Unsurpassed level of protection

Mercedes-Benz is rounding out the new S-Class series with an armoured special protection version. Because the new S-Guard's protective features are integrated into the vehicle before it leaves the production plant, it offers an unsurpassed level of protection against terrorist attacks and the threat of violent crime. Such top-quality protection is impossible to provide by retrofitting a vehicle with armour. Customers will be able to purchase the new model — the Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard with a 12-cylinder engine — beginning in 2006.

With the new S-Guard, Mercedes-Benz is continuing an uninterrupted tradition of developing special protection vehicles that stretches back almost 80 years. Following the principle of integrated special protection, specialists with many years of experience in protection technology will be producing the new top model in the Guard family of vehicles in Sindelfingen. In accordance with this principle, the protective elements for the doors, rear wall, side components, roof lining and bulkhead are not installed in a vehicle after it rolls off the production line; they are integrated into the vehicle’s body right from the start in a separate production process. This also makes it possible to include all the protective reinforcements in the body structure from the start.

The higher weight of these protective elements ensures that the body will have the same high quality that is a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz series models. This results in the highest degree of comprehensive protection while maintaining the characteristic Mercedes standards of production quality, even in parts of the vehicle that would be nearly impossible to access afterwards.

Outstanding comfort and superior performance

The integration of the protective elements causes virtually no reduction of the new S-Class’ interior space, which provides all passengers with first-class luxury, outstanding comfort and superior performance. The generous dimensions of the chassis components and brakes ensure that the Mercedes-Benz S-Guard saloon displays handling properties almost identical to series models so that the driver always enjoys an optimal driving experience. In addition, the chassis design ensures that the level of comfort typical of Mercedes-Benz is undiminished, despite the higher weight.

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard’s enhanced 12-cylinder biturbo engine (380 kW/517 hp) offers dynamic power reserves, giving the luxury saloon the sports car-like performance needed to escape any dangerous situation as quickly as possible.

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard provides protection that meets the specifications of the B6/B7 protection standard, which is the maximum level. Military-grade small arms fire cannot penetrate the vehicle’s armour, which also protects occupants from hand grenade shrapnel and other explosive devices. Additional security features include tyres with run-flat properties, a self-sealing fuel tank and an alarm system for endangered occupants.

A look at the exterior of the new special protection saloon gives hardly any indication of its impressive security features. That is because discretion is a top priority, in addition to confidentiality, reliability and quality. And prominent figures all over the world value the ability to travel incognito, which they also can enjoy in the new Mercedes-Benz S-Guard.

With all the pioneering developments of the new S-Class

The Mercedes-Benz S 600 Guard is equipped with the same technological innovations that make the Mercedes flagship model the standard-setting vehicle for all passenger car development and the world’s best-selling luxury saloon. These innovations include important new developments such as Brake Assist PLUS in combination with DISTRONIC PLUS with radar sensors, the new COMAND-APS and the preventive PRE-SAFE®-occupant protection with additional functions. In addition, the S-Guard’s agile handling and maximum level of comfort guarantee unsurpassed driving performance.

As you probably know, the new S-Class features a host of safety features not found on any other vehicles, one of which is a new Brake Assist Plus feature. If you're unfamiliar with Brake Assist Plus, it's a system that uses radar to detect traffic that may or may not be visible to the driver, and in the event that braking force is needed to prevent an accident, the Brake Assist system kicks in and supplies the necessary stopping power.

Mercedes recently decided to demonstrate this safety feature for Germany's Star TV, but unfortunately for the donor S-Class, all didn't go as planned.

To showcase the Brake Assist Plus feature, a test track was set up, complete with heavy fog and a hidden stationary test vehicle, to compare the previous S-Class to the forthcoming 2007 model. The previous S-Class was then sent traveling down the track, which collided with the stationary vehicle due to the low visibility.

Next, it was time for the 2007 S-Class to perform the same test, but thanks to Brake Assist Plus, the safety system was supposed to kick in and stop the vehicle in time. Guess what? It didn't work. The S-Class traveled down the track, collided with the previous S-Class, which then collided with the stationary test vehicle.

