In the past, it was rumored that the new-generation Mercedes S-Class->ke359 would drop the V-12 engine from its lineup, but it looks like things have changed as of late. Car and Driver reports that Benz will unveil the new-generation S65 AMG at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211 in November and the debut of S600 will follow it at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show->ke222 in January.

We expect the next S65 AMG to carry the same engine as the current model, so don't look for any real surprises.

When it comes to its exterior look, just try to imagine an even more aggressive S63 AMG -- if that's even possible -- and the interior will be even sportier and more luxurious.

Stay tuned for more information, as we creep closer the the LA Show.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes S65 AMG.

Update 11/08/2013: Mercedes-Benz has just revealed a small amount of information about the 2015 S65 AMG on its Facebook page, as well as a few new images. The Automaker revealed that the 6.0-liter V-12 engine will put down 621 horsepower and launch the sedan to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. You can see more details after the jump.

2015 Mercedes S65 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes S65 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: V12
  • Horsepower: 621
  • Torque: 738
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Exterior

The 2015 S65 AMG receives the same redesign that the rest of the S-Class sedans received in 2014. From the images that Mercedes release, we can see that the S65 AMG gets a new six-twin-louver grille and the headlights are all-new with LED brows just like the 2014 S63 AMG.

The front apron also gets a redo, as it now features larger intakes on each side, and a chrome-highlighted front splitter for some extra front-end downforce. Chrome also highlights the side sill panel inserts and the rear diffuser trim. If chrome isn't for you, Mercedes can replace these chrome accents with high-gloss black ones.

Around back, Mercedes revised the trunk-line, gave the S65 a new set of taillights and a sharp, quad-exit exhaust system.

It's nice to see the S65 inherit the revisions that the rest of the S-Class received, we are just a little confuse why Mercedes chose to skip the 2014 model year. Oh well, more details will roll out at the LA Auto Show.

Interior

The interior is pure luxury, as Mercedes, as usual, opted for the highest-quality materials. Nappa leather with diamond stitching graces the seats, headliner, dashboard, door panels and grab bars. The interior is available in the following colors:

-Black

-Satin beige/espresso brown

-Nut brown/black

-Porcelain/black

-Crystal grey/seashell grey

The two-spoke steering wheel is a new addition to the S65, and even though we've seen it on the 2014 S-Class, it still doesn't look proportioned correctly to us. We prefer a three- or four-spoke design, but some people must like it.

Rounding out the interior are animated round gauges, a heads-up display and a touchpad for easy control of the infotainment system and other features of the vehicle.

2015 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG - Standard Interior Features

-AIR-BALANCE package

-AMG full-pile footmats, with edging in Nappa leather and AMG badge in solid metal

-AMG sports pedals of brushed stainless steel with rubber studs

-Ambient lighting

-ATTENTION ASSIST

-Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system

-Chauffeur package

-Exclusive package

-COMAND Online

-Driving Assistance package Plus

-KEYLESS-GO package

-Convenience telephony

-10 loudspeakers with Frontbass

-LED Intelligent Light System

-MAGIC VISION CONTROL

-Media Interface

-Metallic paintwork

-Panoramic sliding sunroof

-Parking package

-PRE-SAFE® PLUS

-Tire pressure loss warning system

-Electrically adjustable rear seats

-Seat Comfort package incl. ENERGIZING massage function

-SPLITVIEW

-Sun Protection package

-Exclusive trim package

Drivetrain

Under its hood, the new S65 AMG features a 6.0-liter, biturbo V-12 engine that delivers 621 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. This is identical to the 2013 model, and its 0-to-60 mph also remains the same at 4.2 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

Keeping the engine compartment clean is an exclusive carbon-fiber cover with an AMG badge.

With weight being a key feature in modern performance cars, Mercedes went as far as using a lithium ion battery in place of the old lead-acid battery. Sure, this is an expensive upgrade, but it saves a whopping 44 pounds. Additionally, lithium ion batteries are simply more reliable than lead-acid ones, and cold weather has little impact on them.

The engine delivers its power to the rear wheel via a seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-Tronic transmission. The transmission has three driving programs that cater to your driving style. The Controlled Efficiency Mode activates the ECO start/stop function to help reduce fuel consumption, whereas the Sport and Manual modes put an emphasis on delivering optimal performance by shortening shift times.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

6.0-Liter V-12 Biturbo

Horsepower

621 @ 4,800 - 5,400 RPM

Torque (LB-FT)

738 @ 2,300 - 4,300

Acceleration (0-60 MPH)

4.2 Sec

Top Speed (Limited)

155 MPH


Suspension and Brakes

As expected, the S65 AMG comes with the latest MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system from Benz. This high-tech suspension system even includes a ROAD SURFACE SCAN feature that senses defects in the road before you ever hit them, allowing this suspension system to adjust the ride to compensate.

The suspension has a pair of settings -- "Comfort" and "Sport" -- so the driver can tune the suspension to his liking.

The electromechanical AMG speed-sensitive steering has a variable steering ratio. With the suspension system set to "Comfort," the power steering system adds a little extra assistance to make turning the wheel easy and reduce feedback. On the other end of the spectrum, the "Sport" setting tightens the steering, giving the driver the ability to change lanes at the flick of a wrist and feel plenty of feedback through the wheel.

An AMG model is never complete without a bad-ass set of wheels, and the S65 AMG continues this tradition with AMG multi-spoke, high-gloss polished, lightweight wheels sized 8.5-by-20 inches up front and 9-by-20 inches out back. Optional forged wheels in the same size are also available in 10-spoke titanium grey or matte-black, or five-spoke titanium grey or high-sheen coated designs.

Sitting behind these rims is a high-performance, composite braking system. For those looking for extreme performance, Benz also offers up a carbon-ceramic brake kit that not only reduces brake fade and decrease stopping distances, but it also lowers the weight of the brake system by 20 percent.

Pricing

Mercedes will fully unveil the S65 AMG at the LA Auto Show on November 20th. In Germany, it will check in at €232,050, but there is no information on its U.S. market price.

Competitors

Bentley Continental GT Speed

The GT Speed is powered by a 6.0-liter turbocharged W-12 engine that delivers a total of 616 horsepower at 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 590 pound-feet. This amount of power is enough to deliver supercar-like performance numbers: 0 to 60 mph sprint in 4 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph.

On the U.S. market the GT Speed is priced at $220,725.

Aston Martin Rapide S

The 2014 Rapide S came as a replacement for the old Rapide. It is powered by a new AM11 naturally-aspirated 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivers a total of 558 horsepower at 6,750 rpm and a peak torque of 457 pound-feet delivered at 5,000 rpm.

Thanks to the extra 81 horsepower, the new Rapide S sprints from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds (down from the previous 5.2 seconds) and goes up to a top speed of 190 mph.

History

The S65 AMG arrived on the market back in 2006 and it is the most powerful, most expensive S-Class ever built. The initial version was powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine that delivered a total of 604 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. In 2011, Mercedes retuned the V-12 to deliver 621 horsepower, but torque remained at 738 pound-feet.

Many of the exterior styling of the S65 AMG are inspired by the S-Class, but it features a more aggressive look and a more luxury interior.

Conclusion

So far, the S65 AMG is looking just as awesome as the other redesigned S-Class models did in 2014. We are still rather perplexed by Mercedes choosing to save the biggest AMG for 2015, but we assume there must have been some delays on the design side.