2016 Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabriolet revealed – UPDATE
Well-heeled buyers looking to combine opulence with a stonking loud monster of an engine can do worse than the Mercedes-AMG S65, and this new variant may be the most appealing option yet.
Joining the behemoth S65 sedan and the only slightly less sensible S65 Coupe, the new 2016 AMG S65 Cabriolet delivers the same performance package while adding a little extra flair for a sun-seeking and coast-hugging lifestyle.
The AMG S65 enters above the S-Class Cabriolet range that debuted in September, which - until now - topped out with the already impressive AMG S63.
But while that hero’s 5.5-litre biturbo V8 offers a ‘mere’ 430kW and 900Nm of torque, the S65 ups the ante to 463kW and a round 1000Nm - all to the tune of AMG’s 6.0-litre turbo V12.
AMG's betting that buyers will agree there's no better way to indulge in that sound than with the top down.
As with the regular version of the S63, the S65 sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission.
There’s also a 4Matic all-wheel-drive variant of the S63, however - and that model claims a 0-100km/h time of 3.9 seconds, bettering the S65’s 4.1-second run.
No surprise that fuel consumption is higher with the V12 engine, coming in at 12.0L/100km on the European test cycle, while the S63 lists 10.4L/100km.
Features with the AMG S65 Cabriolet include a three-layer acoustic fabric folding roof with a 17-second opening and closing action, which can be carried out at speeds up to 50km/h.
Shown here in beige, the roof can also be had in black, dark blue and dark red.
Other kit includes a head-up display, touchpad Comand control system with a 360-degree camera, intelligent climate control with wind-protecting AirCap and AirScarf systems, and heated rear seats.
Active Parking Assist with Parktronic is standard, as is Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, along with Pre-Safe Brake, BAS Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and Pre-Safe Plus.
The S-Class Cabriolet range will make its way to Australia late next year.
The S65, however, is still to be confirmed for our market. CarAdvice has contacted Mercedes-Benz Australia for comment - watch this space.
UPDATE: Mercedes-Benz Australia has now confirmed the S65 Cabriolet will come to Australia, although exact timing is still to be revealed.
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