MERCEDES S63 AND S65 AMG

Mercedes AMG series

Mercedes top of range versions from AMG the S 63 and S 65 have not been left behind in the make over of the most popular luxury sedan in the world.

Cockpit

The thing I like about AMG, Mercedes tuning division, is that they always do, not a good job, but an almost near to perfect job. The make not just cars but legends and the new Mercedes models are just that, legends.

AMG WITCHCRAFT

For the S 63, Mercedes takes out the 5.5 litre V8 and replace it with hand built AMG tuned 6.2 litre V8 then they add two huge turbos to boost the engine and the result is 571 bhp from the sluggish 388 bhp. That is enough to take it from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. 

Front of the S 63

The S 63 has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. If you think this is slow then there is an option of having something called AMG Performance package. This removes 0.1 seconds from the zero to 100km/h gain time and lets you push the speed dial needle to a top speed of 300 km/h. It will only need 10.5 litres to cover 100 km.

S 65 AMG

For the S 65, thinks get even better. Although I love the S 63 so much but I think the S 65 really some up everything I love about a tuned Merc. Am happy that they whole world will know that you have a ‘V8 biturbo’ thanks to the huge inscription at the side of the car but lets face it ‘V12 biturbo’ on the side, sounds juicer and more serious. That’s the feeling you get when you drive the S 65.  

S 63 interior

Based on the Mercedes S 600, the S 65 is probably the best dish in the AMG menu. It has a ‘small’, as compared to her sister’s 6.2 litre engine, 6.0 litre V12 which generates 630 bhp!  The speed dial will hit 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and from stand still to 200km/h in just 13.3 seconds. 

Cockpit of the S 65

What happens is the S600 5.5 litre twin turbo V12 is replaces with AMG most powerful hand made V12 engine that also comes with two huge turbo chargers. The recipe in this makes the S 65 the most powerful luxury sedan in the world and quite frankly my dream car.

V8 heart

AMAZING GEAR SYSTEMS

Both the SPEEDSHIFT 7G‑TRONIC of the S63 AMG, as well as the five-speed automatic SPEEDSHIFT transmission of the S65 AMG, are fitted with DIRECT SELECT gearshift. Gear changes are carried out by means of aluminium shift paddles on the new AMG sports steering wheel. It also comes with all the fun and amazing gadgets found in her lesser powerful sisters like ABS, ESP, Brake Assist and PRE-SAFE. It also has cameras which scan the road far ahead of the vehicle. They also monitor the surrounding area and interpret typical critical situations.

Rear of the S 63 AMG

It also has Night View Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, ATTENTION ASSIST, Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS all to ensure that as you fly past the existing machines on wheel you have an assurance that they car can accommodate some of the mistakes and ensure that you arrive at your destination in one piece.

V8 Biturbo incriptions

AMG has also worked on the exterior features in the aim of emphasising the sportish looks of the car. They have kept the characteristic arrow shaped grill found in the redesigned S Class range but they have now put in place an aggressive front bumper with huge intakes. 

S63 says it all

Both models now have nice styled side sill panels which emphasize the elegant line of the front bumper through to the rear of the vehicle. The new rear now features new rear lamps with 52 LED's in the form of a double "C" which gives both models an unmistakable appearance from behind.

Looks similar to the S Class

DISTICT LOOK

A distinctive element of both models comes in the guise of the sports exhaust with two chromed twin tailpipes, featuring a V12 design in the case of the Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. Visual aspects which distinguish the V8 from the V12 model also include the attractive AMG light alloy wheels: the S63 AMG has an all new redesigned 19-inch multi-spoke wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen. 

S 65 wheels

The S65 AMG, on the other hand, comes with the all new 20-inch forged wheels painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish. In short the wheels on the S 65 shine and appeal more as compared to the ones fitted in the S 63.

Multifunctional display

Get in the S 65 and after you push the huge power button, animated "AMG V12 BITURBO" lettering in the instrument cluster's central display welcomes you in. The main menu provides the driver with information about engine oil temperature, current gear range and battery voltage.  

Bang and Olufsen audio system option

 In the case of the S63 AMG, the extensive range of standard equipment includes not only PASSION leather appointments, with natural leather in the seat side bolsters, but also front sports seats with climate control, massage, multicontour and driving dynamics control functions like lumber support and seat adjustment. The whole S65 is covered by the unique PASSION leather upholstery. In the S65 one will notice a huge diamond shaped V12 logo under the climate control buttons.  Both models come with the exclusive AMG-specific analogue clock.

DIGITAL IN-CAR ENTERTAINMENT

Other features include musical entertainment is provided by a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the Music Register with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. 

Surround system

The new Music Search function makes it easier for drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers. COMAND APS also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system, which operates the navigation, telephone and audio devices by whole-word commands.

One of the most advanced side mirrors

There is also a rear-seat entertainment package with two eight-inch displays on the rear surfaces of the front seat head restraints, two wireless headphones and a separate CD/DVD player with connections for external audio and video devices. The "Logic7" surround sound Harman/Kardon® system delivers outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers. It also can receive digital television signals. One can also opt to have the middle rear seat removed and its place have a fridge to store wine and other drinks.

Hussein Bolt in a business suit

THE PRICE

The S 65 will cost you Kshs. 20million while the S 63 short wheel base goes for Kshs 16 million, both excluding taxes. The S 63 long wheel base model goes for Kshs. 19 million excluding taxes. That is the price one has to pay to accomplish some dreams.