2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG (short drive)

[Merc1]

OUR TAKE: "It's like a day at the spa," said a passenger enjoying the heated seat and its wonderful massage function. We agreed; we had enjoyed those same features a couple weeks prior in the "entry" S63 at $143,000, the only difference being this car comes with four extra cylinders, a pair of turbochargers, 86 more horsepower, 273 lb-ft more torque and a bigger monthly nut.

If you can afford it and you want to drive yourself, this is your car. It is as luxurious as it gets on four wheels--plus, it's a German-built rocket ship. The earth-rotating power from its twin-turbo V12 is nothing short of gasp-inspiring, regardless of where you are on the speedometer when you stuff your foot to the floor. Three figures come quickly, effortlessly, but completely controlled via the weighted steering, solid suspension and superb braking action.

It glides down the road with explosive V12 power. Overtaking maneuvers aren't an issue; it is just about insane when you find a healthy opening on the road.

While it's certainly not something in which you'll ever do hot laps around your local track for fun, it does shuttle a load nicely. The massive brakes are strong and get things stopped quickly.

The interior is spectacular. It has some of the most comfortable, infinitely adjustable seats you can get.

It is a stealth bomber. Sure, it's an S Class, and there's that "Biturbo V12" badge on the side, but until you disappear into the distance, few really know about the beast that lies within.


As-tested price: $207,965
Drivetrain: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12; rwd, five-speed automatic
Output: 604 hp @ 4800 rpm, 738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Curb weight: 5035 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 13/14.5 mpg
Options: Designo Mystic White edition including black lacquer, Alcantara headliner, wood/leather steering wheel, charcoal exclusive leather ($9,765); iPod adapter ($425)


2008 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG - AutoWeek Magazine


The King of 4-doors, period.

M

 

[Tarek]

It really doesn't get better all-rounder than this

 

[Potential]

Styling of the S Class in general is very unresolved. Wheel arches are terrible. Side lines are a mismatch. The door handles at different angles don't look right. The headlights are fat and lack elegance. The rear lights are also poorly designed. The car looks impressive but the design isn't exactly a masterpeice!

 

[vabboud]

the ipod adapter is an option on the S65????????????!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

[SDNR]

You are right Tarek, this really is the standard by which all other luxury cars are measured ....and the S65 is the most prestigious variant.

However, I agree with everything Potential said; the S class probably is the best overall luxury car in the world ...it's just a pity it isn't better looking.

 

[Merc1]

Nonsense. Especially in AMG trim. That is the problem, trying to analyze every little detail, when in plain reality and in english (and in AMG trim) the car shames the segment, except for the A/S8.


M

 

[Tarek]

However, I agree with everything Potential said; the S class probably is the best overall luxury car in the world ...it's just a pity it isn't better looking.

I beg to differ here,while the S has so many styling cues combined together,the result is outstandingly elegant yet sporty IMO,it may not be the prettiest(only the italian Quattroporte looks better imo)but surely one of the best looking barge now.

 

[Sunny]

I actually prefer the non AMG versions in looks. The race boy bumpers in a class that is supposed to be elegant is just wrong.

 

[Tarek]

I actually prefer the non AMG versions in looks. The race boy bumpers in a class that is supposed to be elegant is just wrong.

Race boy bumpers? oh please give me a break! sometimes u just outdo urself

 

[klier]

Nonsense. Especially in AMG trim. That is the problem, trying to analyze every little detail, when in plain reality and in english (and in AMG trim) the car shames the segment, except for the A/S8.


M

For you. For me, the car is becoming more ugly every single time I see it. It really doesn't age well, a 3/4 rear shot in particular looks terrible imho.

Power, comfort, luxury is obviously fine

I actually prefer the non AMG versions in looks. The race boy bumpers in a class that is supposed to be elegant is just wrong.

It's the complete opposite for me. The AMG kit makes the car look sleeker and less like a tank AMG kit is pretty beautiful

 

[Merc1]

For you. For me, the car is becoming more ugly every single time I see it. It really doesn't age well, a 3/4 rear shot in particular looks terrible imho.

Right.

M

 

[Sunny]

It's the complete opposite for me. The AMG kit makes the car look sleeker and less like a tank AMG kit is pretty beautiful

I like my S class looking like a tank, not some pseudo sports car. And my favorite S class to this day remains the W140 for exactly that reason.

 

[SDNR]

I do agree with klier that it is not aging well .....but the facelift will help.

However, I don't think it is ugly

....but I am amazed that some of the same people who think the S class is so breathtakingly gorgeous also think the Bentley Continental is hideous -- not much objectivity there -- or do we have different standards for different marques?

I suspect some of us are more willing to forgive Mercedes simply because they are Mercedes.

For me, in terms of styling, the Bentley and S class are about the same -- neither are outstanding beauties.

 

[Merc1]

There is nothing to "forgive" with the S-Class. It is a dream of mine come true. It has walloped the Lexus LS in every comparo test so far, it is reliable like a Benz of years gone by, and its gorgeous. A kick-arse response from MB after the lackluster W220.

The Bentley other than its Chessie System looks, is also a fabulous car.


M

 

[Tarek]

....but I am amazed that some of the same people who think the S class is so breathtakingly gorgeous also think the Bentley Continental is hideous -- not much objectivity there -- or do we have different standards for different marques?

Maybe coz some cars are uglier than others and some are prettier than others too?

 

[SDNR]

There is nothing to "forgive" with the S-Class. It is a dream of mine come true. It has walloped the Lexus LS in every comparo test so far, it is reliable like a Benz of years gone by, and its gorgeous. A kick-arse response from MB after the lackluster W220.

The Bentley other than its Chessie System looks, is also a fabulous car.


M

I thought you liked the W220

Sure, the S class has "walloped" the Lexus (and everything else .....as expected) ...but I was only remarking that it isn't especially beautiful. However, the early pics of the face lift look promising, it will improve its appearance a bit.

On the Bentley, well, it is not a car I have much personal affection for ....but I don't think it looks as hideous as you say .....but it doesn't look like a 'true' Bentley ....I think that is your point isn't it?

Right now, the S class would be my choice of large car.

 

[Merc1]

Oh yes I liked the W220 as far as looks were concerned, it was gorgeous in AMG trim especially. However the build and reliability were a disgrace, especially the early years. I don't know about the rest of the world, but here in the U.S. the W220 sent a many of its owners to Lexus.

The Bentley doesn't look like a true Bentley, which would be ok if it were good looking to start with. The Jaguar XF proves that a car can be gorgeous without looking like the past models, but the Bentley is neither differently good looking or retroish good looking. Its a mess IMO. It reminds me of a giant Beetle (up front) and a railcar from the sides.

My only hope is that the replacements for the Arnage family don't go this same route, if so I'm done with lusting after Bentleys. Not that it matters to VAG.

M

 

[Zafiro]

The last generation S-class was ugly and boring. The new S-class looking better IMHO. Particulary a black S-class with AMG kit. Sex on wheels.

But the S8 is a different story. Best looking car in the class. Looking elegant, classy and slim.

S8 exterior/interior and the engine from S65, the perfect car?

 

[Tarek]

The last generation S-class was ugly and boring.

Well that's the base S320/320 CDI but a V8/12 S with the right rims it'll look absolutely gorgeous.

 

[Kowalski]

The W221 will age more gracefully than the old W220 did.