2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65

The latest generation of the S Class came out in 2014 and offered the same features and comfort as a Rolls Royce for a fraction of its price. The S Class is not cheap, it is not even close. The 2020 S Class starts at around $91,00 and the S 65 AMG sedan goes all the way to $232,000. Comfort definitely comes at a price. The V12 grunt is definitely something to live for.

The S-Class is a diverse Mercedes lineup brimmed with luxury and backed with torquey powertrains. The S class is further divided into a sedan, coupe, and sedan body styles. At the summit of the sedan, lineup is the AMG S 65. The sedan has colossal power and a purist pleasing performance. Also, the signature S class luxury is amplified on this year's S 65. The S class buyers have always appreciated the generous standard feature list which goes further to amaze people for the AMG-fied variants. Other than the standard fills of features you are entitled to an adaptive suspension, a sports exhaust, performance apps, surround view camera and more.

Trims	Mercedes Benz AMG S 65
MSRP	$232,550
Key Features	Ventilated front seats
	16-way power-adjustable front seats
	Adaptive LED headlights
	Air-ride adaptive suspension
	Panoramic sunroof
	Auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors
	Aircap system that deploys wind blockers atop the windshield and between the rear headrests
	Airscarf neck heating
	Premium leather and an automated parking system

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The AMG S 65 is at the pinnacle of S class line up and Mercedes Benz has done a great job by employing top-notch technology and luxury features. Though it is not much you would need still Mercedes has made arrangements to take your experience a step up with add ons like Magic Sky Control, Magic Body Control Suspension, heads up display and more.

"The 2020 Mercedes-Benz S-Class delivers effortless power, sublime handling, scads of safety features, and the incontrovertible impression of wealth, tastefully applied"-TheCarConnection

Engine and Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz AMG S 65 is powered by a humongous 6.0-liter V12 Biturbo engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission system. The fire breathing twelve-cylinder engine produces 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. All that power is channeled via the 7-speed automatic transmission to the rear wheels. The V12 engine is the pantheon of Mercedes-AMG engineering and it is reserved only for special projects. The Mercedes AMG S 65 reserves that position as one of the crown jewels of the AMG family. The power delivery is linear and the twin-turbo keeps the engine on the boil.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
MSRP	$232,550	$156,700	$136,600	$ 161,900
Engine	6.0L, Twin Turbo, V12 engine	6.6L, Twin Turbocharged, V12 engine	3.8L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine
Transmission	9-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	621 hp	601 hp	530 hp	550 hp
Torque	738 lb-ft	590 lb-ft	524 lb-ft	567 lb-ft

To say that S 65 is fast would be a strong understatement, the car is that quick! But the way its masks speeds is incredible. Even when you are doing triple digit speeds it would actually feel like you are only doing two digits. The V12 roars past leaving behind dust, with no hiccups in driving. The transmission, on the other hand, has an occasional clunky feeling.

Acceleration

The V12 engine will blow your mind with its berserk toque. On paper, the V12's 738 lb-ft. torque output might seem otherworldly but considering the S 65's curb weight all that torque is quintessential for making the AMG S65 Coupe hurl past the 60 mph marker in 4.0 seconds.

The two driving modes, Sport and Sport+, in the S 65 AMG, give the throttle a Herculean kick, where the car squeezes out the massive 738 lt-ft torque and propels the rear wheels swiftly.

Models	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
0-60 MPH	3.9 sec	3.6 sec	4.7 sec	3.4 sec
Quarter mile	12.0 sec	11.7 sec	12.7	11.3 sec
Engine	6.0L Twin Turbo, V12 engine	6.6L, Twin Turbocharged, V12 engine	3.8L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 engine	4.0L, Twin Turbocharged, V8 Engine
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	8.8	11.0	10.3	8.4

Braking

The front brake rotors measure 15.4 inches supported by 6-piston calipers (fixed type). The rear rotors are 14.2 inches in diameter. The brakes provide definite feedback and shed speed at a tremendous rate. The AMG High-Performance composite braking system that is built to deliver high performance while sustaining a long life.

The S 65 is responsive, comfortable and easy to drive. The pedals are responsive without a hassle, where AMG has done a great job.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Brake Front (in.)	15.4	14.7	15.0	16.1
Brake Rear (in.)	14.2	14.5	13.6	15.0
Curb Weight (lbs.)	4960	5128	4189	4630
60-0 MPH (ft.)	156 ft (70-0)	109 ft	118	153 ft (70-0)

The V12 with all that horsepower and torque will come at a massive expense; fuel economy. While the S 65 isn't really made for efficiency in mind, it still provides a mere modest mpg. If efficiency is a concern, it'll be a wise choice to choose the Comfort mode, which switches to using less performance from the engine while also providing a nice and comfortable drive.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
MPG (city)	13	13	15	18
MPG (highway)	22	20	22	25
MPG (combined)	16	16	17	21

"The highest priority in the S-Class is passenger comfort, and it doesn't matter whether you sit in the front or the back to soak it all in"-Edmunds

Seating and comfort

As soon as you lay foot in the S 65, one word sure springs to mind; Elegance. The cabin is neatly packed in luxury while looking as elegant as an S-Class would look. It is spacious, comfortable and perfect for long-distance driving. The 4 seats are wrapped with Nappa leather while the upholstery is a high-quality stitch. From the steering wheel to the upholstery, the German manufacturer has made sure no corners are cut in providing top-notch quality craftsmanship and elegance.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	4
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42.1/59.7/41.4	39.9/59.2/41.4	N/A	N/A
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.2/59.1/43	38.9/57.7/44.4	N/A	N/A

All the seats in the car are made with comfort in mind while trying to remain as roomy as possible. The distance between the head and the roof is spacious and doesn't feel stuffy. The rear seats provide spacious legroom and can accommodate 2 people with ease; maybe 3 if you actually do stuff in.

