While the new AMG GT-S is clearly the sportiest supercar in the Merc lineup, and various G-Class SUVs can top the S65’s overall price… this model is the spiritual flagship of Mercedes.
It epitomizes everything Mercedes-Benz aspires to be — the sum of all its learnings as the inventor of the automobile.
As such, a base price of $234k is a cool hundred grand above the quicker and much more exciting GT-S two-door. In addition, the S-Class Coupe packs a gigantic four-seat cabin. The back seat with 43 inches of legroom is limo-large. Only a chopped 10-cubic-foot trunk capacity — and two fewer doors — makes the S-Class Coupe nearly as practical as the sedan.
The S65 Coupe has a variety of special enticements for plutocrats to justify the V12TT versus the also massively posh and fash S550 and S63 Coupes. First and foremost, however, will always be this masterpiece of an engine. Putting out an electronically limited 641 horsepower and the max torque any transmission can take, the S65 majors on surplus power.
The 4.0-second sprint to 60-mph is a few tenths off the S63 AMG Coupe, which comes with standard 4MATIC this year in the US.
But rear-drive purity is an asset for the S65. These drivers will have a fleet of other snow-capable vehicles to choose from in rainy or snowy days. So the rear-drive purity and control will appeal to these global power brokers.
The rear-drive nature of the beast will make put the S65 on top in overall top-end pace — with a theoretical Vmax more than 15-mph faster than the S63. While both are limited to 155-mph or 186-mph (depending on equipment), a full-throttle autobahn blast will ram those limits and still be charging ahead. In the right scneario with tires rates to 200-mph plus, the S65 could hit 220-mph versus the S63’s 205-mph top out. Those bragging rights are important among this target market. 
The S65 AMG Coupe is as gorgeous as any of the new generation of super-coupes — and perhaps even more so. The car wears exclusive silver mesh intake liners throughout the nose, numerous aero flics to direct air where needed, and a connected block of quad rectangular exhaust pipes.
A carbon-fiber exterior package swaps the mirror caps, side sills, rear diffuser and nose details to CF. The S63 AMG Coupe’s details can also be selected in gloss black — a rare no-charge upgrade in a land of excess.
We like the carbon fiber pack for its up-close intricacy but also its affect on the overall proportions of the car. At speed, we can see the darker CF sills really help lighten and sportify the mid-section of the S65 Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
Other performance and style options are actually remarkably few, and remarkably affordable in the grand scheme of things.
We added the $9k carbon brake option, one of the matte-finish Designo exterior colors, and some dark and moody alloys to complete the look. The colors are suitably high-brow — with an Armani-style palette so refined, each could be made into a dapper three-piece suit. Even the brightest blues and greens are dark, moody and almost black in appearance in the shade. Sunlight makes the colors pop more, but only ever-so-slightly.
Sunlight is also a button-push away with the Magic Sky electro-chromatic moonroof option — swapping from opaque to clear or tinted glass in seconds.
Among the dark paint options lineup, there are nearly a half-dozen actual noir shades among which to choose.
Like every inch of the Mercedes-Benz flagship vehicle, the five varieties of black paint epitomize “The Best. Or Nothing.”
A loaded price of $260k ensures the S65 AMG Coupe will be a rare sight. But when spotted in the wild, you can be sure this thing will be lording over all other traffic with its omnipotence.
The most lavish S-Class Coupe in decades will be joined by a ragtop variant for 2017 — but the S65 Coupe will always be hard to top, even by its cashmere-hooded sibling.
Enjoy the full configurator guide, 65 new USA photos and tech specs of this MB Star below.
2017 S-Class Cabriolet Renderings
S65 Configurator Link
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe – WHEELS
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe – Carbon Fiber Exterior Pack
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe – COLORS
TECH SPECS
Dimensions
Key Features
- The 2016 AMG S65 Coupe
- MSRP $234,050*
- Passenger capacity
- 4
- Trunk capacity
- 10.4 cu ft
- Transmission type
- 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS
- Engine
- Handcrafted 6.0L AMG biturbo V-12
- Power
- 621 hp @ 4,800-5,400 rpm
- Acceleration, 0-60 mph
- 4.0 sec
- City fuel economy
- 13 mpg
- Highway fuel economy
- 20 mpg
Interior Dimensions
Front
- Headroom
- 39.7 in
- Legroom
- 41.4 in
- Shoulder room
- 59.7 in
Rear
- Headroom
- 39.2 in
- Legroom
- 43.0 in
- Shoulder room
- 59.1 in
- Trunk capacity
- 10.4 cu ft
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe USA
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
Engine, Drivetrain, and Performance
Engine
- Net power
- 621 hp @ 4,800-5,400 rpm
- Net torque
- 738 lb-ft @ 2,300-4,300 rpm
- Compression ratio
- 9.0:1
- Construction
- Diecast alloy block and headsÂ
- Fuel requirement
- Premium unleaded gasoline
- Fuel capacity
- 21.1 gallons
Fuel economy
- City estimate
- 13 mpg
- Highway estimate
- 20 mpg
- Emission certification
- Bin5 / ULEV III 125
Drivetrain
- Automatic transmission
- 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT® PLUS
- Drive configuration
- Rear-wheel drive
- Final-drive ratio
- TBD
Performance
- Acceleration, 0-60 mph
- 4.0 sec
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Coupe.
Chassis and Traction Control/Stability Systems
Chassis
- AMG Active Sport Suspension
- The AMG Active Sport Suspension responds with equal skill to the demands of the racetrack, city streets, highways and back roads. AMG calibration of the industry-leading MAGIC BODY CONTROL® suspension delivers an unparalleled mix of responsive cornering, comfort and control. AMG-specific elastokinematics deliver more direct feedback in more intense driving situations. Comfort and Sport modes allow a more driver-defined setup, while automatic 4-wheel level control helps keep an even keel.
- MAGIC BODY CONTROL
- MAGIC BODY CONTROL® advances the industry-leading Active Body Control® fully active suspension even farther. Using the stereo-multipurpose camera of Intelligent Drive to continually scan the road surface for variations, it prepares the suspension to take action before the wheels reach them. A network of advanced sensors and electronically controlled hydraulics generates forces to counteract the effects of the road surface on ride and handling, for an uncompromised fusion of both virtues.
- Curve tilting function
- A further advancement of the already industry-leading MAGIC BODY CONTROL® allows the AMG S65 Coupe to lean into corners much like a motorcyclist or skier, heightening enjoyment for the driver and passengers. The stereo cameras of Intelligent Drive, also used for the proactive suspension’s Road Surface Scan, team with a lateral g-force sensor to evaluate upcoming curves. Responding much like a banked corner helps reduce the lateral forces felt by the occupants in corners between 10 and 111 mph.
- Steering type
- Rack-and-pinion with electromechanical power assist
- Turning circle
- 38.06 ft., curb to curb
Traction Control & Stability
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- This safety breakthrough first introduced by Mercedes-Benz continually monitors your driving inputs and the vehicle’s motion to help keep it going in your intended direction, especially in corners and during evasive maneuvers. If it detects wheelspin, severe understeer (plowing), or oversteer (fishtailing), ESP® can brake individual wheels and reduce engine power to help bring the vehicle under control.
2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe – First Drive Photos
S65 Configurator Link
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.