Mercedes-AMG reveals 300km/h S 65 Cabriolet

Mercedes-AMG has released pictures and full spec of the new S 65 AMG version of its S-Class Cabriolet.

Powered by an incredible 463kW/1000Nm 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, the new flagship convertible, badged S65 AMG, sprints from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds - exactly the same time quoted for the S65 coupe, despite the S65 Cabriolet weighing in 175kg heavier than the tin-top.

Top speed also matches the coupe, with the S 65 limited to 250km/h. Pay extra for the AMG Driver’s Package and this raises the big convertible’s top speed to a (still limited) 300km/h.

Instead of the firm’s new nine-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic, like the coupe, the most powerful S-Class cab comes with AMG’s Speedshift 7G-TRONIC transmission that is said to now feature “defined cutback of ignition and injection” on flat upshifts to add dramatic pops, crackles and bangs for, as Mercedes politely puts it, a more “audible emotive tone”.

To help differentiate it from the lesser S-Class Cabriolets you’ll have to look very closely.

Mercedes-AMG says the twin-turbo V12 models get “high-sheen chrome” that’s used on the silver gunsight, twin-blade radiator grille, air intake grilles and new front splitter -- needed on the S 65 to reduce lift at the front axle at high speed.

If you don’t spot all that, the two “V12 BITURBO” badges adorned on the front wings are dead giveaways.

All models come with big 20-inch alloys that hide uprated brakes, which can be upgraded to a high-performance ceramic composite brake system that is said to be 40 per cent lighter than the steels-disc set-up.

The S 65 also comes with a new sport suspension based on the current car’s AIRMATIC air suspension. The AMG cab set-up is said to benefit from new re-calibrated variable dampers that are said to react quicker. There’s now just two modes for the S 65 AMG, comfort or sport.

Helping cut weight in the S 65 is a new lithium ion battery that’s said to shave 20kg off the kerb weight alone.

Like the rest of the Cabriolet range the S 65 comes with a multi-layer fabric hood that takes 17 seconds to open or lower at speeds of up to 50km/h.

Inside, as you would expect for a car that’s will be priced more than $400,000 Down Under, there’s nappa leather seats and headlining, LED lamps, a powerful premium sound system, 360-degree camera and auto park function, plus autonomous emergency braking.

The S 65 is set to go on sale early May  2016 in Europe following its public outing at the Detroit motor show in January.