Thursday, December 1, 2011

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Is LEGIT





One of the best looking 4-door sedans out there has always been the Mercedes-Benz CLS, especially the top-of-the-line AMG version. That said, the newest version of the sleek and sexy Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG has retained it's exciting design and solid performance. Furthermore, the newest version can achieve groundbreaking efficiency. Specifically, it can do 28.5 mpg, which is amazing considering that engine displacement is 5.5 liters. This is likely due to the new technology which we previously mentioned in a prior article. However, don't be mistaken by the fuel efficiency because this car is still very mean.

Let's start with the engine. As noted above, it is in fact a 5.5 liter V-8 engine despite the CLS "63" badge. In case you're not familiar with the prior naming convention, the number used to stand for engine displacement. In 2006, the AMG CLS initially came out with a supercharged 5.5 liter engine and was called the CLS 55, then in 2007 they replaced the supercharged 5.5 liter engine with the naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V-8 engine. Now, likely due to new CAFE efficiency standards and high oil prices, they are returning to a 5.5 liter engine with a biturbo but are keeping the CLS 63 name. Why? Likely because it may appear as a weaker model if the badge said "CLS 55" when in fact the car is significantly more power.

The new 5.5 liter biturbo V-8 produces approximately 518 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque which peaks at 1,700-5,000 rpm. The prior generation CLS AMG 63 produced 514 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, so the upgrade is more on the torque side rather than horsepower. But there's more! If you purchase the AMG Performance Package for a measly $7,500, then you get horsepower up to 550 and torque up to 590 lb-ft! The power is delivered to the asphalt through the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission and on a good day with good tires, you can get to 60 mph in a 3.8 seconds. Last I checked, that's what the new Lamborghini Aventador does it in.

The styling is magnificent also and hasn't lost its uniqueness. Visually, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG impresses with its athletic appearance and distinctive exterior and interior design. The car's standard specification also includes innovative LED High Performance headlamps.

When viewed from the front, the new Mercedes CLS63 AMG you will see similarities with the new SLS AMG ("The Gullwing") - specifically the radiator grille, with its large Mercedes star and wing-shaped horizontal slats. The top-of-the-range AMG model distinguishes itself from the other CLS variants with its distinctive hood, wider mudguards with a "V-8 BiTurbo" badge and an AMG specific front apron. Another special feature is the AMG sports exhaust system with dual twin chrome tailpipes.

In summary, the new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is a very legitimate super-sports sedan. With it you get comfort, performance, superior styling and exclusivity. It's simply a perfect all-in-one package. And you can get all of this for $130,000; which is not a lot when you are really getting 4 cars for the price of one.




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