OUR TAKE: "It's like a day at the spa," said a passenger enjoying the heated seat and its wonderful massage function. We agreed; we had enjoyed those same features a couple weeks prior in the "entry" S63 at $143,000, the only difference being this car comes with four extra cylinders, a pair of turbochargers, 86 more horsepower, 273 lb-ft more torque and a bigger monthly nut.

If you can afford it and you want to drive yourself, this is your car. It is as luxurious as it gets on four wheels--plus, it's a German-built rocket ship. The earth-rotating power from its twin-turbo V12 is nothing short of gasp-inspiring, regardless of where you are on the speedometer when you stuff your foot to the floor. Three figures come quickly, effortlessly, but completely controlled via the weighted steering, solid suspension and superb braking action.

It glides down the road with explosive V12 power. Overtaking maneuvers aren't an issue; it is just about insane when you find a healthy opening on the road.

While it's certainly not something in which you'll ever do hot laps around your local track for fun, it does shuttle a load nicely. The massive brakes are strong and get things stopped quickly.

The interior is spectacular. It has some of the most comfortable, infinitely adjustable seats you can get.

It is a stealth bomber. Sure, it's an S Class, and there's that "Biturbo V12" badge on the side, but until you disappear into the distance, few really know about the beast that lies within.


As-tested price: $207,965
Drivetrain: 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12; rwd, five-speed automatic
Output: 604 hp @ 4800 rpm, 738 lb-ft @ 2000-4000 rpm
Curb weight: 5035 lb
Fuel economy (EPA/AW): 13/14.5 mpg
Options: Designo Mystic White edition including black lacquer, Alcantara headliner, wood/leather steering wheel, charcoal exclusive leather ($9,765); iPod adapter ($425)


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The King of 4-doors, period.

M

It really doesn't get better all-rounder than this

Styling of the S Class in general is very unresolved. Wheel arches are terrible. Side lines are a mismatch. The door handles at different angles don't look right. The headlights are fat and lack elegance. The rear lights are also poorly designed. The car looks impressive but the design isn't exactly a masterpeice!

the ipod adapter is an option on the S65????????????!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

You are right Tarek, this really is the standard by which all other luxury cars are measured ....and the S65 is the most prestigious variant.

However, I agree with everything Potential said; the S class probably is the best overall luxury car in the world ...it's just a pity it isn't better looking.

Nonsense. Especially in AMG trim. That is the problem, trying to analyze every little detail, when in plain reality and in english (and in AMG trim) the car shames the segment, except for the A/S8.


M

I beg to differ here,while the S has so many styling cues combined together,the result is outstandingly elegant yet sporty IMO,it may not be the prettiest(only the italian Quattroporte looks better imo)but surely one of the best looking barge now.

I actually prefer the non AMG versions in looks. The race boy bumpers in a class that is supposed to be elegant is just wrong.

Race boy bumpers? oh please give me a break! sometimes u just outdo urself

For you. For me, the car is becoming more ugly every single time I see it. It really doesn't age well, a 3/4 rear shot in particular looks terrible imho.

Power, comfort, luxury is obviously fine



It's the complete opposite for me. The AMG kit makes the car look sleeker and less like a tank AMG kit is pretty beautiful