After closer inspection, the Mercedes engineers believe the failed test came as a result of the high steel and concrete construction of the testing facilities throwing off the Brake Assist Plus' radar, but assures drivers in real world conditions, the system will work as planned.

The moral of the story is this: if you're driving an S-Class, you're an intelligent individual. Regardless of whether or not the safety systems work, reading the Wall Street Journal, conducting a conference call and drinking a café latte while traveling at 70+mph is never a smart idea. Remember kids, there's no substitute for safe driving.

A little while back, we brought you a story about the new Mercedes S-Class failing a crash test on the Germany's Star TV. If you didn't read our story, you can find it here.

It turns out, the entire test was a hoax... well, sort of.

Before the test was conducted, Mercedes alerted Star TV that the Brake Assist Plus feature wouldn't function correctly in their testing hall, and recommended they not conduct the test at all.

However, Michael Specht, a MotorBild journalist covering the story, decided to run the story anyways. Specht, along with the Mercedes engineers, devised a plan to "simulate" the Brake Assist Plus feature by manually applying braking pressure on the fog-induced track.

Because of the low visibility, a board was placed over the track so that Specht would know the correct time to brake the vehicle. Unfortunately, the plan failed - due to the S-Class' plush suspension, Specht didn't feel when he passed over the board, and proceeded to then collide into the vehicle ahead of him.

I'll give you one guess what happened to poor little Michael Specht. This morning it was announced that Michael was fired from his position at MotorBild.

I have a feeling some Mercedes engineers might be a little nervous as well. See kids, it never pays to lie.

You can check out the full translated version over at Autobild, or an shorter English version by clicking here.

After closer inspection, the Mercedes engineers believe the failed test came as a result of the high steel and concrete construction of the testing facilities throwing off the Brake Assist Plus' radar, but assures drivers in real world conditions, the system will work as planned.

Stuttgart, Dec 28, 2005
Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension: the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the brand new S-Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in this segment. The use of the new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brakes with twin sliding callipers at the front further illustrates the unique technological prowess of the powerful AMG Saloon. The standard specification of the new S 65 AMG includes a new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the unmistakable AMG bodystyling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, DIRECT SELECT gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles as well as the new AMG main menu with RACETIMER. The powerful AMG Saloon stands self-confidently ahead of the competition, testimony to the outstanding role of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in developing extraordinary vehicles and powerful drive systems.
The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is celebrating its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2006. Its ultra-powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds (provisional figures). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport

This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine’s credentials are outstanding: maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, while 750 Nm is on tap at 1500 rpm.

When designing and building the V12 engine the AMG designers drew on the vast know-how amassed over many years of motorsport involvement. The AMG V12 engine has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength materials, forged pistons made out of special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston plus larger piston pins. The main and big-end bearings are also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak temperatures and pressures more effectively. The charge cycle in the cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and longer opening times of the intake valves. A modified oil pump ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in highly demanding conditions. An engine oil cooler is integrated into the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator located in the wheel arch.

Highly efficient charge-air cooler

The charge-air cooler has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the front of the vehicle that is around 70 percent larger. The system works on the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The increased surface area of the low-temperature radiator provides a 25 percent reduction in intake temperature and guarantees high power and torque output under all operating conditions and regardless of the outside temperature, even when the engine is operating at full load. The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels have been enlarged to cope with the maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

The electronically controlled fuel supply with newly developed components operates with a variable system pressure between 3.6 and 5.0 bar. Depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the fuel pressure is variably controlled almost instantly. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds, delivering an extremely fast response from the engine in all load situations.

AMG sports exhaust system for typical AMG twelve-cylinder vocals

The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes in the new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals on the new S 65 AMG. The new tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic converters provides a faster response from a cold start, improved emission control as well as longer life. Naturally the S 65 AMG fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits such as EU 4. The ultra-powerful twelve-cylinder unit takes the specific requirements of the U.S. market such as LEV II, “On-Board Diagnosis II” and oxygen sensor diagnosis in its stride.

The special position of the AMG V12 engine was singled out at the “International Engine of the Year Awards 2004”: in the “Best Performance Engine” category the jury chose the 450-kW/612-hp AMG engine as the winner, beating off a field of 70 renowned competitors from Europe, the USA and Japan. In the AMG engine manufacturing facility, each engine is traditionally hand-built according to the “One man, one engine” philosophy. That means that each complete AMG V12 engine is assembled from start to finish by a single technician – documented with the technician’s signature on the AMG engine plate.

