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Configurator Challenge: Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

Twin-turbo V8 or V12? Hard top or soft top? So many decisions...


Customisation is in vogue at the moment, but choice can be seriously confusing. In our configurator challenge, we let the CarAdvice team loose on a manufacturer’s website to create their ideal spec of a certain model.

For this edition of the Configurator Challenge, we’re designing our perfect Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe or Cabriolet.

Let us know what you think in the comments, and which cars you’d like to see next!



James Wong, Journalist

I was a huge fan of the old CL preceding the S-Class Coupe, and the updated AMG S65 Coupe would be my pick of the range – because V12, duh.

With 463kW and a whopping 1000Nm on tap from its twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12, there's more than enough grunt for doing laps down Chapel Street or overtaking the commoners and their 'sports utility vehicles' on the way to the resort at Thredbo.

For the exterior I've opted for the beautiful Emerald Green metallic, accented by the AMG carbon-fibre package and the 20-inch ceramic polished alloys.

Inside, there's Saddle Brown nappa leather upholstery fort he seats and mid-tier sections of the cabin like the dashboard and doors, while the upper and lower sections, along with the headliner and steering wheel are trimmed in black nappa leather.

For the trim inserts I ticked the box for Brown Burr Walnut high-gloss wood trim, which I think looks great in combination with the brown leather trim.

In terms of options, I didn't have to really add anything else because just about everything is standard or a no-cost option – you'd hope so, considering the AMG S65 starts at $508,900 before on-roads.

Go ahead, tell me how much you love it. I'm already imagining the sound of that V12 singing every time I touch the throttle.

I would almost have this over a Bentley Continental... Almost.



Rob Margeit, Culture & Lifestyle Editor

It's the S65 all the way for me because you can never have too many cylinders. There's something intoxicating about a V12 burbling along, but not as intoxicating as the 1000Nm of torque available under your right foot.

I've opted for the designo Diamond Bright White, mainly because the silver options available weren't the right silver. Also, the white sets off those 20-inch AMG cross-spoke forged alloys in matte black quite nicely. And those gold calipers, courtesy of the optional carbon-ceramic brake package, really pop.

Keeping it simple inside is the designo Exclusive Black Nappa Leather package, while AMG Carbon Fibre/Black Piano lacquer trims provide accents and highlights.

In all, it's relatively understated in its looks, as an S-Class Coupe should be. This isn't as gaudy or look-at-me as C63 Coupe, and nor should it be. It's the perfect grand tourer for a man of my vintage, i.e. 'old', so it needs to remain understated.


Scott Collie, Journalist

Unoriginal opinion alert! I'm going for the S65 this week, because you'd just be mad not to snaffle a V12 while the chance still exists.

I could take or leave the CL that came before the S-Class coupe, but this is an altogether more attractive proposition, especially with 463kW and 1000Nm on tap from a twin-turbo V12 engine. Plus, 12.0L/100km on the combined cycle is actually pretty good for such a big car. Not that the average buyer would care.

On the outside, I've opted for Cavansite Blue metallic paint and 20-inch alloy wheels, complete in polished silver. Everyone is doing black wheels now, and they just seem out of line with the refined approach of the S65. Save them for your pleb A45 AMGs, please and thanks.

I've steered clear of the AMG carbon package for the same reason. Tacky add-ons aren't welcome here.

Inside, the combination of Porcelain and Deep Sea Blue leather trim is in perfect sync with the exterior. Carbon fibre was tempting, but there's something about the combination of Brown Burr Walnut trim and pale leather that just seems 'right'. The new AMG steering wheel is growing on me, too. Mmmm, spindly spokes.

Everything is included, so there are no options. Gawp in wonder, folks, for you're staring at the ultimate V12 grand tourer.



Kez Casey, Road Tester

What a wonderful world of opportunity the S-Class Coupe represents, available in a variety of unexciting blacks, greys, silvers, and whites. I guess that’s one way of ensuring buyers can't display unnecessary free will.

As much as I would probably very much like a cabriolet, on this occasion the near-sensual flow of the coupe’s C-pillar wins my vote, equipped with Benz’s Magic Sky Control panoramic glass roof for an almost-open experience – without threatening the structural integrity of your Joh Bailey blow dry, natch.

An AMG 63 is certainly tempting, and an AMG 65 even more so but as Australia’s fondness for high speeds is nonexistent, logic rules and I’ve opted for an S560 and even stripped it of AMG wheels, opting instead for 20-inch 5 twin-spoke wheels for a more classic look.

Since I had to settle on a colour Cashmere White Magno, a creamy satin finish, adorns the exterior while the interior exemplifies timeless elegance in Deep Sea Blue and Porcelain nappa leather with High Gloss Black Poplar accents.

Hell, even the gauche Swarovski headlights seem like a nouveau-riche complication that’s just not required. Burmester’s High End 3D Surround Sound system, on the other hand, would be an absolute necessity.

And that’s how you spec the perfect S-Class… Or at least it’ll do when you can’t get what you really want, like colour swatches from another decade and a Sgt. Pepper’s acid-trip interior


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