Are they saying goodbye to the biturbo V12?
‘Madness’ for the nutters at AMG was always defined by putting an overpowered engine into one of Mercedes-Benz’s production cars, and there were few as mad as the flagship S-Class’ variants. The 600SEL began the trend of having an enormous V12 under the bonnet, which then gave way to the S600, though every subsequent iteration has received its own unique moniker: S65.
The S65 AMG models have always been a special thing, beyond the existence of a dozen cylinders under the bonnet. The S65 was a statement of class, of subtle furore, of unbridled potency. It’s been the super-saloon to aspire to for many years, though now, many of us may need to find a new limousine halo to dream of at night.
Mercedes-AMG has announced the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition which, if at all like the SLC Final Edition, could spell the end of the V12 luxury bullet. While the verdict is still out on that, we must say the aesthetic tweaks on the Final Edition are rather tasty. You get a high-gloss black paint finish (with no other colours available), complimented by gloss-black exhaust tips, and contrasted by bronze 20-inch alloys and lower trim pieces.
There’s only one small change under the bonnet, and it has nothing to do with output. The 6.0-litre V12 twin-turbo unit adheres to AMG’s adage of ‘one man, one engine,’ with that hand-built powerplant sending power to the rear via an AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic Plus unit. Power is rated at 470kW and torque at 1,000Nm, though the engine does benefit from an engine fitter’s badge in black, rather than the usual silver.
Step inside and you’re greeted by Exclusive black Nappa leather, with bronze-coloured contrast topstitching, which also appears on the branded floor mats. You’ll also note the bronze weaved into the carbon fibre trim pieces throughout the cabin, which is finished off by the ‘AMG Edition’ plaque insert on the steering wheel and a ‘1 of 130’ badge on the centre console.
The S65 Final Edition will only be made in 130 iterations (as the badge suggests), and it’ll be aimed at the “collectors of exclusive vehicles and fans of superlative twelve-cylinder engines,” though prices have not been disclosed. For whatever money is being asked for at least the S65 Final Edition will be well equipped, with the First Class rear cabin option (made up of two aeroplane-style rear seats & an extended business console) as well as the Magic Sky Control panoramic sunroof. You also get the AMG Driver’s Package (upping the limited top speed to 300km/h) as well as a unique car cover, to protect your ‘1 of 130’ limousine.
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