Behold the magnificence of the new Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG. Unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the new CLS63 AMG uses the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo, just like the new S63 and CL63. It generates 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, and comes with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sports Transmission.

Going on sale in America next summer as a 2012 model, the new CLS63 AMG is also supposed to be more efficient than the old model, and indeed it is, but with fuel consumption figures of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway (estimated) it is hardly economical!

The whole point of this car is to go fast and sound nice, and it does that brilliantly. And with that magnificent body on top, it is the perfect recipe for a breathtaking coupe. The AMG styling details have really changed the CLS character from a slightly fat businessman into a chunky and muscular sportsman!

Mercedes will start sales of the new model with a special CLS63 AMG “Launch Edition” painted in the superb matte Manganit Gray Magno color. Exclusive features of this limited model include AMG sports seats with designo leather in “Corteccia Pearl”, and Interior roof liner, A, B and C pil- lars and sun visors are all upholstered in anthracite Alcantara, as well as AMG trim elements in carbon-fiber/piano black lacquer and designo floor mats in black velour with the design badge and designo leather edging in “Corteccia Pearl”.

“The new CLS63 AMG writes the next chapter in the success story created by the CLS55 AMG and CLS63 AMG, which have been amazing our customers around the world since 2004,” says Ola Ka?llenius, General Manager of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The CLS63 AMG is a unique, high-performance automobile – it sets new bench- marks in design, performance and efficiency.”

The car’s M157 eight-cylinder generates a maximum output of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in normal mode. Fit it with the optional AMG Performance Package, and the output rises to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft. That power translates into exhilarating performance, with a 0 to 60mph (100 km/h) sprint time of just 4.3 seconds which is frankly astonishing for a car of this type. The top speed, as usual, is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h).

The key difference between the two performance levels is the maximum charge pres- sure of the twin turbochargers, which is 14.5 psi in the standard CLS63 AMG and 18.8 psi with the Performance Package. Moreover, the version with the Performance Package boasts an attractive engine cover with carbon-fiber applications.

One other great feature of the CLS63’s powertrain is the Mercedes- AMG exclusive AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed Sport Transmission. It’s not a double-clutch, but it’s just as good offering different driving programs for every situation, including Controlled Efficiency (“C”), which works with the standard start/stop system, “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport Plus) and “M” (Manual) programs.

In sport modes, the car also sounds more savage and brutal, which is a very cool feature when you are in the mood! Automatic rev- matching and the RACE START function round out the comprehensive list of standard equipment.

The suspension, steering and braking system on the new CLS63 AMG are perfectly matched to the high-tech driveline. The AMG Adaptive Suspension with steel struts at the front and air suspension at the rear, as well as automatic ride-height control, is fur- ther refined with an electronic damping system.

Depending on the situation, it auto- matically varies the damping characteristics and reduces body roll. The outcome is an incredibly fast correlation between optimum comfort and best-possible agility. The driver can switch between the three suspension settings “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport plus” at the touch of a button.

The car also comes with a very sophisticated braking system consisting of 14.2-inch internally ventilated and cross- drilled brake discs at all four corners. The front axle features highly resilient, mo- torsport-tested composite technology.

CLS63 also comes as standard with titanium gray painted and polished AMG 19-inch triple 5-spoke alloy wheels clad in 255/35 R19 tires (front) and 285/30 R19 (rear).

Mercedes and AMG engineers have used the same techniques they used in the SLS AMG supercar to make the CLS63 as light as possible, so it features all-aluminum doors. They are made using deep-drawn aluminum sheet and extruded profile, and are around 24 percent lighter overall than conventional steel doors. Also made from aluminum are the hood, front fenders, rear parcel shelf, several beam profiles and a large number of chassis and engine components.

The CLS-Class is the first model line in the world to feature active LED high- performance headlamps that combine the amazing daylight-like color of LED technology with the performance, functionality and energy efficiency of today’s bi-xenon headlights. (optional for US models)

The case for the new LED technology is strengthened further by factors such as – the average life- cycle of an LED being 10,000 hours, which is around five times more than a xenon lamp; and the color of LED driving lights being the closest to daylight.

Mercedes says the design of the new CLS63 is inspired by the SLS. The CLS63 AMG is differentiated from the other CLS variants by a unique hood, wider fenders featuring the “V8 BITURBO” logo and an exclusive AMG front skirt with a black-painted cross-brace. Distinguishing features on the rear end include the diffuser insert, the AMG spoiler on the trunk lid, the AMG sports exhaust with two chromed dual tailpipes, as well as the integrated fog lamps also familiar from the SLS AMG.

The AMG exclusive styling touches are also visible inside the cabin. You get unique burl walnut wood veneer trimming for doors and dashboard, with Piano black lacquer and carbon-fiber trim elements available as options.

Material quality and workmanship is of the highest order and provide a highly exclusive ambience. The extensive range of stan- dard equipment includes AMG sports seats in premium leather, a new AMG three- spoke performance steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and a flattened rim top and bottom and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with compact E-SELECT shift lever.

The 2012 CLS63 also comes with range of new standard safety systems, including Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist (both part of the Driver Assistance Package), to make the job of driving safer without compromise on the fun.

Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver when, using close-range radar sensors, it de- tects the threat of a collision during a lane change maneuver. If the driver ignores the warning and comes dangerously close to the vehicle in the neighboring lane, Active Blind Spot Assist steps in. By initiating a brief braking impulse, controlled by ESP®, on the rear wheel on the other side of the vehicle, it causes a yawing motion that counter- acts the collision course.

AMG Performance Package for the CLS63 AMG
Increase in power output of 32 hp (total 550 hp) and maximum torque of 74 lb-ft (total 590 lb-ft)
AMG engine cover in genuine carbon-fiber
Rear spoiler in genuine carbon-fiber
Sport suspension
Red brake calipers
Top speed increased to 186 mph
AMG Performance Steering Wheel with Alcantara® applications around the grip zones

2012 CLS63 AMG
Displacement: 5,461 cm3
Bore x stroke: 98.0 x 90.5 mm
Compression ratio: 10.0 : 1
Power: 518 hp @ 5,500 r/min 550 hp @ 5,500 r/min*
Max. torque: 516 lb-ft @ 1750-5000 r/min 590 lb-ft @ 2000-4500 r/min*
Engine weight (dry): 450 lbs
Fuel economy: 16 / 21 mpg city / highway
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 4.4 s 4.3 s*
Top speed**: 155 mph 186 mph*