World first: newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes

The completely newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping distances, sensitivity and durability. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have come to expect from AMG. This new, unique technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. At the rear a large sliding frame-type calliper provides the braking. Composite brake discs at the front and rear with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable strength and outstanding sensitivity. The dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled electronically and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve safety and comfort. Multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. 255/40 ZR 19 tyres are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19 tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. The conventional automatic selector lever in the centre console is replaced by a lever on the steering column, which the driver nudges to select the transmission settings “P”, “N”, “R” and “D”.

The driver can use the “S/C/M” mode button in the centre console to select from the “Sport”, “Comfort” and “Manual” shift programmes that not only change the transmission characteristics but also the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

High torque requires a reinforced powertrain

The unrivalled 1000 Nm torque requires a systematically reinforced powertrain on the S 65 AMG. In the automatic transmission this includes newly developed clutch plates with a high-quality metallic coating and the modified shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement these measures.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The active suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the second-generation Active Body Control is even more effective, for instance in reducing body movements in any given driving situation. Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic handling – while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.

Unmistakable AMG bodystyling creates a distinctive look

Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness – the first impression you get from the new S 65 AMG. The new AMG bodystyling is combined superbly with the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing a markedly poised and assured appearance. At the front the redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch. The two slanted struts and integrated round fog lamps set in chrome rings make the S-Class look even wider and lower. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced through the “V12 biturbo” lettering on the front wings.

The new multi-piece 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with a star on the centre of the wheel painted in titanium grey blend harmoniously into the overall lines and represent additional highlights. The powerful AMG bodystyling design of the rear apron and the AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes in the new V12 design provide the perfect finishing touches.

Exclusive interior appointments with multicontour seats and “RACETIMER”

The exclusive interior appointments fit in perfectly with the dynamic exterior: open the door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG logo in the AMG instrument cluster’s central display. The integrated custom AMG main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as well as recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is also a choice of engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the “RACETIMER”. This new function enables the driver for the first time to calculate lap times in the AMG model – on a private racetrack, for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG instrument cluster with its 360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the performance of the S 65 AMG.

The extensive burr walnut trim, the “Exclusive PASSION” leather upholstery and the AMG dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design add that touch of distinctive flair. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted rim and the AMG aluminium gearshift paddles with “up” and “down” lettering is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most eye-catching features in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the exclusive analogue clock with its “IWC Ingenieur” design in the centre console. High-quality AMG door sill panels provide the finishing touch for the interior.

Stuttgart, Dec 28, 2005

Exclusivity and dynamism in a wholly new dimension: the new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG in a nutshell. The compelling top-of-the-line model of the brand new S-Class delivers 450 kW/612 hp and reaches peak torque of 1000 Nm – more than any other vehicle in this segment. The use of the new, innovative AMG high-performance composite brakes with twin sliding callipers at the front further illustrates the unique technological prowess of the powerful AMG Saloon. The standard specification of the new S 65 AMG includes a new AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control, the unmistakable AMG bodystyling, multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, DIRECT SELECT gearshift with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles as well as the new AMG main menu with RACETIMER. The powerful AMG Saloon stands self-confidently ahead of the competition, testimony to the outstanding role of Mercedes-AMG GmbH in developing extraordinary vehicles and powerful drive systems.
The new Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG is celebrating its world premiere at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on January 8, 2006. Its ultra-powerful AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine delivers performance that many sports car drivers can only dream about: it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h in just 13.3 seconds (provisional figures). The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Twelve-cylinder biturbo engine with know-how from motorsport

This exclusive performance is made possible by the 5980-cc V12 engine developed by Mercedes-AMG. The engine’s credentials are outstanding: maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp is maintained from 4750 to 5100 rpm, while the maximum torque of 1000 Nm can be called on from 2000 to 4000 rpm. Even as low as 1000 rpm, the AMG V12 biturbo engine already delivers 570 Nm of torque to the crankshaft, while 750 Nm is on tap at 1500 rpm.

