When Mercedes-Benz wanted to get a little mad back in the day, they decided to shove a massive V12 engine into its flagship sedan to create the S 600 and 600 SEL based on the third-generation W140 S-Class.
For the fourth-generation W220 right up to the current sixth-generation W222, the German carmaker renamed the V12 variant type to something that became an icon in its own right, the S 65.
Sadly, the days of a V12-powered S-Class appear to be numbered because the company has released the new Mercedes-AMG S 65 Final Edition. Much like the SLC Final Edition before it, this limited edition S-Class could be the swansong for the variant, which might not exist in its next generation.
Tears aside, the AMG tradition of one man-one engine is applied to the 6.0 litre biturbo V12 lurking under the bonnet. The V12 is paired with a seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, and drive only goes to the rear wheels.
In terms of output, the mill makes 630 hp at 4,800-5,400 rpm and 1,000 Nm of torque at 2,300-4,300 rpm, which is exactly the same as a regular S 65, although the car is unique in that it gets a special engine fitter’s badge in black rather than the common silver.
The Final Edition is set apart by unique touches applied throughout the vehicle, starting with high-gloss obsidian black paint finish – the only colour option available. Complementing the stealthy look is a set of tailpipe trims also in high-gloss black, while the 20-inch multi-spoke wheels and various areas are finished in bronze for a touch of class.
The interior continues this dark theme, with Exclusive black Nappa leather upholstery that boasts copper-coloured topstitching. Meanwhile, the carbon-fibre trim is streaked with fine threads also in copper, and you’ll also find the colour being used for the stitching on the floor mats.
If that isn’t enough to make sure the plebs don’t confuse your Final Edition for a regular S 65, the steering wheel gets an ‘AMG Edition’ insert, the centre console bears the badge “1 of 130,” and there’s a pre-configured ambient light in copper colour.
As the interior badge suggests, only 130 units of the S 65 Final Edition will be offered, and they are aimed at “collectors of exclusive vehicles and fans of superlative twelve-cylinder engines,” the company says.
It should cost a pretty penny (official pricing hasn’t been disclosed) but you do get quite a bit of standard equipment. The Magic Sky Control panoramic roof? Check. The First Class rear suite with individual seats and extended-length business console? Yes, sir.
You even get the AMG Driver’s package that bumps the top speed by 50 km/h to 300 km/h. Mercedes even throws in a bespoke car cover to make sure collectors protect their valuable (and possibly appreciating asset) from dust in their garage.
You can have any colour you want as long it’s high-gloss obsidian black.
Wow, what a great car. 630 bhp is super powerful! Well done Mercedes!
Lolz! I remembered that was almost what Henry Ford say to customers when making & selling Model T.
This is it folks. No more next gen V12 for all manufacturers except for RR and maybe Lamborghini. The current 7er LCI is also on its last legs with its V12.
And then suddenly Mercedes comes up with a S73 AMG with a V12. Fingers crossed.
Nah, there will always be a V12 from mercedes (maybe not in the S, but in a limited maybach) simply because BMW will always have a V12 powered RR, and Audi will have one powering the next Lamborghini. Did VW’s W12 go extinct yet?
What would Pagani use if Mercedes drops the V12?
Mercedes will put 12 cylinder to its sub-brand, Maybach for more exclusivity actually.