Like all other AMG cars, the S65 features the standard exterior
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| Not much change from the standard S-Class, but you do get a digital stopwatch timer and fancy adaptive seats. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
styling upgrades. Included in your purchase is the three-piece bodykit consisting of a new bumper with extra-wide mesh intake, fog lamps and brake cooling ducts, stylized side skirts and a sportier rear valance which frames the four, ovoid exhaust pipes. The package is rounded out by classic five-spoke AMG 19-inch wheels wrapped in 255/40 and 275/40 profile tires in front and rear, respectively. The new S65 does look sportier than previous hot S-Class models, thanks to the new generation's bulging fender flares and sleeker styling.
The interior changes to the S65 are subtle, and minimal. Much of the cabin is unchanged from the standard S-Class, which means plenty of glove-soft leather and traditional burled walnut trim. AMG's contribution to improving driver appeal comes from new, adaptive sports seats, a revised instrument cluster with oil temperature and voltimeter, and the addition of Racetimer, an on-board stopwatch timer that allows the timing and storage of distance, acceleration and various other things. It all sounds very similar to what's offered on Porsches equipped with the Sports Chrono package.
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| Should you want the S65's brutal power, but in a smaller, sportier package, try the SL65 AMG hardtop convertible. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada) |
In other news, Mercedes will also launch another high-performance AMG S-Class model called the S63 AMG to fill the shoes left by the old supercharged S55 AMG sedan. It will possess many of the S65's visual, interior and technological upgrades, but uses the new, naturally aspirated 6.3 litre V8 engine found under the hood of the R63 and ML63 AMG sports utility vehicles. Expect it to join the S-Class ranks sometime during 2006, after its predicted debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Pricing for the S65 will be announced at a later date.
