For If you're after a light-speed limo, this is it. AMG models have a suspension based on Mercedes' impressive Active Body Control system, as well as sporty styling and all the equipment of other models.
Against You can expect huge running costs. Plus, this long-wheelbase version won't appeal to keen drivers as much as the short-wheelbase one, and this model has by far the worst residuals in the range.
What Car? says
It's debatable just how many people will want a long-wheelbase limo that thinks it's a sports car - especially at these prices. Most people will find what they want in an S Class in a cheaper model.
Reader review rating
4.384615
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Mercedes-Benz S-Class Saloon S65L AMG 4dr full review
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Performance
How fast the AMG S Classes can go is, frankly, ludicrous. After all, this a luxurious long-wheelbase limousine, but it can hit 60mph as quickly as some Ferraris. The 63 AMG is the more brutal of the pair, but both it and the 65 AMG are capable of crossing country at a thoroughly unseemly pace.
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Ride & Handling
AMG has done an amazing job to give these fastest S Classes something approaching a sporty feel around corners, but ultimately you can’t deny the laws of physics. These are big, heavy cars, and you can never completely forget that. However, there are differences between the two; whereas the 63 AMG is the more hard-edged and sporty, the 65 AMG is more of a refined executive express.
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Refinement
This is one area where the AMG models differ very little from the regular S. A little bit of wind noise finds its way into the cabin when you’re cruising on the motorway, but otherwise it’s eerily quiet. Road noise never rises above a muted rumble, no matter how fast you go, and although you can hear the engine when you give it its head, those are the sporty sort of noises you’ll probably want to hear.
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Buying & Owning
It’s hardly a surprise to hear that the top versions of Merc’s largest saloon are expensive to buy, but these AMG versions are expensive even by S Class standards. The 65 AMG, for instance, costs getting on for three times as much as our favourite S Class. To cap it all, these versions have the worst fuel economy in the range – even the official average is less than 20mpg – and among the worst residuals.
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Quality & Reliability
While highly polished wood and premium leather trim are the least you’d expect, the precision fit and finish of panels and proliferation of twinkling aluminium switches have the hallmark and solid quality reminiscent of an age when cars were hand-built by detail-obsessed craftsmen. Mechanically, it should take many miles in its stride.
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Safety & Security
Mercedes opposes deadlocks, claiming they could impede rescuers in an emergency, so you won't find them in this car. There are no big omissions in the safety spec, though, with all the active and passive features you’d expect, including all-round airbags, anti-whiplash restraints, stability control and brake assist. There’s even something called Attention Assist, which monitors the steering and alert the driver to tiredness on long-distance drives.
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Behind The Wheel
There's plenty of room up-front, as well as finely adjustable seats. Many commonly used systems such as the stereo, ventilation and sat-nav, can be accessed through a single rotary dial and viewed on a large colour screen. This set-up is called Comand, and is similar to BMW's iDrive and Audi's MMI. However, it’s more distracting than these rival systems.
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Space & Practicality
The AMG S-Classes come only in long-wheelbase form, meaning they are more spacious than a regular S. So, even when sprawled out in the back, there's little danger of well-heeled occupants rubbing shoulders and even less likelihood of them brushing their hand-tooled brogues against the front seats. Boot capacity has been increased by 60 litres to 560 litres, too.
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Equipment
The AMG models are the flagship models of the S Class range, and they come with a suitably special standard kit. Naturally, the AMG touches include sports suspension and a sports exhaust, as well as a unique bodykit and interior. But, on top of that, there is pretty much every bit of luxury, technology and safety kit you can think of – and some you probably can’t.
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