Currently reading: Mercedes-AMG S65 Final Edition could be Stuttgart's last V12
Limited-edition luxury saloon expected to spell the end of brand’s 12-cylinder engine, with a V8 likely to take over

Mercedes-AMG has revealed the S65 Final Edition – a limited-edition celebratory model that the maker says marks the “pinnacle of the twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine in the S-Class saloon”.

While it has yet to officially confirm the future of its existing V12 engine, sources have long suggested Mercedes-Benz and its AMG performance car division have already made the decision to replace it with a hybrid petrol-electric V8 unit in future incarnations of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and other models, including the G-Class and recently introduced GT 4-door.

The unveiling of the new limited-edition S65 Final Edition at the 2019 Geneva motor show in Switzerland and the announcement proclaiming it as the pinnacle of the V12 engine in its flagship saloon would appear to back up those rumours. 

Despite this, Mercedes-AMG refuses to comment on the plans for its largest-capacity engine, which has been assembled at Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler’s truck and bus factory in Mannheim since 2015.

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In its place, Mercedes-Benz and AMG are expected to provide the next generation of upper-end S-Class models, including exclusively styled Maybach versions, with a new twin-turbocharged version of their turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine combined with an EQ Power hybrid system featuring an electric motor and lithium ion battery.

Originally showcased in the Concept GT 4-door at the 2017 Geneva motor show, the new driveline is claimed to be capable of developing up to 805bhp, or some 185bhp more than their existing V12 engine, in its highest state of tune.

Limited to a production run of 130, the S65 Final Edition will be sold exclusively in a high gloss black. It features copper-coloured highlights within its front and rear bumpers as well as its side sills and standard 20in alloy wheels.

The unique look continues inside with similar copper-coloured stitching and highlights within its carbonfibre dashboard trim. A badge within the centre console confirms the new model’s limited-edition status.

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Other identifying features include a special black engine fitter’s badge within the engine bay. The S65 Final Edition’s twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine develops 621bhp and 737lb ft of torque.

Standard equipment for what is expected to be the last V12 model from AMG is a so-called First Class rear suite with individual seats. It also receives an AMG Driver’s Package, allowing it to achieve a limited top speed of 186mph.    

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Nickktod 4 March 2019

Next gen V12

MB should buy the rest of Aston Martin if they want to continue to compete in this space. A V12 Lagonda would be a viable competitor to Rolls and Bentley in a way that Maybach/AMG V12’s have failed to be. 

TStag 4 March 2019

I still haven't come to terms

I still haven't come to terms with the lack of 16 cylinder cars on sale today...... If I ever become filthy rich I'd love a 16 cylinder car just because of the wonderfull noise they make.

sevensixty 4 March 2019

Where's Peter?

Where's Peter Cavellini today to offer inane and introspective comments today? Let me try filling in for fun:

- Who would anyone buy a Car like this as Luxury Cars are so Expensive?

- I don't Like this because the Colour is different to what I like.

- The BMW five Series is a Better car in This Class because it is smaller than the s-class and CEO's like JacobE need to park then in Londons Small Spaces.

lynx_800 4 March 2019

hahahaha

sevensixty wrote:

Where's Peter Cavellini today to offer inane and introspective comments today? Let me try filling in for fun:

- Who would anyone buy a Car like this as Luxury Cars are so Expensive?

- I don't Like this because the Colour is different to what I like.

- The BMW five Series is a Better car in This Class because it is smaller than the s-class and CEO's like JacobE need to park then in Londons Small Spaces.

I think that you have fulfilled peters job well.

i will fill in for xxxx

I think the limited edition badge needs to be on the outside not the in

why not have more coppered styling?

sevensixty 4 March 2019

lynx_800 wrote:

lynx_800 wrote:

sevensixty wrote:

Where's Peter Cavellini today to offer inane and introspective comments today? Let me try filling in for fun:

- Who would anyone buy a Car like this as Luxury Cars are so Expensive?

- I don't Like this because the Colour is different to what I like.

- The BMW five Series is a Better car in This Class because it is smaller than the s-class and CEO's like JacobE need to park then in Londons Small Spaces.

I think that you have fulfilled peters job well.

i will fill in for xxxx

I think the limited edition badge needs to be on the outside not the in

why not have more coppered styling?

Thank you - maybe Autocar could invite xxx and Peter to have an online discussion that's sandboxed from the main comments section? Not only would it be entertaining to read, but it would also avoid clogging up the comments section with their strangely-worded quasi-sentences that seem to drive us all insane.    

eseaton 4 March 2019

A pale immitation of the

A pale immitation of the great man.  Mainly becuase I understand what you are saying.