From:Greg Kable 2019-03-04 17:51:51
Limited edition luxury sedan spells an end to V12 power at Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-AMG has revealed the S65 Final Edition – a limited edition celebratory model that the German car maker says marks the “pinnacle of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine in the S-class sedan”.
While it is yet to confirm the future of its existing V12 engine, rumours have long suggested Mercedes-Benz and its AMG performance car division have made a decision to replace it with a hybrid petrol-electric V8 unit in future incarnations of the S-class and other models, including the G-class and recently introduced AMG GT 4-door.
The planned unveiling of the new limited edition S65 Final Edition at the 2019 Geneva motor show in Switzerland this week and the announcement proclaiming it as the pinnacle of the V12 engine in its flagship sedan would appear to back up those rumours, even though Mercedes-AMG refuses to comment on the plans for its largest capacity engine, which has been assembled at Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler’s truck and bus factory in Mannheim since 2015.
In its place, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are expected to provide the next generation of upper-end S-class models, including exclusively styled Maybach versions, with a new twin-turbocharged version of their turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine combined with an EQ Power hybrid system featuring an electric motor and lithium-ion battery.
Originally showcased in the Concept GT 4-door at the 2017 Geneva motor show, the new driveline is claimed to be capable of developing up to 600kW, some 137kW more than their existing V12 engine, in its highest state of tune.
Limited to a production run of 130, the S65 Final Edition will be sold exclusively in a high gloss black. It features copper coloured highlights within its front and rear bumpers as well as its side sills and standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
The unique look continues inside with similar copper coloured stitching and highlights within its carbon fibre dashboard trim. A badge within the centre console confirms the new model’s limited edition status.
Other identifying features include a special black engine fitter’s badge within the engine bay. Sits atop the S65 Final Edition’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developing 463kW and stout 1000Nm of torque.
Standard equipment for what is expected to be the last V12 model from AMG is a so-called First Class rear suite with individual seats. It also receives an AMG Driver’s Package, allowing it to achieve a limited top speed of 300km/h.