Pointless bragging rights or not, there's something rather appealing about a super limo with sufficient torque to do odd things to the space-time continuum. Built to waft and flatter the egos of those in the back row, your job as a chauffeur will probably be short-lived if you unleash 600hp-plus every time the lights go green. But it's nice to know, should you ever need to call on it, the beast is dozing under your right foot.
V12 engines are an expensive luxury though, be that for owners or the brands developing them. Handy then if you're a 'mainstream' premium manufacturer with a luxury brand within the porfolio able to absorb some of the development costs and then donate a few engines to the cause when needed. If it didn't own Rolls-Royce, BMW wouldn't be able to build
V12 7 Series
for the few that want them. But we're glad it still does.
And if Maybach as a standalone brand has withered into an S-Class spec level at least the twin-turbo V12 developed to power the car has a legacy in some wonderfully batty uber S-Classes. Which are now available for a pittance. Some sleuthing reveals the AMG engine in this 2006 S65 has a slightly different code - M275 against the Maybach's M285 - but exactly the same bore, stroke and 5,980cc capacity. Headline figures of 612hp and 737lb ft of torque are identical too - the latter enough to require the stronger five-speed transmission rather than the usual 7G-Tronic and a bespoke steel rear subframe. A car that wants to destroy itself by being too powerful? Call us weird but that's the kind of thing we like on PH!
The familiar AMG styling mods of quad exhausts, bodykit and 20-inch rims aren't shy but are carried off tastefully and the W221 S-Class is ageing gracefully and still looks current enough not to be disgraced in the swankier parts of town. And then we get to the price. Scouring the classifieds, you can pick up a
current S65 AMG
for £136,990 and, if that's not enough, a
Brabus B63
A generation older, this one is now yours for the price of a decent hot hatch, yet gives nothing away to those newer alternatives or the newest-latest from BMW. Those familiar with mega barge depreciation will now raise the significant bork factor and running costs of six-figure cars up for a fraction of their original asking price. But the temptation is strong with this one. Very strong.
Mercedes S65 AMG
Engine: 5,980cc, Biturbo V12
Transmission: 5-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 612@4,800-5,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 737@2,000-4,000rpm
MPG: 19.1
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2006
Recorded mileage: 59,000miles
Price new: Lots
Price now: £28,990
See the original advert here.