Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet revealed at Detroit 2016
Merc's most expensive S-Class is displayed at the Detroit Motor Show before April 2016 UK sales begin
Mercedes has unveiled its AMG-tuned S-Class Cabriolet at the 2016 Detroit Motor Show. The Mercedes-AMG S65 Cabrio gets a 621bhp 6.0-litre V12 from the S 65 Coupe and is available from April 2016 in the UK, likely to cost close to £200,000.
Currently the top of the range S-Class Cabriolet is the S 63, which uses a 577bhp V8 and goes from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds. The upcoming S 65 uses a twin-turbo V12 engine with 1,000Nm of torque - sending it from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds. That's the same as the S 65 Coupe, despite an extra 175kg of strengthening added to the convertible version.
It will go on to the same electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, but you can pay Mercedes to remove the speed limiter if you really feel the need. A seven-speed automatic gearbox is standard, and you can switch to manual or sport modes (which shortens shift times).
There's little to distinguish the S 65 from the S 63, but you do get more chrome around the front bumper air intakes, V12 badged around the car and new alloy wheel designs. The fabric roof is available in four colours: red, blue, beige and black. You can open it at speeds of up to 30mph, taking about 17 seconds.
The S 65 Cabriolet's body has the same rigidity as the Coupe version, thanks to the aluminium and magnesium used in its construction. There's a new type of battery that saves 20kg of weight, too.
Sports-focused air suspension is standard on the S 65, with variable damping and the choice between comfort or sport setups. Ceramic brakes are optional, along with red calipers - both fit under the car's standard 20-inch alloy wheels.
Standard equipment for the Mercedes-AMG S 65 includes a fully leather interior, LED lights, a 360-degree parking camera with active parking assist, a premium surround-sound stereo, an 'air scarf' heater for your neck and a full set of safety features. These include pedestrian detection, cross-traffic warning, lane keep assist, a night-vision camera, adaptive high beams, automated braking and a collision detection and warning system.
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