Can anything be better than a roaring sound of a V8 engine? In fact, it can: the sound of a 621 hp, 6.0-liter V12 AMG engine. Pedal to the metal or a slow ride to a theater, Mercedes 2015 S65 AMG will suit you well in both situations.
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The AMG 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine delivers 621 hp (463 kW) with a maximum torque of 738 lb-ft, those are numbers that enable the S65 AMG to outperform all other vehicles in its segment. The S65 AMG accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h, electronically limited, top speed is not known but its accelerometer goes all the way up to 360 km/h). With biturbocharging, aluminium crankcase, multi-spark ignition we wouldn't expect anything less.
Opening the hood reveals the exclusive carbon fiber/aluminium engine cover with the two AMG logos on left and right together with a centrally positioned Mercedes star. The 12-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at AMG's engine production facility in compliance with the most rigorous quality standards according to the philosophy "one man, one engine". The AMG engine badge bearing the engine technician's signature underneath the Mercedes star offers unmistakable proof of the peerless DNA of Mercedes-Benz's high-performance brand.
AMG combines the 6.0- liter V12 biturbo engine with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC. Unlike in the direct predecessor of the S65 AMG with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic, the seven-speed automatic transmission with its wide ratio spread guarantees a noticeably lower engine speed level. This makes a key contribution to reducing the vehicle's fuel consumption. The efficiency of the power train is further significantly improved by reduced-friction bearings and transmission oil heat management.
Like the S63 AMG, the S65 AMG features a lithium-ion battery. This technology offers a capacity of 78 Ah and replaces both the starter battery and the backup battery, resulting in a weight saving of more than 44 pounds (more than 20 kg).
The S65 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. In the standard specification, the S65 AMG is fitted with AMG light-alloy wheels, ceramic, high-gloss polished – front: 8.5 x 20, rear: 9.5 x 20, tyre sizes 255/40 R 20 and 285/35 R 20. An additional high-grade detail is the screw-in, fully integrated wheel bolt cover of forged metal.
In the interior of the S65 AMG there are no perforations in the nappa leather wherever there is contrasting topstitching. The result is extraordinarily neat seams and an unrivalled impression of quality. Other features of the Exclusive package include the nappa leather roof liner, leather-lined dashboard, door center panels in a diamond-pattern design, leather-clad roof grab handles, additional wood trim and AMG stainless-steel door sill panels illuminated in white. ■
