Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG

# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

90 AskMen Rating

The Basics

Price: starts from $94,900
0-60 time: 4.3 secs
MPG / LPG: 28.5 mpg (Combined)

92 The AskMen Take

AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s in-house steroidal tuning arm, has got the bit between its teeth these days. In fact, not content with a 15-car strong range, four of which are of the sexy coupe order, it is now officially integrated into the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team that hits the tarmac in anger this weekend at the Australian Grand Prix.

But what we’re interested in, here and now, is what it has done to the CLS -- the painfully stylish four-door coupe we couldn’t help but fall for when we first sampled the 350 CDI.

Has AMG abused the detailed delicacy of the executive ride by brimming it so full with power? Actually, no. The CLS 63 AMG is, without doubt, the pinnacle of the well-healed CLS hierarchy, packing more than a few surprises into the epic coupe to push the mold-breaker’s unrivaled credentials ever northward.

93 Performance

Since it's badged "63," you’d naturally assume that under the elongated, muscular Merc hood lurks AMG’s tried and tested, normally aspirated 6.2-liter V8. But no. Retaining the numeric badge so as not to appear any less potent, the CLS 63 actually takes AMG’s latest hand-built 5.5-liter Biturbo V8. But contrary to the obvious reduction in capacity, this piece of engineering supremacy from Affalterbach is substantially more powerful than the previous 6.2-liter and sees efficiency gains of an eyebrow-raising 33%, too.

If you tick the Performance Pack box option -- which, really, you should -- power gets a boosted a further 32 hp, bringing the total up to a headline figure of 557 hp and coupling it with 800 Nm of face-bending torque to boot. Chuck more money at the CLS 63 AMG, and you can also lift the 155 mph lid, stretching it to an autobahn-friendly (if not cop-friendly) 186 mph.

But with these tempting side orders you’ll eventually need to bring the hurtling beast to a halt, and for that you’ll need to dig deeper into your pockets for some hardcore carbon ceramic brakes, too.

With cosmetic pimping aside, any CLS 63 AMG worth its weight checks in at the $130K mark, so forget about grabbing one for $100K. But measure it up to the likes of a Porsche Panamera Turbo, on similar money, and it’s the delicious depth of character that the CLS 63 AMG brings you that wins it space in our garage over the Porker.

From smooth cruising to barking insanity at the push of a few buttons, it’s a triumphant tour de force of technology and tenacity that we’d defy anyone not to fall for.

90 Design

AMG chose its styling weapons reservedly well, and the CLS 63 is no radical departure from the damnably handsome standard CLS. The quad-exhaust system, deeper front vents and V8 Biturbo fender decals pick out the CLS 63 AMG’s super-coupe credentials. Well, that and the impossible-to-ignore deep-throated roar of the 5.5-liter V8 heart, of course.

For a few dollars more, the stakes can be raised. The pricey Performance Pack we mentioned earlier also offers a bit of visual bling -- a bespoke carbon-fiber decklid spoiler, flat-bottomed Alcantara steering wheel and big gold brake calipers. Add an extra $8K, approximately, to this, and you’ll get the black weave treatment on the wing mirrors, front apron and rear diffuser, too, as well as stunning carbon-fiber interior trim to really match the collar to the cuffs.

Naturally, cabin tech is all there but largely needs to be optioned to achieve the opulence the car demands. Spec’d with fitting avarice, you’ll want for nothing, boasting iPhone/BlackBerry connectivity (pre-wired and Bluetooth), a bombastic DAB Harman Kardon sound system, vented massage seats and stunning 19” titanium gray AMG rims. What does comes as standard, though, are your mates’ green eyes.

The CLS 63 AMG is a ride for those who want it all, aren’t afraid to pay for it and place explosive power above dramatic display.