Mercedes Benz will tell you they build the Mercedes-AMG S65 sedan because there always is going to be a customer who wants a 12-cylinder vehicle. They buy the ultimate in performance because that is who they are.
Mercedes Benz S65 also will tell you that customers buy the S65 for no logical reasons, other than the fact that it is the “best” car available at the dealership — and because there is no S75.
One thing is for sure — this car has epic power. Mechanically, the 12-cylinder Mercedes-AMG S65 remains the same for 2018. That’s not entirely a bad thing, given the twin-turbocharged V-12’s 621 horsepower and 738 pounds-feet of torque. The V-12’s power delivery redefines “effortless” and there is enough grunt to pass anyone, at any time, in just seconds.
Inside, this is first and foremost a luxury vehicle, but the AMG team does a great job spicing up the S65’s interior for performance duty.
There is a unique new three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom and enlarged shift paddles, as well as unique displays for the digital instrument cluster. However, the cruise-control switches have moved from a steering-column stalk to the wheel itself, which may be an issue for some longtime customers.
There are an astounding number of vehicle parameters one can change, personalize, or turn off and on, but messing with them while the car is moving takes too much concentration. So take care. The rest of the interior carries over largely unchanged from last year. It is as decadent as ever.
And if you hate making choices, then the S65 is for you, because there are very few options from which to choose. That is because, at this Mercedes’ starting price, nearly everything on the S-Class options list comes included.
Of course, you still will have to choose from 14 paint colors outside and 16 leathers and trims within.
The 2018 also offers upgraded semi-autonomous driver-assistance tech. A revised sensor package now allows for autonomous lane changes at highway speeds, while the adaptive cruise control can slow the car for curves, traffic circles, or exit or entrance ramps based on navigation data. As before, the lane-keeping function can self-steer for brief periods before asking the driver to put a hand on the wheel.
It also has a clever curve-control chassis. The three modes for the S65’s suspension comprise Comfort, Sport and Curve. The latter activates a function that tilts the car by up to 2.65 degrees in cornering to reduce the g-forces felt by occupants. And it works incredibly well. In fact, the system is utterly transparent; you will not be aware it is working until you realize your coffee has not splashed through the lid.
Every 2018 S-class, including the S65, receives updated front and rear bumpers, sparkling multi-element LED headlights, and organic LED (OLED) taillights. The S65 gained a new grille with very handsome vertical strakes.
So if you are in the market for a hugely expensive, incredibly powerful, and glorious looking machine — and sticker price is irrelevant — the S65 is for you. With a $230,000 starting price, expect to spend about $241,000 after adding in a nice set of unnecessarily necessary options.
And regarding fuel economy — if you care, the S65 offers 13 miles per gallon city, 22 miles per gallon highway
The S65 exists to serve the wants, not the needs, of a moneyed driver who demands style and a grace on the road, and a near perfect driving experience.
Grant Miller is the publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He may be contacted by calling 305-662-2277 or via email at Grant@CommunityNewspapers.com.
