MERCEDES BENZ S 65 AMG (W220) 2004-2006 Photos, engines & full specs

The 2004 S65 AMG came to reinforce the S-Class image on the market. With the new, sportier, design language, a proper performance model was needed. And the V12 was the best way.

In 1998, the new generation of the premium executive cars on the market was launched. BMW, Jaguar, and Audi A8 were already in the game when the 1999 Mercedes-Benz S-Class was unveiled. Its styling was surprising, with a much agile look than its predecessor. The W220 model, as it was its factory code-name, had a sleek design, far away from the previous W140 S-Class.

The S-Class W220 featured a new design language, with a lower profile, narrow headlights, and raked A-pillars The sloped greenhouse toward the straight trunk-lid was an aerodynamic-enhancement for a car that wasn't necessarily built for speed records. But in the end, the S65 was a record-breaker. The front bumper was different than the rest of the range, with more aggressive styling. The bigger light-alloy wheels allowed a view to the large, cross-drilled, brake-discs.

Inside, there was the same S-Class, a full blend of luxury items and features. Leather, heated, and ventilated seats were installed in the front. It was a clue that the car was mainly built for the driver and not for the rear passengers. Micro-ventilators moved air through the perforated leather upholstery.

The engine was a massive 6.0-liter V12 with 3 valves/cylinder. It was twin-turbocharged and since its torque was 1001 Nm (738 lb-ft). It was the most powerful 4-door sedan of its time, with over 600 hp available. In fact, it was too powerful for the newly developed 7G-Tronic gearbox, so the car had to use the older, but more reliable, 5G-Tronic.