If you haven’t had an opportunity to drive a new S-Class coupe, you are doing yourself a disservice. They are solid & quiet machines with aesthetics unmatched in 2-door motoring. Back in September we were teased with topless versions of the S63 in 4MATIC trim, and we figured that the twin turbo V8 with AWD would be more than enough to twist the chassis. But in a press release this morning, the mad scientists in Affalterbach have done the unthinkable.
Twelve-cylinder engines are big, but they make great power. Turbochargers are also great ways to make power, but they are also hard to package into a cramped engine bay. Using the S63 Cabriolet as a solid base, they have skillfully produced one of the most potent convertibles of all time. The new Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet will arrive loaded with more safety and luxury than we have ever seen.
Those pleasantries require motivation, so 6.0-liter V12 peaks at 630 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to having more torque than most locomotives, the 4MATIC AWD system will not be available. In its place are a host of safety and stability features, including PRE-SAFE PLUS. If an impact is imminent, the brakes are locked and belts are tensioned to minimize injury. Autonomous lane keeping and braking make highway driving a breeze, and the top of speed of 155 mph can be raised to 186 with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
For every good convertible, there are a dozen bad ones. Even if the weather is perfect, many drop-tops are plagued by cowl-shake and obesity when compared to their hardtop brethren. This is one area where the German engineers offer no quarter. High-strength steels along with magnesium and aluminum make for a body shell that is just as stiff as the S-Class coupe, without gaining any weight.
Starting with a solid foundation, no amenity was overlooked. For chilly mornings, the AIRSCARF sends warm air down your back and the new AIRCAP wind protection system keeps cockpit turbulence to a minimum. Seats are trimmed in designo exclusive nappa leather with contrast stitching. Looking up, the triple layer top is also trimmed in nappa leather along with DINAMICA microfiber.
Pricing has yet to be released, but as soon as we have more details, you will see it first here on Autofluence.
[button color=”black” text=”white” url=”http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/mercedes-benz/s65–amg” window=”_blank”]AMG S65’s For Sale[/button]
[separator type=”thick”]
Gallery
[separator type=”thin”]
(Source: Daimler via Mercedes-AMG)