What's the news?
Affalterbach has released full details of its latest unholy creation, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé fitted with a twin-turbo AMG V12 engine developing 630hp and 1,000Nm. This, then, is the new S 65 AMG Coupé and it continues a lineage that goes back to the CL 65 AMG of 2003.
Exterior
The S-Class Coupé is a big, imposing machine in the best Mercedes luxury traditions, and AMG styling treatment doesn't harm it in the slightest. There's a helluva lot of chrome at the front of the V12 to mark it out, while there's also a 'three-dimensional' (is there any other kind?) splitter at the front to reduce lift. Side skirts and 'V12 BITURBO' badging are both evident on the flanks of the S 65 AMG, while at the back are Affalterbach's de rigueur quad exhaust and a rear diffuser. And some more chrome.
The S 65 AMG also features forged 20-inch alloy wheels in a multi-spoke format, an inch wider at the rear than they are at the front. Each alloy spoke is 'twisted' to give the effect of a bigger rim, thanks to its light-catching contours radiating to the centre of the wheel - or so we're told. The alloys also feature a screw-on, fully-integrated wheel bolt cover in forged aluminium, evoking thoughts of a centre-lock motorsport item.
Interior
'Sumptuous' would be a good adjective for the 65's cabin. Sports seats are an AMG identifier, while there's diamond-pattern leather too. There's plenty of AMG badging and the Exclusive package ramps opulence up even more, with a number of tasteful trim additions and upgrades. The steering wheel is a three-spoke sports affair of a new design, while there's a 12.3-inch TFT full colour display with AMG-specific dials as well. The S 65 AMG also gets more standard equipment, such as a head-up display, a Mercedes touchpad to control the infotainment and lots of active and passive safety devices.
Mechanicals
The numbers on this thing are phenomenal. That 5,980cc twin-turbo V12 engine pushes out 630hp between 4,800- and 5,400rpm, a ginormous 1,000Nm of torque from 2,300- to 4,300rpm, propels the weighty Coupé to 62mph from rest in just 4.1 seconds and runs on to... 155mph, electronically limited. Sigh. Mercedes AMG also quotes 23.7mpg combined economy and 279g/km of CO2 emissions, plus EU6 compliance.
The V12 engine itself is swathed in carbon fibre and aluminium, while of course there is the signature plaque bearing the name of the German bloke who built it. Some of the gems of its build include an aluminium crankcase, a forged alloy steel crankshaft and an air-to-water intercooler with a low-temperature circuit. The engine is mated to a seven-speed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox.
But it's not all about the engine. Green tech filters into the S 65 too, as it features stop-start to reduce fuel consumption and the battery is lithium-ion, saving 20kg on a standard item. The AMG sports suspension fitted uses Active Body Control and Road Surface Scan to lean the whole car into bends, provided you're doing between 10- and 110mph (16- and 160km/h). The S 65 is equipped with electromechanical speed-sensitive sports steering and optional ceramic composite brakes can be fitted.
Anything else?
Tobias Moers, chairman of the board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, said: "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 S 65 AMG Coupé. From driving dynamics to comfort and equipment - our new 12-cylinder coupé surpasses even the highest of expectations."
The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG Coupé will cost £183,065.
Matt Robinson - 15 Jul 2014
