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Mercedes-AMG S-Class combines exquisite luxury with amazing performance

D367749 Mercedes AMG S 65 W222
Elegant luxury and blistering pace

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3 August 2017

  • Choice of V8 and V12 biturbo engines
  • Class leading equipment levels
  • Elegant and comfortable executive saloon
  • 0-60mph in 4 seconds, top speed of 186mph
  • New S-Class on sale now with AMG models available towards the end of 2017

 

WHO says an S-Class isn’t designed to be driven? If the new Mercedes-AMG S 65 is anything to go by the next generation of the S-Class could be a fantastic driver’s car.

Yes, alright. We know we said recently that in many respects the new S-Class is a car that is designed around the comfort of the passengers. It is, but that doesn’t mean the AMG version can’t shatter that presupposition. 

While the Mercedes-AMG S 65 still retains all the luxury and comfort of the regular car – not that there is anything regular about an S-Class – the AMG tinkering has created an entirely different beast. If you can imagine doing 186mph in Blenheim Palace you might get the idea.  

The new S 65 is fitted with an enormous V12 biturbo that’s been honed to Germanic perfection by the AMG engineers. The end result is 630bhp and 1000Nm of torque that hurtles an equally enormous car to 60mph in around four seconds and, with the optional AMG Driver’s Package, on to a top speed of 186mph. Take away the Driver’s Package and the S 65 will run out of steam at a mere 155mph.  

If that all sounds a little too exciting the comparatively feeble Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC+ may be of more interest. We say feeble because the S 63 version must make do with a paltry eight cylinders but that really isn’t an accurate description. It may be lacking the extra four cylinders but the 4.0-litre biturbo engine in the S 63 still produces 612bhp. That translates to the same top speed as the S 65 and, probably because it weighs a bit less, the S 63 is capable of hitting 60mph around half a second faster than it’s S 65 big brother. 

Mercedes S 63 AMG
New Mercedes-AMG S 63

You get the same elegant silhouette in the AMG versions with a few little extras to denote the phenomenal performance. Side air intakes, a three dimensional front splitter to control air flow, an updated rear apron and diffuser, and redesigned dual tailpipe sports exhaust give the AMG a purposeful look but don’t detract from the understated styling.   

The interior is still refined and luxurious but with a few AMG specific touches. AMG sports seats hold you in place, the Performance steering wheel allows you to control most of the important functions without letting go, and the large infotainment screen can be configured to display a selection of engine and vehicle settings not available in the standard versions.  

It may seem a little strange discussing speed and handling with regards to a high-end executive saloon but if past performance is any indicator then the S 65 and S 63 will be more than capable. The AMG sports suspension is specifically tuned to match the performance, the steering should be quick and precise, and there’s no question the AMG versions pack sufficient punch to ensure you can make the most of it. The new Mercedes-AMG S-Class was definitely designed with the driver in mind, all that luxury is just an added bonus.  

The additional performance and engineering excellence will obviously carry a premium in terms of running costs and tax liability but if you happen to be at the top of the tree in your chosen profession there really is nothing stopping you from driving a 186mph country house.  

When it comes to combining elegant luxury and amazing performance you’d struggle to find anything that could match the new Mercedes-AMG S-Class. Even Blenheim Palace can’t really compete.

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