2007 Mercedes Benz S 65 AMG
By: Juan G. Robbin
Easy to summarize: Spectacular!
Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG (2007)
That’s the best way to describe Mercedes-Benz latest top of the line S Class; The S 65 AMG. Introduced in early 2006, the S 65 AMG has raised the technology bar for high-performance production built passenger sedans to a new zenith.
Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness – That’s the first impression you get from the new S 65 AMG. The new AMG body styling is combined superbly with the flared wheel arches, providing a markedly poised and assured appearance. The redesigned AMG styled front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch to the S 65. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasize the sporty feel of the side view; all reinforced through the “V12 biturbo” lettering on the front wings and “S 65” on the trunk lid.
AMG is the high performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The transformation begins during assembly and includes a larger engine, sportier interior trim and seats, larger wheels, brakes, suspension, body trim, exhaust and more.
Sport car aficionados that dismiss a four door sedan as simply too big should take notice. The S 65 is a sports car disguised as a sedan. Performance is breathtaking; not only in acceleration but also in cornering thanks to its active body roll suspension system. Brakes are the world’s first adaptive composite brakes that will decelerate this car from triple digits to naught in just mere seconds.
Inside you are greeted by one of the most pleasant and comfortable interiors of any passenger car in production today. There is nothing far out or over the top in the interior yet there is total quality in everything you see, touch and hear. Sitting in the S 65 you notice the superb “Exclusive PASSION” seats; the leather is supple and pleasing to touch. Every area of the seats is electronically controlled, down to the firmness and speed of the built in massage system. Rear seats are individually powered and can be reclined to a very comfortable angle for long trips. There is a rear moon roof with an electric retracting shade that takes up most of the roof space, giving a very bright and airy feel to the interior. There is a center mounted finger-tip actuated multi-function control that manages every aspect of the car, including lighting, music, ventilation, seat bolsters, and navigation. Even though our test car did not come with an operator’s manual, we where able to figure out most functions intuitively. Technology details abound, such as the night vision assist system that displays on the dash, great when the weather turns sour or you are in a dark, back country road. Satellite radio, rear backup camera and sensors, distronic adaptive cruise control, rear window sunshades and more.
Lets drive the S 65, shall we ?
Press the round metal starter button and you instantly hear the high speed whine of the starter motor so typical of a 12 cylinder motor, followed by the firing of the engine; sweet! Select “D” on the column shifter and you instantly notice as if the car’s power is coming from a turbine engine. There is no transmission thump, bump or noise, just smooth, flowing power. We had the chance to do some high speed runs with the S 65 and we where blown away. The power and performance is captivating; transforming us into a magic carpet ride when ever we pressed the accelerator. I kept on repeating over and over, how can a car this size go this FAST ? The acceleration is linear, silky smooth and almost unending. I could not help but think, if I owned this car, I would have to sign over my paycheck every month to a lawyer in order to take care of the speeding tickets I would surely get on a regular basis.
There is a feeling that is hard to describe when driving a car like this. It simply makes you feel good all over. It’s the result of an excellent recipe that mixes engineering, experience, quality and dedication, making the S 65 almost flawless. The price is what one would pay for a Key Biscayne condo 5 years ago, is it worth it ? You bet !
The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, you get what you pay for !
The Essentials
MSRP: $182,575.00 (as tested): $189,525.00
Fuel Consumption: (observed): 17 MPG
Engine: 12 cylinder biturbo, 6.0 liter 612 HP
Adaptive composite brakes
Active body roll suspension
Visit: www.mbusa.com