Launched in 2006, the S65 AMG has been called "the best S-Class ever crafted, one that blends impressive power, performance and luxury into a single appealing package." Mercedes only planned to build 500 units in 2006, making "exclusivity, rarity, and value retention" a near certainty.

AMG is Mercedes-Benz's performance division. The S65  comes with a 604-horsepower, twin-turbo V12 "that makes an astonishing 738 lb.-ft. of torque." In practical terms, that works out to 60 from zero in 4.2 second.

Improved brakes, bigger wheels and tires, minor styling modifications, and a luxuriously appointed cabin also got high marks from drivers.