• Range-leader for the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• 450 kW/1000 Nm; EU 4 compliant
• V-12 biturbo engine developed with motor sport experience
• Unmistakable styling and performance from Mercedes-AMG

The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG, is now on sale in Australia. Based upon the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which was released in Australia in February this year, the new top-of-the-line S 65 AMG is priced from $450,000 RRP (excluding on-road costs). It is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 biturbo AMG engine that produces 450 kW of power and 1,000 Nm of torque - more than any other production saloon available in Australia.

Its ultra-powerful engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in 13.3 seconds (provisional factory figures). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

With a new AMG sports suspension system based on Active Body Control and the use of new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brakes, the ultra-powerful saloon's dynamic handling is claimed to be impressive.

The extensive list of standard equipment in this new AMG V12 flagship further underscores the model's position. The release of this new V12 biturbo extends the number of engine variants available in the S-Class range to four.

"The Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG showcases what Mercedes-AMG stands for when it comes to developing extraordinary cars and powerful drive systems," said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

"The S 65 AMG is the final word when it comes to performance motoring in a luxury car. The benchmark in this segment was re-set earlier this year with the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and the S 65 AMG raises the bar even higher."

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport

This performance is made possible by the 5,980 cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine's credentials are: maximum output of 450 kW is maintained from 4,750 to 5,100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1,000 Nm can be called on from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. Even as low as 1,000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, while 750 Nm is on tap at 1,500 rpm. The S 65 AMG fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits, such as EU 4. The 12-cylinder power plant bears the name and signature of the specialist who hand-assembled it, reflecting the "one man, one engine" philosophy of Mercedes-AMG.

World first: newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes

Stopping power for the saloon comes from the newly developed AMG composite brakes. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, it sets new standards in terms of stopping distances, sensitivity and durability. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes. This new, unique technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake - lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located - with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. At the rear a large sliding frame-type calliper provides the braking. Composite brake discs at the front and rear with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable strength and outstanding sensitivity. The dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled electronically and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve safety and comfort. Finished in titanium grey, the multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. The 255/40 ZR 19 tyres are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19 tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift, the gear selector lever on the steering column.

The driver can use the "S/C/M" mode button in the centre console to select from the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" shift programmes that not only change the transmission characteristics but also the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

Drive train components have been optimised in the S 65 AMG in response to the enormous torque output of the V12 engine. This includes newly developed clutch plates in the automatic transmission with a high-quality metallic coating and the modified shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement these measures.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. In addition to the 12% increase in static torsional rigidity found in the body of the new-model S-Class, the active suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the second-generation Active Body Control is even more effective, for instance in reducing body movements in any given driving situation. Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic handling - while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.

Unmistakable AMG bodystyling, exclusive interior appointments and "RACETIMER"

The style of the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is further enhanced with the S 65 AMG. The new AMG body styling is combined superbly with the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing an assured appearance. At the front, the redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds a unique touch. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced through the "V12 biturbo" lettering on the front guards.

The AMG design of the rear apron and the AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes in the new V12 design provide the finishing touches.

The interior appointments fit in perfectly with the exterior: open the door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG logo in the AMG instrument cluster's central display. The integrated custom AMG main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as well as recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is also a choice of engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the "RACETIMER". This new function enables the driver, for the first time, to calculate lap times in the AMG model - on a private racetrack, for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG instrument cluster with its 360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the performance of the S 65 AMG.