This will be an interesting comparison, since my S55 is actually a 2001 NA 354hp engine, compared to a 2006 S65 - more for purposes for noting the evolution and similarities since obviously there is a big speed difference and power difference.

Externally, there are a few more modern touches to the S65, such as the quad exhaust, newer style lights, etc. But otherwise I think a layman would have a hard time telling the difference. The interior was definitely very nice. A lot was similar to my S55 - except more leather lining the dash, and the nicer headliner. The sound system sounded similar, but the GPS was a bit upgraded. (Although it still seems a bit outdated compared to newer cars.) The seats were similar, but had the dynamic seat option which was nice. Otherwise same ac/heat/massage as the 2001, and perhaps a bit more supportive.

The car definitely feels a bit heavier than my S55, and it is by a few hundred pounds. It feels a bit firmer, and those larger rims definitely give you stronger feedback from the road imperfections.

OK, now the driving experience. I got to take it out a good bit. (The S65.) First, the exhaust noise. When you first turn it on, it's fantastic, but quickly goes down to a more muted sound. Upon acceleration, it definitely sounds very different than my S55 V8. It sounds like an airplane or something of that nature - you really hear those turbos and other sounds more. Honestly I prefer the sound of the AMG v8's much more, they are more muscular and more fitting for the car.

The traction was actually surprisingly good, I was expecting to be spinning the wheels much more than I did. It was a nice dry cool day, and I hooked up pretty well. If you control the throttle and go into it rather than floor it, you get a much better off the line smooth transition. You can definitely spin the wheels even at slightly higher speeds, but overall I thought it hooked up pretty well for that much power and torque. My S55, due to having less power, I can hook up even better from a stop and lower speeds.

Next, the sensation of the car is really something else when you hook up and it gets going. The torque really pushes you back nicely in your seat, but in a slightly different way then the 55's. The 55's are a bit more visceral and aggresive, while this S65 is like riding a wave of power. I'd compare it thusly: The S55 is like if someone pushes you after a short sprint, and the S65 is like if someone holds your back and starts to run and push you. It's very smooth, but definitely exciting to drive as well.

The speed is definitely surprising. You get up there extremely quickly with little effort. In the quarter mile, this S65 is a good second and a half faster than my car, and that is a big numbers difference.

I have drawn an interesting conclusion though, from driving this and other newer AMG's. (Like the 63's). With the horsepower going up so much during the last few years, the older cars like the NA S55 seem like from another time - but really if you drive it a bit you'll see that it is still a fast car, and the "seat of the pants" feeling isn't as big a difference as the numbers would suggest. Even after driving the much faster S65, I got back in my S55 and had a lot of fun - even though I am down a good 250 horsepower. How is that? Seat of the pants and real world usability. When you drive around these roads, often you are limited especially in the northeast, so you can't really push the cars all of the time. Thus a lot gets equalized. If you open an S65 up on the highway flat out, you'll see those numbers climb like crazy, and the S55 would be way behind. But in most driving, sometimes a slower car can be nearly as satisfying because you can't use 100% of the power most of the time.

But, if anyone is ever in doubt as to whether they should get an S65 or S55, S600, etc - I'd definitely go for the S65. It is the most well put together and refined performer of the 3. (The s600, while refined, doesn't have nearly the same kick, and brakes unmodded.)

 

Test drive the S55 kompressor. 493hp, 516tq will feel great lol

 

S55 Komp is the King. Oh yes and make sure it has no limiter @ 155mph.

 

Yes, of course I've driven the S55 kompressor as well. It's a bit more aggressive than the S65, especially with the exhaust note. The S65 is still faster though - and I think the nature of the smoother engine suits the S class a bit better. Regardless, this is nitpicking - as any of them will give you a good deal of excitement on the real world roads and the difference you'd only likely notice at a drag strip.

 

Great review! Very well put.

I have a hard time writing up reviews like this so when people ask how does the S65 compare to the S600... All I know how to say is Fast. Scary. Firm. Aggressive. Exhaust sounds MEAN!

 

Oxygen, that's exactly how I'd put it too. It is very firm and stout feeling, and when you hook up, especially in a smaller road or street, the power is absolutely insane. You really feel like you are in some type of jet machine. I had driven some 65's before, but this was my most lengthy drive of one, and I came away very impressed.

Honestly, if you get a warranty and don't mind the brakes or tire expenses, I can think of no better car in this price range with this much power and comfort, 2006 year. Just because it is a heavy S-class does not mean it is not a blast to throw around - the power is really very impressive.

 

Yes, but be warned - NOT a daily driver. Unforgiving gas consumption and the the rims/suspension are meant for the autobahn, not American pot holes.

 

The average MPG was about 13 in the car's computer after a few thousand miles, my S55 is 18mpg average. That can be rough with gas prices in the $4's!

 

Lovely review.
(1) The S55k has a fantastic sound all round - idle, off-idle and WOT; it looks the business and goes like clappers.
(2) I'm an aural person so the silent S600 isn't on my radar especially with its non-descript looks.
(3)To be frank, I'm not keen on the sound of the S65 at idle but once off idle things improve dramatically. It has delightfully aggressive looks but it's in performance terms that the s65 distinguishes itself. There, it's in a world of its own. Once hooked up it dismisses virtually everything on the autobahn with imperious ease.
(4) This is why, once out of my e55, that's my next car.

Congrats, Rondocap.
Brgds

 

Now if I could only get a write up like this for the CL55 & 65..

 

They share like 85% parts so I'm sure it's pretty similar.

 

+1

 

I'm fresh off the road playing with the S55 (kompressor). There's just nothing like the sound or feel of these things at WOT. Fits the w220 chassis perfectly IMHO. Just wakes the car up enough to make it fun instead of "stoic" or "clinical" (the old MB complaints).

 

Oxygen - I'm sure I speak for all when I say that we would still love to your your thoughts comparing the S65 to S600, especially as you spent the time/money to upgrade the S600. Many on board would say just "tune" it and it'll be faster than S65 - and you did both that AND still ended up getting a S65. I'm "slightly" tempted by tuning, but my S600 is driving sooo well, that I do not want to sacrifice anything or take any chances, unless it's 100% as reliable as stock. Thx in advance.

 

Great write up.

 

How bad can it be compared to the 600? I currently avg around 12-13 mpg.

 

+ 1 !!!!!!

 

HOW? I MANAGE ONLY 15 MPG??!!? Tell me your secret.

 

Yes, but a well modded E55 will be quicker than even a tuned S65, so why would you move from the E to the S?

 

A modded E55 is faster than a tuned S65? I haven't found this to be the case. I can't keep up with the neigbors S65 in a straight line.
You must have one amazing fast E55


stock vs stock S65 way faster!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIoj1...feature=relmfu

 

Modded to modded in a drag race, the E55 is quicker, just look at dragtimes.com

What mods do you have?

 

I'd rather have the S. Modded E may be faster and more agile... but the V12 Twin Turbo is something else. Power delivery on it is awesome through all gears. The ride is so smooth its like driving a jet. I've never really been a fan of mercedes naturally aspirated V8 (or any other V8 for that matter).

Once you drive the V12 you never go back.

 

Great write up man! I miss that N/A S55 out at the meets man! even though if you upgrade to an S65, I think you wouldnt mind the 13MPG youd get! HAHAHA

Adam

 

Luxury

 

How many S65 guys are modding their cars and gutting them to the extent that the E55 guys do on dragtimes ?

If you put the same amount of effort into both platforms where would they end up ?

.