Words: Rory FH Smith
From football to factories, German success is often driven by obsessive levels of efficiency and Mercedes’ latest S65 AMG super-coupe is another example of just that.
The S65 Coupe is the three-door incarnation of the S65 AMG super-saloon, which was first launched in 2013, producing over 620bhp from its 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, the S65 Coupe has 38bhp more than Mercedes’ gullwinged SLS supercar. It’s a bit of a banker’s barge, weighing in at around the two tonne mark although Mercedes are yet to disclose the official figure, but it’s still capable of heaving itself from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds – faster than the Aston Martin Vanquish Volante.
On the inside, the attention to detail is clear to see; swathed in nappa leather upholstery, the cabin boasts a head-up display (projecting vehicle speed, navigation and traffic signs) and two TFT digital screens which replace the conventional instrument dials and infotainment controls. Mercedes’ Magic Body Control (more serious than it sounds) scans the road ahead for troublesome bumps and prepares the suspension accordingly, all in a split second, to ensure your ride is as smooth as your business pitch.
Mercedes has decorated the S65 with the usual dose of high-sheen chrome trim at the front, sides and rear as well as equipping it with plenty of AMG and V12 badges, to make sure the environmentalists will know exactly where you stand. If you indulge in any optional extras, go for dinner-plate sized ceramic brake disks, which are 20 percent lighter than those fitted as standard, and invisible behind the 20-inch polished forged rims.
Priced at over £183,000 it has competitors, namely the more established Bentley Continental GT and more fashionable Aston Martin Rapide S, the latter of which comes in at over £37,000 cheaper. Expect the S65 Coupe AMG to grace UK showrooms (or Swiss financial districts) from late 2014.
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