The S65 AMG sits at the very top of the W221 S-Class range, a hand-built, twin-turbo V12 flagship with colossal power and every luxury feature of its era. This 2010 example is a loaded, warm-climate car in menacing black over black. It sits on Cars and Bids at $9,269 with six days to go.
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What it’s worth right now
Steep depreciation has made the mighty V12 S65 a striking bargain, with a wide spread by condition. According to Classic.com and current data, W221 S65 AMG examples average close to $35,000, with clean cars trading well into that range and higher-mileage examples nearer the mid teens, against a sticker that landed close to $200,000 when new.
Fair value for a higher-mileage example like this sits close to $16,000 to $28,000, most likely close to $19,000 to $23,000, with the loaded specification and V12 power supporting the figure and the notes below tempering it. At $9,269 with six days remaining and a reserve, the bidding should climb into that range.
Cars & Bids
Condition and details
The car is a loaded, warm-climate flagship. Finished in black over black, it runs the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12, rated at 604 horsepower and a colossal 738 lb-ft of torque, through a five-speed automatic to the rear wheels, with Active Body Control suspension, a panoramic sunroof, Exclusive Passion leather, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a rear entertainment system, and Night View Assist. It is unmodified and has lived in warm-climate states since new.
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Two points deserve serious attention. First, the service history is only available upon request, which bidders flagged repeatedly, and one asked for a specific 2025 Mercedes dealer inspection report; on an S65, service history is everything, so obtain the complete records before bidding.
Cars & Bids
Second, the upkeep is notorious, since the twin-turbo M275 V12 and, especially, the Active Body Control hydraulic suspension are famously expensive to maintain, with ABC components costing thousands, so budget heavily for specialist care. There is also a November 2022 minor-damage entry to verify, old 2019 and 2020-date tires to replace, exhaust corrosion, and driver-seat bolster wear.
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The offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | S65 AMG |
| Year | 2010 |
| Mileage | 91,500 miles |
| Engine | 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 |
| Power | 604 hp and 738 lb.ft of torque |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Black |
| Interior color | Black |
| Current bid | $9,269, with six days left |
Interested in this 2010 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG? View the listing here.
What makes the S65 AMG unique
The S65 AMG represented the absolute pinnacle of the W221 S-Class, a car built for those who wanted the ultimate combination of luxury and outrageous power with no compromises. At its heart sat a hand-assembled 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12, producing 604 horsepower and a mountainous 738 lb-ft of torque, enough to launch this large, heavy sedan to 60 mph in the low four-second range while never disturbing the serene calm of its cabin. Backing that engine was every technology Mercedes had, including the hydraulic Active Body Control suspension that all but eliminates body roll, adaptive cruise control, and Night View Assist.
Cars & Bids
That combination of effortless, silent, V12-powered thrust and flagship-level luxury is what makes the S65 AMG so special, and so distinct from the more common V8 models. It is one of the last of a breed of hand-built twelve-cylinder super-sedans, and depreciation has placed that once-$200,000 experience within reach of buyers prepared for the substantial cost of keeping one right.
My take
There are few more compelling ways to experience a hand-built twin-turbo V12 than a depreciated S65 AMG, and the performance and luxury on offer here are staggering for the money. In black on black, this is a genuinely imposing car with real presence. But an S65 is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward purchase, and the combination of a notoriously expensive V12 and ABC suspension with a service history that is not readily available demands real caution.
Fair value sits close to $16,000 to $28,000, most likely close to $19,000 to $23,000, with the upkeep and records the main factors to weigh. Before bidding, obtain and scrutinize the complete service history, verify the minor-damage entry, get a thorough Mercedes-specialist inspection focused on the ABC system and V12, and budget generously for maintenance. Handle that, and this is an enormous amount of hand-built luxury and power for the money.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
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About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog