 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Click image to enlarge |
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2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
San Diego, California – Mercedes-Benz introduced the all-new 2012 CLS63 AMG to the world’s motoring media in the upscale San Diego suburb of Rancho Santa Fe last week, an appropriate location for a luxury car costing over $100,000 – but perhaps not the best venue for testing a performance sedan capable of 300 km/h; I’m sure many of the German journalists were pining for the Autobahn as they tootled along on the San Diego Interstate at 65 mph.
Like the upcoming 2012 CLS550 4Matic, which we previewed in Autos last Fall, the new AMG-modified CLS63 is based on the new-generation E-Class sedan platform; the new CLS63 AMG model adds a new twin-turbocharged direct-injection 5.5-litre DOHC, 32-valve V8 (replacing last year’s normally aspirated 6.2-litre DOHC, 32-valve V8), AMG’s Speedshift MCT seven-speed automatic transmission with console shifter and paddle shifters and four driver-selectable performance modes, adjustable performance-tuned independent suspension with a revised front suspension design, AMG-tuned electromechanical speed-sensitive steering, lower profile 19-inch performance tires, unique AMG alloy wheels, larger ventilated and perforated disc brakes with optional ceramic brakes, LED headlights, and a modified interior with Nappa leather, sport seats, and AMG styling cues.
   2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Click image to enlarge |
The exterior styling differences between the new CLS63 and CLS550 are tastefully done yet intimidatingly muscular, including a unique hood, grille, front apron, wider front fenders, 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, rear lip spoiler, rear diffuser, dual twin chrome tailpipes and rear foglight. Like the CLS550, the CLS63’s hood, doors, fenders, parcel shelf, and trunklid are made of lightweight aluminum.
The new CLS63’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8, the same engine found in the S63 and CL63, pumps out 518 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 516 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm; that compares to the previous 6.3-litre V8’s 507 hp at 6,800 rpm and 465 lb.-ft. at 5,200 rpm. In addition, an optional AMG Performance Package on the new CLS63 increases maximum horsepower and torque to 550 at 5,750 rpm and 590 lb.-ft. between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm simply by raising turbo boost from 1.0 to 1.3 bar. The Performance Package also bumps up the speed limiter from 250 km/h to 300 km/h! 0 to 60 mph flies by in just 4.4 and 4.3 seconds respectively according to AMG, pretty awesome for a four-door sedan weighing 1,866 kg (4,114 lbs.), and about a tenth of a second faster than the previous CLS63 AMG.
But here’s the real shocker: Mercedes claims a 32 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the previous 6.2-litre V8. In North America, Mercedes estimates fuel economy will be 14.7 L/100 km city and 11.2 L/100 km highway, while the European Drive Cycle rating is 9.9 L/100 km. Our onboard fuel consumption display read an optimistic 24.2 mpg (US) or 9.7 L/100 km after a day of fairly aggressive driving on country roads and highways. I could hardly believe this, so we’ll have to wait for a real-world fuel economy test here in Canada.
    2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Click image to enlarge |
AMG’s Speedshift MCT seven-speed transmission is different from the seven-speed unit in the CLS550. It uses a wet start-up clutch instead of a torque converter and includes driver selectable performance modes, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and Manual. In Comfort mode, moving from rest usually takes place in second gear, accelerator response is more gradual, and gearshifts happen earlier. In Sport, Sport + and Manual mode, gearshifts are faster and later, enhancing acceleration. As well, the transmission blips the throttle when downshifting to smooth out gear changes and add an intoxicating race-car like sound from the quad exhaust tips. The Speedshift transmission also includes a RaceStart feature which allows controlled acceleration from a standing start without spinning the rear tires.
A contributor to the CLS63’s improved fuel economy is a new stop/start function that turns off the engine when the car comes to a stop and restarts it automatically as the driver removes their foot from the brake pedal. This is a feature normally found in hybrids with large batteries and starter/generators, but is increasingly being found on standard cars as the technology improves. In the CLS63, it works only in the transmission’s “C” (Comfort) mode; when the stop/start function is active, a green “ECO” light appears in the instrument cluster. We found the stopping and starting process to be generally seamless although it is accompanied by a sharp growl from the exhausts every time the engine starts.
The CLS63’s fully independent suspension is more sophisticated than the CLS550’s. Whereas the CLS550 has a three-link front axle with MacPherson struts and AIRMATIC air shocks, the CLS63 AMG has a three-link front axle with coil springs, electronic gas-filled spring struts, and anti-roll bar. And at the rear, the CLS63’s independent multi link and AIRMATIC air suspension adds an electronically controlled damping system and anti-roll bar. The driver can select three suspension modes: Comfort, Sport and Sport + at the press of a button.
