Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Cannes, France, Sep 07, 2010

S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG: Dream car with exclusive V12 dynamism

Automobile enthusiasts with a sense of the spectacular have long held them in high regard – the Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG and the CL 65 AMG. These two dream cars with the powerful AMG V12 engine and exquisite appointments are synonymous with exclusive performance and exquisite style. The same applies to the revised models which not only feature a number of new visual highlights, but also boast an increase in power from 450 kW (612 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp), as well as a reduction in both fuel consumption and emissions.


Among engine specialists and car enthusiasts, a twelve-cylinder engine has always represented the crowning glory of the engine builders' craft. A very special example of this luxurious engine series is the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine, as used in the S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG. Just one glimpse of the engine specifications is enough to reveal why: with a displacement of 5980 cubic centimetres, the AMG V12 generates 463 kW (630 hp) at 4800 rpm. The maximum torque of 1000 Nm has been electronically limited - from a possible 1200 Nm - to make allowances for the powertrain, and remains constant between 2300 and 4300 rpm.

The performance is evidence of the exceptional power: both AMG V12 models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds, and are capable of hitting a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

Key data at a glance:

S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG
Displacement - 5980 cc
Bore x stroke - 82.6 x 93.0 mm
Compression ratio - 9.0:1
Output - 463 kW (630 hp) at 4800 rpm
Max. torque - 1000 Nm at 2300 - 4300 rpm*
Fuel consumption NEDC combined - 14.3 l/100 km
CO2 emissions - 334 g/km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h - 4.4 s
Top speed - 250 km/h*

* electronically limited.

AMG has made a number of additional detailed enhancements to the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine for the new model year. The engine experts at AMG achieved the increase in output from 450 kW (612 hp) to 463 kW (630 hp) thanks to new exhaust gas turbochargers. The inlet diameter of the compressor housing and also the exhaust gas ducts have been enlarged, and the resulting increase in air throughput, together with the new engine electronics, has resulted in an increase of 13 kW (18 hp). The maximum charge-air pressure is 1.5 bars.

Despite the increase in output, it has still been possible to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions: the NEDC-combined fuel consumption of both models is now 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres, which equates to a reduction of 0.2 litre per 100 km. CO2 emissions are 334 grams per kilometre (previous model 346 g/km).

The reduction in fuel consumption is achieved thanks to the new engine electronics and generator management: the kinetic energy generated during each drive phase of the engine and also when braking is used to charge the battery, and not just left to generate heat as would otherwise be the case. In all other operating areas, management of both the on-board electrical system and generator enables the generator to be maintained at a low voltage level.

New piston rings, a modified oil pump and use of a superior coating on the catalytic converters also contribute towards reducing raw exhaust emissions as part of the package of measures. As a result, the S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG immediately fulfil the current EU5 emissions standard as well as all of the requirements of the US market (LEV II standard, on-board diagnostics II and lambda sensor diagnostics).

Since its debut in 2003, the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine has ranked as one of the most powerful series production engines ever built. The exciting sound emitted by the two chrome twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system changes according to the driving style and situation: the repertoire ranges from a smooth, refined tone, through to the sonorous AMG-typical twelve-cylinder sound, all of which adds to the intensity of what is a high-performance driving experience.

Know-how from the world of motorsport also with the AMG biturbo V12 engine

One of the characteristic features of the biturbo engine is the sophisticated air/water intercooler. It guarantees high power and torque output under all operating conditions, regardless of the outside temperature. Traditionally all engines are built by hand at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach according to the philosophy "one man, one engine" – this is also true of the V12 engine.

In line with the exceptional 1000 Nm of torque, the saloon and coupé come with a reinforced powertrain. Power transfer is handled by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission, which has three different drive modes.

Torque Vectoring Brake, crosswind stabilisation and the Direct-Steer system

As is the case with the V8 models, the twelve-cylinder variants also come with the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) with Torque Vectoring Brake, crosswind stabilisation and loading adjustment system. The characteristics of the AMG sports suspension can be changed by pressing the Sports button – for the driver, this translates into a noticeable reduction in the roll angle when cornering at speed, and also stiffer spring/damper tuning. High levels of maneuverability and smooth control in all driving situations are also guaranteed by the Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power steering, which is fitted as standard.

A further increase in active and passive safety

Reliable deceleration performance comes courtesy of the AMG high-performance braking system based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system. Internally ventilated, perforated composite brake discs all round, with a diameter of 390 and 365 millimetres respectively, are combined with double floating brake callipers (front) and sliding frame-type callipers (rear) for maximum deceleration.

To enhance active and passive safety, the range of trend-setting camera and radar-based driver assistance systems has also been extended further. As with the V8 models, new optional extras for the S 65 AMG and CL 65 AMG now therefore include Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

New design for CL 65 AMG with even higher status

The new CL 65 AMG now features an even more exclusive appearance than ever before. An enhanced status is guaranteed thanks to the swept-back front section with profiled bonnet, the enlarged, more angled radiator grille and the powerful headlamps. Included as standard is the Intelligent Light System (ILS) with bi-xenon headlamps, active light function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights in the front apron. The upsized, chrome-trimmed cooling-air intake adorns a distinctive horizontal grille slat. The newly designed AMG bodystyling is easily recognisable thanks to the distinctive v-shape and the lower cross strut, which on the CL 65 AMG has an exclusive chrome-look finish. This is matched by the AMG rear apron which boasts a diffuser insert which is also finished in chrome. Also new are the taillamps with one-piece red-coloured cover plates and the reversing headlamps placed next to the licence plate recess. Another visual highlight comes in the form of the AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes featuring a V12 design.