When designing and building the V12 engine the AMG designers drew on the vast know-how amassed over many years of motorsport involvement. The AMG V12 engine has a precision-balanced crankshaft made out of high-strength materials, forged pistons made out of special material which is extremely resistant to temperature and pressure, a more effective oil-spray cooling system with a separate individual nozzle for each piston plus larger piston pins. The main and big-end bearings are also made out of improved materials to compensate for peak temperatures and pressures more effectively. The charge cycle in the cylinder heads benefits from optimised combustion chambers and longer opening times of the intake valves. A modified oil pump ensures that all lubrication points are supplied with oil - even in highly demanding conditions. An engine oil cooler is integrated into the AMG front apron, with an additional engine coolant radiator located in the wheel arch.

Highly efficient charge-air cooler

The charge-air cooler has also been redesigned with a low-temperature radiator in the front of the vehicle that is around 70 percent larger. The system works on the principle of the air/water heat exchanger for particularly effective cooling of the intake air (which has been compressed by the turbochargers) before it enters the combustion chambers. The increased surface area of the low-temperature radiator provides a 25 percent reduction in intake temperature and guarantees high power and torque output under all operating conditions and regardless of the outside temperature, even when the engine is operating at full load. The housings of the compressor and turbine in both turbochargers as well as the turbine and compressor wheels have been enlarged to cope with the maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.

The electronically controlled fuel supply with newly developed components operates with a variable system pressure between 3.6 and 5.0 bar. Depending on the power requirements and outside temperature, the fuel pressure is variably controlled almost instantly. The engine management system translates the command from the accelerator within milliseconds, delivering an extremely fast response from the engine in all load situations.

AMG sports exhaust system for typical AMG twelve-cylinder vocals

The AMG sports exhaust system with two twin chrome tailpipes in the new V12 design provides the telltale AMG twelve-cylinder vocals on the new S 65 AMG. The new tri-metallic coating used in the catalytic converters provides a faster response from a cold start, improved emission control as well as longer life. Naturally the S 65 AMG fulfils all standard exhaust emissions limits such as EU 4. The ultra-powerful twelve-cylinder unit takes the specific requirements of the U.S. market such as LEV II, “On-Board Diagnosis II” and oxygen sensor diagnosis in its stride.

The special position of the AMG V12 engine was singled out at the “International Engine of the Year Awards 2004”: in the “Best Performance Engine” category the jury chose the 450-kW/612-hp AMG engine as the winner, beating off a field of 70 renowned competitors from Europe, the USA and Japan. In the AMG engine manufacturing facility, each engine is traditionally hand-built according to the “One man, one engine” philosophy. That means that each complete AMG V12 engine is assembled from start to finish by a single technician – documented with the technician’s signature on the AMG engine plate.

World first: newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes

The completely newly developed AMG high-performance composite brakes based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system set new standards in terms of stopping distances, sensitivity and durability. A new twin sliding calliper is used for the front brakes, the kind of innovation people have come to expect from AMG. This new, unique technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly improved ride comfort due to the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake. At the rear a large sliding frame-type calliper provides the braking. Composite brake discs at the front and rear with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively ensure the shortest stopping distances, remarkable strength and outstanding sensitivity. The dual-circuit hydraulic braking system is controlled electronically and supports numerous driver assistance functions that improve safety and comfort. Multi-piece 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed tyres provide the contact with the road. 255/40 ZR 19 tyres are fitted on 8.5-inch-wide wheels at the front, while 275/40 ZR 19 tyres combine with 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The drive power is transferred to the wheels in the new S 65 AMG via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. The conventional automatic selector lever in the centre console is replaced by a lever on the steering column, which the driver nudges to select the transmission settings “P”, “N”, “R” and “D”.

