, is unique in its segment, as is the AMG sports suspension, based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL with curve tilting function and ROAD SURFACE SCAN.
Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH: "There are AMG fans for whom our V12 biturbo engine is the measure of all things. 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."
Mercedes-AMG's unique range and long V12 tradition
Coupe, Sedan and Roadster: following the S65 AMG and the SL 65 AMG, the new S65 AMG Coupe is the third AMG high-performance car with a V12 engine to come to the United States market. Globally, no other car manufacturer in the world offers such a wide portfolio of twelve-cylinder vehicles as Mercedes-AMG. In 2003, the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz presented a coupe with a powerful V12 biturbo engine in the form of the CL65 AMG (C215 model series). Its successor, the CL65 AMG (C216 model series) was available between 2007 and 2014 and was the direct predecessor to the new S65 AMG Coupe.
Key data at a glance:
S65 AMG Coupe
Displacement
5980 cc
Output
621 hp (463kw) at 4800-5400 rpm
Max. torque
738 lb-ft
at 2300-4300 rpm
Acceleration 0-60 mph
4.0 s (est.)
Top speed
186*
* Electronically limited
Twelve-cylinder engines are still considered the pinnacle of engine design. Among connoisseurs the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine in particular is seen as an outstanding example of its type. Open the hood of the S65 AMG Coupe, and it is immediately obvious why. The exclusive carbon fibre/aluminium engine cover is synonymous with the exceptional strengths of the V12 engine that is built in Affalterbach according to the "one man, one engine" principle. Apart from serving as an AMG hallmark confirming superlative precision and production quality, the AMG engine plate bearing the master engine builder's signature is also a clear testament to the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand.
A sensational drive and effortlessly superior performance
The AMG V12 delivers a peak output of 621 hp and a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft - resulting in effortlessly superior performance. The S65 AMG Coupe accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and has a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited). In other respects, the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine assures a sensational drive. Stylish drive comfort, tremendous pulling power and effortless power delivery in all speed ranges are coupled with refined engine running characteristics and the distinctive typical sound of the AMG V12.
Technical highlights of the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine:
Biturbocharging
Aluminium crankcase
Forged crankshaft in high-grade alloy steel
Multi-spark ignition with 12 twin-spark ignition units
Air-to-water intercooler with low-temperature circuit
Alternator management
ECO start/stop function
Power transmission with three individual driving modes
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC is responsible for transmitting power to the rear axle. The transmission offers three individual modes: the driver can choose between Controlled Efficiency (C), Sport (S) and Manual (M) by pushing a button on the center console. Sport and Manual emphasize the vehicle's dynamic pedigree. The ultimate emotional appeal and tangible sportiness are ensured by the brief, precisely defined cutback of ignition and injection when shifting up a gear under full load. This shortens shift times and lends an audibly more emotive tone to gearshifts. The ECO start/stop function is activated in transmission mode "C".
Lithium-ion battery reduces weight by over 44 lbs
The S65 AMG Coupe features a lithium-Ion battery as standard equipment. This innovative technology offers numerous advantages over a conventional battery concept. With a capacity of 78 Ah, the lithium-ion battery replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery - resulting in a weight saving of over 44 lbs.
AMG sports suspension with curve tilting function
The AMG sports suspension based on MAGIC BODY CONTROL delivers an incomparable driving sensation. The standard combination of Active Body Control (ABC), ROAD SURFACE SCAN and curve tilting function is unique. This function allows the S65 AMG Coupe to lean into bends in a manner similar to a motorcyclist or skier. The lateral acceleration acting on the occupants is similar to driving on a banked curve. On country roads in particular, the curve tilting function heightens motoring enjoyment and comfort. The object is not to reach higher cornering speeds, but to produce an even more pleasant motoring experience. The curve tilting function can be selected as one of three drive modes using the ABC switch, and it is active in the speed range from 10 to 111 mph.
On bends the vehicle leans into the turn automatically and continuously in fractions of a second - depending on the curve radius and vehicle speed. The innovative suspension system detects curves using both a stereo camera behind the windscreen, registering the curvature of the road up to approximately 50 feet ahead, and an additional lateral acceleration sensor. The curve tilting function is making its United States debut in the S65 AMG Coupe.
ROAD SURFACE SCAN is a technology that can detect surface undulations in advance with the help of a stereo camera. MAGIC BODY CONTROL then adjusts the suspension in advance to suit the situation, effectively compensating for irritating chassis movement. Both suspension modes - "Comfort" and "Sport" - are also available here. In addition the AMG sports suspension, the S65 AMG Coupe features specific elastokinematics - the driver therefore benefits from more directness with a dynamic driving style.
Speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio
The electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering with variable steering ratio perfectly complements the sophisticated suspension technology by optimizing vehicle handling and agility while maintaining driving safety at high speeds. In "Comfort" suspension mode, the speed-sensitive sports steering enhances comfort by providing more steering assistance. If the "Sport" suspension setting is selected, the driver feels a stiffer and more commanding level of steering assistance. The pre-programmed curves for power assistance enhance feedback from the road surface and steering precision.
Polished forged wheels with fully integrated wheel bolt cover
The S65 AMG Coupe features forged wheels in a multi-spoke design, size 8.5 x 20 at the front and 9.5 x 20 at the rear, with 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20 tires. The exclusive forged wheels of the V12 Coupe fascinate with their exceptional design that represents a contemporary interpretation of the classic sports car rims. Each of the 16 spokes twists so that the light-catching contours radiate to the center of the wheel hub. The ultimate effect is that the wheel gives the impression of being even bigger.
