Mercedes to bring the power to L.A. Auto Show with new S65 AMG
Mercedes-Benz will use this month’s Los Angeles Auto Show to prove that you can never have too much of a good thing -- like power.
The automaker announced Friday it will unveil the 2014 S65 AMG on Nov. 20. The third-generation full-size sedan will sit at the top of Mercedes’ hierarchy -- at least until a coupe version is introduced in 2014.
Power is in the neighborhood of whopping, with a hand-assembled twin-turbocharged V-12 making 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Although this engine is a carry-over from the previous generation S65, the transmission is all-new. It now has seven speeds, compared with five in the earlier one, and pushes the V-12’s power to the rear wheels.
Mercedes estimates the S65 will do zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, or about .3 seconds slower than the lesser S63 AMG and its lighter V-8 engine.
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The automaker will also use the S65 to introduce a pair of tech goodies previously unseen in a Mercedes. The first is a heads-up display that will show the driver data such as navigation instructions, vehicle speed, and adaptive cruise control.
Also new -- though headed to other Mercedes models such as the all-new C-Class bowing in 2014 -- is a touch pad that controls the infotainment system. Sitting just in front of the armrest between the driver and passenger, this touch pad will function much like a smartphone or tablet, Mercedes says. One and two finger gestures, swipes, and widening and narrowing motions will control the car’s functions. It will also recognize letters and numbers.
The list of standard features is a long one and includes an active air suspension that reads the road ahead and adjusts accordingly, nappa leather seats, a Burmester sound system, active seats with hot stone massaging, and a night vision camera
Options include carbon ceramic brakes and an executive seating package for the rear seats.
Mercedes didn’t announce pricing details, though don’t expect it to be any cheaper than the $212,000 starting price of the previous generation. The new S65 AMG will go on sale in mid-2014.
The S65 will be one of several models Mercedes will show off at the L.A. Auto Show. In addition to the S65 and S63 sedans, the automaker will bring the all-new GLA 250 compact crossover and two other models it has yet to announce.
The L.A. Auto Show will be open to the media Nov. 20 and 21, and will be open to the public Nov. 22 to Dec. 1.
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