The driver can use the “S/C/M” mode button in the centre console to select from the “Sport”, “Comfort” and “Manual” shift programmes that not only change the transmission characteristics but also the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. The gears can also be shifted at any time using the silver-coloured aluminium gearshift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

High torque requires a reinforced powertrain

The unrivalled 1000 Nm torque requires a systematically reinforced powertrain on the S 65 AMG. In the automatic transmission this includes newly developed clutch plates with a high-quality metallic coating and the modified shift and torque converter logic. Redesigned drive shafts, larger hub carriers as well as strengthened steel spring links supplement these measures.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension with the Active Body Control system is the perfect complement to the sophisticated drive technology. The active suspension reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, negotiating bends and braking. Bends are negotiated with far less roll; the body roll with fast evasive manoeuvring is effectively suppressed. Compared with the previous model, the second-generation Active Body Control is even more effective, for instance in reducing body movements in any given driving situation. Thus the S 65 AMG opens up new dimensions in dynamic handling – while offering appreciably improved ride comfort.

Unmistakable AMG bodystyling creates a distinctive look

Hallmark Mercedes elegance coupled with distinctive sportiness – the first impression you get from the new S 65 AMG. The new AMG bodystyling is combined superbly with the pronounced flared wheel arches, providing a markedly poised and assured appearance. At the front the redesigned AMG front apron with enlarged air intakes adds an athletic touch. The two slanted struts and integrated round fog lamps set in chrome rings make the S-Class look even wider and lower. The side skirts take up the line of the AMG front apron and emphasise the dynamic feel of the side view; all reinforced through the “V12 biturbo” lettering on the front wings.

The new multi-piece 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with a star on the centre of the wheel painted in titanium grey blend harmoniously into the overall lines and represent additional highlights. The powerful AMG bodystyling design of the rear apron and the AMG sports exhaust system comprising two combined twin tailpipes in the new V12 design provide the perfect finishing touches.

Exclusive interior appointments with multicontour seats and “RACETIMER”

The exclusive interior appointments fit in perfectly with the dynamic exterior: open the door and the S 65 AMG welcomes the driver with a large AMG logo in the AMG instrument cluster’s central display. The integrated custom AMG main menu constantly displays the gear currently selected as well as recommending when to shift up to the next gear. There is also a choice of engine oil temperature, the battery voltage or the “RACETIMER”. This new function enables the driver for the first time to calculate lap times in the AMG model – on a private racetrack, for instance. The RACETIMER stores the time of the fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance; all the information can be called up conveniently using the thumb-operated buttons on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel. The AMG instrument cluster with its 360-km/h dial discreetly indicates the performance of the S 65 AMG.

The extensive burr walnut trim, the “Exclusive PASSION” leather upholstery and the AMG dynamic sports seats with their own distinctive design add that touch of distinctive flair. The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with its specially sculpted rim and the AMG aluminium gearshift paddles with “up” and “down” lettering is a joy to hold and behold. One of the most eye-catching features in the interior of the new S 65 AMG is the exclusive analogue clock with its “IWC Ingenieur” design in the centre console. High-quality AMG door sill panels provide the finishing touch for the interior.

Mercedes-Benz will flex its considerable muscle at the upcoming North American International Auto Show in Detroit when it unveils a rapid new S65 AMG. Due to reach North American showrooms in July, the luxury performance sedan carries over the hand-built twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 engine and five-speed automatic transmission from the previous S65 AMG, all wrapped up in the body of the all-new S-Class.

Mercedes says the reworked Maybach mill, with 612 hp at 4750 rpm and an enormous 738 lb-ft of torque beginning at 2000 rpm, should be slightly faster than an S600 and should match the older S65’s 0-to-62-mph time of 4.4 seconds, despite a small increase in weight. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, though buyers of all high-end AMG models these days can pay extra to have the electronic limiter recalibrated to 186 mph.

With the new S-Class chassis, S65 buyers get a wholesale lift in performance with a tauter suspension, reworked active body control and stronger brakes.

The S65 AMG is distinguished from lesser S-Class models by a heavily styled front bumper with a gaping central air duct, chunkier sills, a deeper rear bumper with a quartet of chrome oval tailpipes, and five-spoke 19-inch wheels. Inside, there’s unique instrument graphics, new gear shift paddles behind the steering wheel, sport seats, and a Racetimer device that allows the driver to record lap times or acceleration splits via a menu in the instrument binnacle.

Together with the S65 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is also developing a new S63 AMG model running the new 510-hp naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine unveiled in the ML63 AMG and Vision R63 concepts at the Frankfurt motor show last September. Don’t look for those models to go into production until later in 2006, however.