Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG: Could this be the best Benz ever?

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the CLS in 2003, the impact was significant. Not only was it singularly elegant, but it created a new category, that of the four-door coupe. Its success prompted many automakers, even those outside the luxury car category, to follow suit. If you want to put a figure on Mercedes-Benz’s success, note that more than 170,000 units of the CLS have sold worldwide since its launch.

However, it must be noted that the first generation, while it featured an innovative design, settled for using the platform and mechanical systems of the E-Class sedan. It was fine, nothing more. But over the years, multiple improvements have been made, in addition to AMG perfecting a CLS 63 powered by the now legendary 6.2-litre V8 engine.

But a new version was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show last September, and I have just taken part in the North American premiere of the CLS 63 AMG, a model that should arrive on the Canadian market over the course of the summer. Theoretically, it should outstrip the “regular” version, the CLS 550 that also comes with a V8 engine but produces about 100 less horsepower. Let’s see what the more powerful model of the new CLS family has in store.

More powerful, just as refined

The first version of the CLS turned heads because of its refined shape that made it an instant classic. This new version is just as elegant, since it still has what separated it from other four-door sedans, namely the receding roof line that gives it such a unique shape. But over the years, design trends evolved and cars are generally equipped with more prominent contours. So, the new generation of the CLS respects these criteria.

However, as it’s an exceptional car, they didn’t settle for understated change. The front end and grille are inspired by the spectacular SLS sports car, which you can tell by just looking at the two models. What’s more, to give a little more character to the lateral silhouette, chrome air intakes on the front fenders add a little touch that helps accentuate the car’s slightly concave panel. It  create a dynamic effect that is naturally highlighted by the rounded wheel wells.

The tail end could be described as too subdued if it wasn’t for the oblong brake lights that make the car look longer and run along the edge of the trunk lid. Furthermore, there’s a small spoiler on the trunk lid that isn’t just functional, it also adds a little something distinctive and gives this car more personality.

Like any self-respecting Mercedes-Benz, it features first-rate materials and finish. The dashboard is stylized, but it gives the impression of being the control centre for a very sophisticated machine. The stylists arranged the black leather, brushed aluminum and the clients’ choice of different coloured accents well. Personally, I really liked the carbon fibre accents that suit the car’s overall character well. The controls aren’t always intuitive, but it doesn’t take long before you get the hang of it. The navigation system is simple and efficient. You can also configure it in multiple ways.

The driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and offer excellent lateral support. They are multi-position adjustable and you can also order optional active lateral seat support. Once you have it,  you won’t want to live without it. The trunk is quite large and it also offers a very useful and quite ingenious gadget. There’s a small platform known as “Easy Pack” that’s anchored in the trunk under the rear tray  that opens very easily and has a movable bottom. Thus, its depth adapts to the size of the objects that we put in it. It’s great! Gone will be the days of little packages moving around in the trunk while you’re driving. Once you remove the objects from the “Easy Pack”, simply push a button to immediately return it to its normal size and push it back into its storage space. Although it’s a performance car, I remain convinced that some will fall for this accessory and decide to buy the CLS because of it.

Muscle and more muscle

First of all, note that the marketing decision-makers at Mercedes-Benz seem to have failed their math exam. Indeed, for some time, AMG cars have been powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine. Then, that was replaced by the famous 6.2-litre V8 in the AMG 63 models. Now, you’re saying that the engine was a 6.2-litre and not a 6.3-litre, right? This time, AMG’s engine specialists have come up with something brand new, also a V8, but a 5.5-litre that produces a mere 518-hp and 516 lbs-ft of torque in the “regular” version. So why call it a 6.3? Do not ask. It seems that German maths is different from ours.

And it’s not all. You can order an even more powerful version of this engine with the “Performance” Package. Thanks to an engine control optimization system, the power jumps to 550-hp and 590 lbs-ft of torque! Whichever engine you choose, both come with the same transmission, namely, a seven-speed fitted with six clutches that makes for very fast shifting. There are also five settings for this automatic gearbox: Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Manual and Racing Start. This transmission is also used on the following versions: S63 AMG, SL63 AMG and E63 AMG.

All that horsepower translates to a 4.4-second 0-100 km/hr time, which drops to 4.3 seconds if you have the more powerful engine. With the latter, the top speed is over 300 km/hr. Accelerations remain roughly the same as those of the 518-hp engine. Sport driving enthusiasts may also like the optional ceramic brakes. As for the rest, the standard equipment is very complete and, of course, it comes with the whole array of electronic accessories perfected by Mercedes-Benz over the years.

For its part,  the CLS 550 4Matic will be marketed in the fall while the CLS 63 should arrive at some point this summer. As for the CLS 550, it’s also powered by a V8 engine, but its capacity is 4.6 litres and not the 5.5 litres that its name would lead us to believe. If you want my opinion, German mathematics are confusing, to say the least.

The best Mercedes?

During the test drive on California roads, many Canadian and foreign journalists were so taken with this sedan that they declared it to be the best Mercedes-Benz ever made. This statement may be true, but if it isn’t the best, it’s surely among the very best from this manufacturer. And God knows that Mercedes-Benz has built some incredible cars over the last 125 years!

The first thing that you’ll notice when you get behind the wheel of this car is the sound of the engine. It’s neither too guttural nor too noisy, but for those who like this kind of thing, its sound will be music to your ears. In the passenger compartment, its well-filtered purr penetrates just enough to capture your heart. Depending on the suspension and transmission settings, you can turn this sedan into a peaceful city car or into a ferocious beast ready to eat the road. It’s that versatile! If you’re someone who likes to be pinned to your seat during accelerations, the CLS 63 is for you... Err, that is, if you have the financial means to buy a car that costs between $122,000 and more than $165,000 for the more powerful version loaded with all the available options.

This car’s versatility, power and handling are impressive. As for the comfort of the adjustable suspension, it can range from very adequate to slightly too stiff when you choose the sport settings. And for those who are going for the “Performance” option, you’ll discover that the suspension is more firm.

Driving this kind of car is heaven for motorists. It accelerates like a rocket, its braking is impressive and the steering is both precise and very well assisted. But though the brakes are powerful you have to go easy on them, since they tend to spring to action very, very quickly, which becomes annoying. Speaking of comfort, the back seats are spacious for people of almost all sizes. However, you need to be flexible to get in.

Overall, this is a success for the folks in Stuttgart. While some may feel that the CLS has lost a little of its subdued elegance, it has managed to evolve with grace and its shape is modern. As for the 63 AMG, no other car in this price range offers such an amalgam of comfort, performance, handling and prestige. It’s the kind of car that makes me buy lottery tickets, just in case...