One of the highest-quality and most luxurious vehicles that the local car market has to offer, and thus representative of the crème de la crème of german automobile construction, is without doubt the Mercedes S-Class. As is well known, the current model generation is not only available as a saloon, but also as a coupé and, for the first time in several decades, as a convertible. While the Maybach versions have been offering a maximum degree of luxury for some years now, the high-performance AMG top models are taking a different, sporty turn, which of course makes them no less exclusive and desirable. The crown is equally due to the Mercedes-AMG S 65 in financial terms and in terms of performance.
The convertible of this version shown here has always been very dear to its owner. No wonder, after all, the famous six-litre V12 is still sitting under the bonnet, which has unfortunately not been available for the S-Class for some months now. Nevertheless, about three years after its purchase, the Stuttgart sweetheart should now be given an additional refinement and at the same time a younger look to further enhance its individuality and exclusivity. The driver therefore turned to the team from SCHAWE Car Design in Waltrop in the Ruhr area. The team specialises in OEM adaptations such as even the most demanding, retrofitted facelift conversions and OEM-style modifications.
FRONT AND REAR ADAPTED
The most striking innovation on the exterior, which SCHAWE is implementing as part of the complex conversion, is without doubt the modified front. While the S 65 Cabrio originally had a classic radiator grille with a wide crossbar, it was given the Panamericana grille for the 2017 facelift. As is well known, this has gradually been introduced in all AMG top models over the past few years and is characterised by striking vertical struts. To match this, SCHAWE installed the diffuser insert of a facelift model at the rear, which has modified tailpipe covers. In addition, there are the rear lights, which have also been reworked and which Mercedes has given a new graphic and OLED technology. At the same time, the electronics had to be adapted accordingly. And thanks to a soft-top module, the driver now has extended functions for its operation, such as opening at the touch of a key. The fact that the S 65 has an unusually shiny appearance is due to the fact that the bodywork has been given a paint finish including a ceramic sealant. The original AMG forged wheels measuring 8.5x20 and 9.5x20 inches have also been reworked; at the same time, SCHAWE has also added a high-gloss finish and renewed the 255/40 and 285/35 tyres.
STEERING WHEEL FROM THE AMG BROTHER
Of course, the interior of the powerful, large convertible also benefited from a refinement. All trim strips are coated with very special carbon, which has an extraordinary rhombic structure. So on the one hand the OEM impression is undoubtedly retained, but on the other hand the cockpit receives a highly exclusive and unique touch. In addition, the entire interior has been prepared and repaired, i.e. the traces of use from the three years of life of the S 65 to date have been eliminated with great attention to detail. Instead of the original steering wheel with wooden elements, the Cabriolet now also has the leather/Alcantara valance of the "small" V8-powered AMG brother S 63, giving the cockpit a more dynamic appearance. Not only was the transplantation carried out, but a steering wheel heating was also retrofitted by hand beforehand!
BRAKE UPGRADE & CO.
Under the bonnet of the S 65 is, as already mentioned, the representative of an engine type that is almost extinct today: the six-litre M279-V12, which develops impressive power ratings of 630 hp and 1,000 Nm ex works, which are transmitted to the rear axle by a seven-speed sports automatic transmission. As a result, there was no need for optimisation at this point, so SCHAWE only installed a performance air filter. Meanwhile, the Mercedes' stoppers did indeed receive a subsequent upgrade: the S 65 now has the original ceramic high-performance brake system, which was subject to an additional charge at the time. A 3D wheel alignment was also carried out and all services were performed directly at Daimler. So there is no question that the S 65 will continue to give its owner great pleasure in the future.
Technical facts
Vehicle type: Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet
Year of construction: 2016
Engine: 6.0 litre V12 petrol engine with biturbo charging, performance air filter
Power transmission: seven-speed automatic transmission (AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC)
wheel/tyre: OEM AMG forged wheels in 8.5x20 inch ET39 and 9.5x20 inch ET39, reconditioned and high gloss compacted, tyres in 255/40 R20 and 285/35 R20 completely renewed
Bodywork: front apron from the facelift model with Panamericana grill, diffuser from the facelift model, OLED taillights including adaptation of the electronics, soft-top electronics module for additional comfort functions, paint treated and ceramic sealed
Brakes: conversion to S 65 ceramic brake system
Interior: conversion to leather/Alcantara steering wheel from the AMG S 63, upgraded with steering wheel heating, various trim strips coated with carbon, complete interior refurbished and repaired
Other: 3D wheel alignment