The matchless visual superiority of the ceramically polished, high-sheen AMG forged wheels is the result of an elaborate finishing process. Initial polishing is followed by manual grinding of the light-alloy wheels. Two polishing stages using different polishing compounds ensure the desired deep sheen. Having been cleaned, the wheels then undergo final treatment, including final clear coat sealing.
The forged wheels feature a high-quality, screw-on, fully integrated wheel bolt cover in forged aluminium. Its shape is reminiscent of a center lock as seen in motorsport. The AMG lettering is incorporated into the rim as a design element. Additional forged wheels are available as optional alternatives - one design variant features a matte black finish and high-sheen rim flange.
Optional ceramic high-performance compound brake system
The AMG high-performance compound brake system features brake callipers with a grey finish. Red callipers are also available, and a ceramic high- performance compound brake system is optional. This design, which is more than 20 percent lighter than its conventional counterpart, ensures lower unsprung masses as well as enhanced driving dynamics, agility, ride comfort, and brake performance.
Design: irresistible contours, lavishly accentuated with chrome
Supreme sportiness combined with the sensual clarity typical of Mercedes-Benz - the irresistible contours of the S65 AMG Coupe are a captivating sight. V12- specific features include the countless design elements in high-sheen chrome at the front, sides and rear which are particularly effective in conjunction with dark paintwork. The large central Mercedes star on the front apron, the "twin blade" radiator grille, all of the air intake grilles, the trim strip on the "A-wing", the side flics (air deflector elements) and the front splitter are chromed-trimmed. The three-dimensional front splitter increases downforce at the front axle, while the gap above the front splitter ensures an effective flow of air to the separate engine oil cooler behind it.
At the side, the eye is drawn to the "V12 BITURBO" lettering on the wings and the high-sheen chrome inserts in the side skirts which harmonize perfectly with the high-sheen polished forged wheels. The rear view is also unmistakable. The AMG sports exhaust system's two chromed twin tailpipes in V12 design are integrated into the rear apron. Above the distinctive diffuser insert, painted in high-gloss black, the trim element forms an effective contrast. It echoes the design of the "A-wings" on the front apron and is finished in high-sheen chrome.
Interior: equipment, quality and ambience of the highest standard
The extraordinary character is also evident on the inside. The S65 AMG Coupe welcomes its occupants with an incomparably exquisite ambience. This two- door features the finest materials, the highest manufacturing quality and an extensive range of standard equipment. In visual terms, the interior is dominated by the sports seats. The upholstery in designo AMG Exclusive Nappa leather with seat upholstery layout in a diamond-pattern design boasts delineated perforations which ensure beautiful harmony between perforations and stylistic stiching. The result is exceptionally neat seams and an unrivalled impression of quality.
Exclusively developed AMG sports seats ensure optimal long-distance comfort. Electric adjustment, memory function, seat heating and climate control are standard features. More contoured seat cushions and backrests improve lateral support when cornering at speed. High-quality AMG badges are prominently displayed on all four backrests, and the AMG crest is embossed on the front centre console.
Other features of the exclusive package include the Nappa leather roof liner, a leather-lined dashboard, door center panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, chromed door pins and AMG stainless steel door sill panels illuminated in white. Customers ordering designo AMG Exclusive Nappa leather upholstery are able to choose between black, porcelain/espresso brown, saddle brown/black and crystal grey/black.
New sports steering wheel in a three-spoke design
The new three-spoke sports steering wheel allows perfect vehicle control. It features shift paddles, a distinctly contoured rim trimmed with perforated leather in the grip area, and a metal insert featuring AMG lettering.
Another typical AMG speciality is the AMG instrument cluster. Information on the engine speed, vehicle speed and much more appears on two animated round dials on the 12.2 inch, high-resolution colour TFT display. The typography, the needles in red/silver, the speedometer with its 220 mph scale and the "V12 BITURBO" lettering in the rev counter all have a distinctive AMG look. When the driver's door is opened, an AMG start-up screen appears on the right-hand display, while an animated S65 AMG Coupe appears in the instrument cluster.
Extensive standard equipment with head-up display and touchpad
The extensive range of standard equipment for the S65 AMG Coupe includes the head-up display and the touchpad. The head-up display projects key information such as the vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation directions, traffic signs and information from DISTRONIC PLUS onto the windscreen. The visualization of the engine speed and the current gear is exclusive to AMG. In manual transmission mode, a colored upshift bar and the possible gears for a manual gear change are also projected onto the windscreen. The virtual colour display, measuring 8 x 2.75 inch, appears to hover above the hood at a distance of around two meters from the driver. The innovative Mercedes-Benz touchpad makes it significantly easier to operate the radio, telephone and navigation system. In contrast to conventional systems, the touchpad can be used to operate all of the infotainment functions. The input area is approximately 2.5 x 1.7 inches in size and is integrated into the handrest with a cover for the keypad.
Intelligent Drive: new standards in safety
The S65 AMG Coupe also sets new standards in terms of active and passive safety. What began with PRE-SAFE(R) ten years ago and continued with DISTRONIC PLUS is now leading to a new dimension in driving. Comfort and safety have merged into one. Mercedes-Benz calls this Intelligent Drive. Ground-breaking systems make the new S-Class Coupe even more comfortable and safe.
Standard equipment for the S65 AMG Coupe includes (selection):
360° camera
Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC
Burmester(R) high-end 3D surround sound system
Driving Assistance package Plus, including DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist, PRE-SAFE(R) Brake, BAS PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and PRE-SAFE(R) PLUS
Upholstery in AMG Exclusive nappa leather
KEYLESS-GO package
Orders can be placed for the S65 AMG Coupe in the coming weeks, and the United States market launch at Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and authorized dealerships is planned for the end of 2014.