When viewing the vehicle from the side, enthusiasts will discover not only the "V12 BITURBO" lettering on the mudguards, but also AMG double-spoke forged wheels, painted titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 R 20 tyres at the front, and 275/35 R 20 tyres at the rear.

Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery with an AMG V12 diamond pattern design

The exclusive position held by the CL 65 AMG within the AMG model range is also highlighted by the vehicle's exquisite and perfectly finished interior appointments: the Exclusive PASSION nappa leather upholstery with its distinctive AMG V12 diamond pattern design covers all four seats as well as the door centre panels. Nappa leather also covers not only the entire instrument panel and seatback panels, but also the magazine pockets and the parcel shelf. In addition, Alcantara® is used on the roof lining and also on the A and C-pillars. The AMG sports seats, which can be adjusted into many different positions, feature their own seat upholstery layout as well as active ventilation and heating, and also come with the Seat Comfort package: it includes active multicontour front seats with massage and dynamic functions, and also NECK-PRO luxury head restraints. Also fitted as standard on the front seats is the PRE-SAFE® positioning function.

New additions in the interior include the AMG sports steering wheel with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles and perforated nappa leather in the grip area. The latest information and entertainment comes courtesy of the standard COMAND APS multimedia system including Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system with SPLITVIEW – which divides the screen into different displays based on viewing angle.

The AMG instrument cluster displays the expressive "AMG V12 BITURBO" start screen and a 360-km/h speedometer scale. Integrated into the AMG main menu is a gear indicator including upshift recommendation, and the driver is also kept informed about engine oil and coolant temperatures. Thanks to the RACETIMER, lap times can be displayed, such as when on a race track for example. A particular highlight of the interior is the exclusive analogue clock with IWC design. High-gloss poplar wood trim elements, reserved exclusively for the V12 models, complete the interior look.

Subtle but effective distinguishing features for the S 65 AMG

The S 65 AMG comes with AMG twin-spoke forged wheels, painted in titanium grey with a mirror finish, measuring 8.5 and 9.5 inches wide. 255/35 R 20 tyres are fitted at the front, while 275/35 R 20 tyres feature at the rear. When it comes to appearance, the V12 model differs from the S 63 AMG in terms of the exclusive radiator grille with twin chromed louvres, the LED Light package including Intelligent Light System, and also the "V12 BITURBO" lettering on the front mudguards.

In the interior, the AMG instrument panel features the "AMG V12 BITURBO" start screen as well as exquisite Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery: the entire instrument panel and door linings, and also the seatback panels are finished in leather, as are the magazine pockets and the parcel shelf. Alcantara® is also used on the roof lining and on the A, B and C-pillars. Another new touch is the contrasting colour stitching.

The 12-way electrically adjustable AMG sports seats come with the Memory package, distinctive seat fluting and leather upholstery in the AMG V12 diamond pattern design, which also extends over the rear seats and all four door centre panels. Also fitted as standard is the Seat Comfort package, which includes front active multicontour seats with massage and dynamic handling function and NECK-PRO luxury head restraints and rear multicontour seats with massage function. All seats feature active ventilation and heating as well as the PRE-SAFE® positioning function.

Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system as standard

Also fitted as standard on the S 65 AMG is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end sound system, including SPLITVIEW and Front Entertainment package. Newly developed especially for the S-Class by AMG together with renowned Danish hi-fi specialists Bang & Olufsen, the system promises a unique listening experience. With a total output of 1200 watts, 15 loudspeakers, acoustic lens tweeters in the A and B-pillars as well as a digital sound processor (DSP), it transforms the V12 saloon into a full-blown concert hall with perfect acoustics.

Other standard appointments available on both AMG V12 models (extracts):

*
Ambient lighting, adjustable in three colours
*
AMG door entry sills
*
AMG floor mats
*
AMG sports pedal cluster
*
KEYLESS-GO package
*
ISOFIX and automatic child seat recognition (S 65 AMG)
*
Convenience telephony
*
LED Light package incl. ILS Intelligent Light System
*
Media interface
*
Navigation package incl. COMAND APS and SPLITVIEW
*
Electrically operated blind (CL 65 AMG)
*
Electrically operated blind for rear window and rear doors (S 65 AMG)
*
Reversing camera (CL 65 AMG)
*
Electric tilting/sliding glass sunroof with PRE-SAFE® closing function
(S 65 AMG)
*
Servo-locking mechanism for doors (S 65 AMG)

The wide range of optional extras also includes (selection):

*
AMG double-spoke forged wheels, painted in black with a mirror finish and fitted with 255/35 R 20 (front) and 275/30 R 20 (rear) tyres
*
AMG Exterior Carbon package: cross strut on the front apron, exterior mirror housings and rear apron insert in carbon fibre (CL 65 AMG)
*
AMG Performance steering wheel in nappa leather with Alcantara® inserts in the grip areas
*
AMG carbon-fibre interior trim elements (CL 65 AMG)
*
AMG trim in black piano lacquer/carbon fibre (S 65 AMG)
*
DAB – digital radio reception
*
designo paintwork
*
designo wood/leather steering wheel
*
designo Exclusive aniline leather
*
designo nappa leather roof lining
*
designo Alcantara® roof lining
*
designo trim in wood/piano lacquer finish
*
designo trim in stone finish
*
designo Selection
*
Driving Assistance Plus package
*
Refrigerated compartment in rear seat backrest (S 65 AMG)
*
Night View Assist Plus
*
TV tuner

The S 65 AMG is available in a long-wheelbase version only and costs 192,500 euros (excl. VAT)/229,075 euros (incl. 19% VAT). The CL 65 AMG carries a sales price of 191,450 euros (excl. VAT)/227,825 euros (incl. 19% VAT).