Is the Mercedes Benz S65 Worth the Extra Cost?
By
Vroomouk
This blog will compare the Mercedes Benz S 63 and S65 models and provide answers to the following questions: Which is the best model out of the two? What are the key differences Between the two models? Which one is better to drive?
Is the Mercedes Benz S65 Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes, the Mercedes Benz S65 is worth the extra cost. It has a more powerful engine compared to the S63 model and it is also the last AMG 65 model.
The Mercedes Benz S63 and S65 are high-performance cars but they are also more luxurious and comfortable than the standard model. Both cars have a Magic body control suspension system. Magic body control is a hydraulic suspension system used in Mercedes-Benz cars, there is a hydraulic pump driven by a belt drive from the crankshaft. The hydraulic boil is then supplied to two valve bodies located at the front and the rear axle. Front and rear struts are connected to the hydraulic valve bodies on their respective axles.
The magic body control is not only more responsive than the standard airmatic suspension but the overall construction of the suspension system is very simple. Mercedes-Benz is a luxury automobile manufacturer and one of the best in the world. The S Class is one of their most popular models and comes in a variety of trims. The S65 is their top of the line model and comes with an abundance of features such as a digital instrument cluster, LED headlights, panoramic sunroof, heated/cooled seats and much more.
The hydraulic struts are capable of providing anti-roll resistance and therefore there is no need for a conventional anti-roll bar that is connected to the steering knuckle. Although the suspension systems with the Magic body control are similar to both the S63 and S65 models, the S65 also gets an additional Active curve system.
The curve function is an integrated function of the magic body control system and it is active in the speed range of 15 km/hr to 180 km/hr. When the S65 is taking a turn, it tilts on the inside similar to a motorcycle l, this reduces the lateral G forces in the passenger cabin and elevates the ride quality. The S65 also gets a sports steering rack which provides good resistance to understeer. The S65 wheelbase is also longer than the S63 model, which translates into extra legroom in the back.
On the exterior, the S65 comes in an Obsidian Black colour with bronze accents on the front and rear bumper.
There is a choice of getting a high-performance ceramic brake package with golden callipers and 10 spoke alloy wheels. On the stock models, the AMG performance studio options include the carbon fibre exterior package, along with the AMG performance steering wheel wrapped in Nappa or Alcantara materials.
Mercedes Benz S63 or Mercedes-Benz S65: which is the best model?
The Mercedes-Benz S 65 is the best model. Both the S 63 and S65 are available in 4 door sedan and two-door coupe designs but the S65 coupe gives a more luxurious and exclusive feel. The acceleration of the hand-built V12 engine is very immediate despite the large size. 0-62 miles per hour is achieved in 4.1 seconds. The S63 Amg also gets from 0-62 miles per hour in a similar time but the 1000 Nm torque produced by the V12 engine makes the whole acceleration experience more exciting than the raw grunt of the bi- turbocharged V8 engine in the S63 AMG.
The S65 AMG has a 78Ah lithium-ion battery as standard. The lithium-ion battery is not only lighter compared to the traditional absorbent gel mat (AGM) but it also eliminates the need for a small additional battery. Thus, saving 44lbs of weight.
This is also an exclusive Nappa leather upholstery with a diamond pattern for the S65 AMG.
What are the key differences between the two models?
The key differences between the S63 and S65 AMG are as follows
- Engines
The engine in the S65 AMG is a special upgraded version of the M279. Thanks to the improvement made by AMG to the engine and the use of two turbochargers (one for each bank), the hand-built V12 still makes a peak output of 621 horsepower and 1000 NM of torque.
On the other hand, the S63 is powered by a newly developed M177 V8 engine. The power output of the hand-built V8 engine is also 603 horsepower with 700 Nm of torque. The two turbochargers used in the M177 are located inside the V bank of the engine which allows the use of a twin-scroll turbocharger. Exhaust gases reach the turbine blade more efficiently and thus reduce any turbo lag by spooling it quickly.
The V12 and the V8 engines have liquid-cooled intercoolers. The M177 engine in the S63 is also capable of running on 4 cylinders. This is achieved by cylinder shut-off technology. Specially designed camshafts have a cam profile that can slide to one side, keeping both the exhaust and intake valves closed.
- Drive
The S63 AMG has a 4Matic drive system. All the power produced is distributed between the front and rear axles in a 50:50 ratio. Therefore the S 63 is slightly faster at 0-62 miles per hour as 4 wheel drive offers better traction from the standstill.
The S65 is only available with the rear-wheel drive. Due to the massive size of the 6.0-litre V12 engine, it’s not possible to package a differential and front axle while keeping the vehicle height low.
- Exterior
The S65 and S63 AMG can be distinguished by the multibeam LED headlights and the bronze accents on the redesigned front and rear bumpers. The AMG carbon-fibre package also includes a front splitter on the S65 AMG which increases the downforce at the front axle. There are chrome or bronze inlays instead of side skirts on both sides. This gives both the S 63 and the S65 a low stance.
Apart from subtle changes in the exterior styling, the S65 looks more luxurious due to the black Nappa interior and longer wheelbase. There are V12 biturbo logos on either side of the front fenders and AMG Logos on the rear left and right quarter panels.
Which one is better to drive?
Overall the S 63 AMG is better to drive. The S63 and the S65 produce similar horsepower but the 9 G-Tronic MCT transmission delivers power in a more linear fashion. The 7-speed AMG speedshift on the S63 is more direct and customers can feel the gear shifts as the vehicle is accelerating. Other than the way power is delivered on the road, the ride quality on both the cars is equal. The S 63 AMG offers a better road grip but the advanced tilt function built into the Magic body system of the S 65 AMG keeps the vehicle planted in all driving conditions.
Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in
What’s it like to own a Mercedes Benz?
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About The First Mercedes
What is the oil type of the 2010 Mercedes Benz C 300?
Conclusion
The S-Class models are the most luxurious and well-appointed family of cars that Mercedes Benz offers. The S63 AMG comes in at a starting price of $163,000, while the S 65 AMG can cost more than 200,000 USD. It’s worth the extra price and only 130 units are made which means the S65 final edition will retain its value better than the S 63 AMG.