Interior Features

• Driver Assisted Parking Assist
• Overhead Console With Storage
• Front Seatback Storage
• Leather Steering Wheel
• Four Zone Climate Control
• Turn Signal In Mirrors
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
• Electric Power Steering
• Tilt And Telescopic Steering Wheel
• Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.)
• Transmission Controls And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Heated Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration

Cargo volume

The S 65 comes with an 8.8 cubic feet boot space which is better compared to 8.3 ft in Bentley. Clearly, comfort had the upper hand over practicality here. Inside, you will find adequate small item storage compartments like door pockets and rear seats have center armrest consoles.

Model	Mercedes-Benz S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	16.6	18.2	18.7	17.4

"The S-Class family of cars wears its flagship status on its sleeves"- The Car Connection

Design and Styling

The design for this flagship S Class draws heavily from the Merc's heritage. The Coupe's beautiful sweeping lines reflect the astute minimalism of the German design. Another unmistakably S Class trait is the pure pillarless profile. The makes the AMG S 65 irresistible to look from an aesthetic point of view. The absence of B-pillars also signifies the engineering advancement that makes such a design possible and offers structural rigidity without the expense of additional weight.

Model	Mercedes-Benz AMG S65 Sedan	BMW M760i Sedan	Maserati Quattroporte GTS	Porsche Panamera Turbo
Curb weight (lbs.)	4960	5128	4189	4630
Length(in)	208.5	206.6	207.2	204.7
Width(in)	75.4	74.9	76.7	76.3
Height(in)	59	58.2	58.3	56.4
Ground clearance (in)	5.0	5.8	N/A	6.4
Wheelbase (in)	124.6	126.4	124.8	122.0
Track width (in) F/R	64.6/64.6	63.5/64.6	64.3/64.8	65.2/64.5

Dimensions and Weight

The S 65 weighs 4,817lbs while measuring 198.9in in length. 75.3in in width, and 56.1in in height. The sedan doesn't seem too long nor too small, though still manage to deliver a menacing stance. From the ground, it measures 4.6 inches which is a tad too close to the ground; watch out for those huge bumps along the way!

The wheelbase is far longer than its rivals, measuring at 115.9. Even with these measurements, the car is easy to maneuver without a hassle, while maintaining a good turning radius.

Exterior Features

• 20" AMG Forged Twin 5-Spoke Wheels
• Wheel Locks
• Electrically Heated Windshield
• Chrome Door Handle Inserts
• MAGIC SKY CONTROL
• Air Intakes And Flics In Black
• Rear Spoiler

 

The S Class is yet to undergo any third party crash testing though Mercedes has done its best to equip the S 65 with every safety feature in the Benz arsenal. Though the last year's tests are promising enough to invest in the AMG S65. You get assuring a set of active and passive safety features like -

• Daytime Running Lights
• Engine Immobilizer
• Stability Control
• Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation
• Remote Anti-Theft Alarm System
• Tire Pressure Monitoring
• Traction Control
• Pre-Collision Safety System
• Emergency Braking Preparation
• Post-Collision Safety System
• Front And Rear Head Airbags
• Emergency Braking Assist
• Adaptive Headlights
• High-Pressure Washers Headlamps
• Front And Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
• Dusk Sensing Headlamps
• Blind Spot And Lane Departure Warnings Accident Avoidance System

 

BMW M760i Sedan vs Mercedes Benz AMG S65

 

The S class is a work of art in the luxury sedan segment with a galore of options to customize, do you know who else has it? The BMW 7 series has power, luxury, logic in their corner. The AMG S65 is a daunting beast and to tame this beast Beemer brings in their M760i. It might run low on power than the S 65 but that doesn't have the slightest effect on the M760i performance, in fact, it outperforms the Merc in acceleration and handling. The M760i promotes favors drivability over everything, while Merc found a better blend of luxury and athleticism.

However, you will need a hell of money to but the S 65 while BMW's peppy V8 displays brute power and better performance.

Maserati Quattroporte GTS vs Mercedes Benz AMG S65

Maserati boasts its gurgling roar of Ferrari derived V8 engine but it's not enough to neutralize AMG's enchantments. The styling has an Italian zest while Merc features its elegant minimalistic design. Performance wise the S 65 clearly has an edge over Maserati, right from the 621 menacing horses to its stealth on-road presence. Its frugality may be better than the Merc but that's isn't a promising aspect in a car like this.

Without a doubt the new S 65 proves to be a complete package; it's got the looks, the design, the powertrain, the comfort, the elegance, and the style. But is it worth the hefty price tag of $238,900? Well, that depends on who you ask that. It is not a car you buy every once in a while (unless you have that sort of money) but it's something you invest in and drive it out at your own leisure time. Sure it has got everything the S-Class segments offered by Mercedes, but for that price range, there are definitely other fishes in the sea!

The S 65 just does not seem to be justifiable a buy given how expensive it is, but it sure does have that appeal to want to buy it! For instance, its sister model, the S 63 which costs a good $70,000 less, offers a V8 but has mostly all the features in the S 65 and is even quicker than the V12! So why the S 65? One word when it comes to choosing the best Mercedes has to offer - Premium, and that's exactly why you'd rather buy the S 65; not because you need it or can afford it, but you want the best Mercedes there is.