During a day-long test drive through the coastal mountains north-east of San Diego, we found the CLS63 to be surprisingly nimble for such a big car with minimal body roll, balanced handling and very little tire squeal from its 19-inch Continental ContiPro Contact high performance summer tires (255/35R19 front; 285/30R19 rear). We were told that Continental also makes winter tires in this unusual size but the price wasn’t mentioned!
   2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Click image to enlarge |
In Sport and Sport + modes, handling is flatter and shock rebound is quicker providing more car control when driving very fast. In Comfort mode, handling is still very good and better than most drivers will ever need. For this reason, I would recommend driving in Comfort mode most of the time, as the ride is not as punishing. But even in Comfort mode, the ride is stiff and certainly not as comfortable as it is in the CLS550. Potential buyers should take the CLS63 for a ride over a bumpy road before plunking down their money.
Under acceleration, the twin-turbo engine lets out a snarly V8 growl from the rear exhaust tips, but very little noise from under the hood. Acceleration is exhilarating with fantastic passing performance, leaving other cars “in the dust”, so to speak. While cruising, the engine is barely audible and there’s very little wind noise. Depending on the pavement, there is some tire noise from the big Contis, but overall, the cabin is quiet.
The CLS63’s new electro-mechanical variable assist steering offers very light effort when parking, but is firm and responsive at high speeds. Manoeuvrability is enhanced by a tight turning circle diameter of 11.3 metres (37.1 ft.). The standard disc brakes are truly awesome hauling this car down from high speed in seconds; optional ceramic brakes with red brake calipers are available for the enthusiast.
Like other Mercedes’ models, the CLS63 AMG is equipped with all the latest safety features, and for 2012, this includes new Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Active Blind Spot Assist warns the driver with a warning sound when radar sensors detect a car in the blind spot when changing lanes. Should the driver ignore the warnings, Active Blind Spot Assist will automatically apply braking force to the wheels on the opposite side, pushing the car away from a potential collision.
      2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Click image to enlarge |
Active Lane Keeping Assist, now linked to the stability control system, senses when a driver is drifting into another lane and vibrates the steering wheel and flashes a warning. If the driver doesn’t take action, the system prevents drivers from drifting over a solid line into another lane by braking the opposite wheels. In the case of broken lane markings, the driver just gets a warning.
While driving the CLS63, I didn’t get the feeling that “the car was doing the driving for me.” These intervention systems are designed to be a last resort if the driver doesn’t do anything, for whatever reason.
Other standard safety features include Attention Assist drowsiness monitor, Pre-Safe crash predictor, roll-over sensor, front, side, knee, pelvic and curtain airbags, active head restraints, and telematics system.
The CLS63 AMG is the first car with standard LED headlamps – 71 LED bulbs provide light that is closest to the colour temperature of daylight, according to the manufacturer, and they last five times longer than bi-xenon lights. In addition, the LED headlights feature Mercedes’ Adaptive Highbeam Assist which automatically lowers and raises the high beams as other cars approach and depart.
As before, the CLS63 AMG remains a four-passenger sedan with a centre divider between the rear seats that includes two storage bins with sliding covers. Front headroom and legroom is generous, but rear headroom is just adequate for adults up to about 5’ 10”, while rear legroom is adequate. The car’s sloping roof design over the rear doors means that rear passengers must duck under the roof to get in and out.
The new interior features high quality leather, wood and plastic materials and is available in black, alpaca grey and almond beige colour schemes. Notable AMG features are multi-adjustable front sports seats with seat heaters, a new three-spoke AMG steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and flat top and bottom sections, a console mounted shift lever with a special AMG shift knob, and console buttons for driver selectable performance and suspension modes. As with other Mercedes models, an aluminum control dial near the shift lever activates the audio and navigation functions in the centre screen. Behind the steering wheel is a bright information display with navigation, audio and vehicle systems that can be accessed using the scroll button on the steering wheel.
Standard luxury features include a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system with Dolby 5.1, in dash 6-disc CD/DVD changer, a 40-GB hard-drive navigation system, SD card reader, Bluetooth, iPod interface, Sirius satellite radio, sunroof, dual-zone climate control, electric tilt/telescope steering wheel, and power rear sunshade. One ergonomic faux pas I noticed was that the front cupholders are placed directly in front of the climate controls, obscuring them when cups or bottles are placed there.
The CLS63’s carpeted 15.3 cu. ft. trunk includes Mercedes clever collapsible storage box to keep loose items from sliding around the trunk. Split folding rear seatbacks and a power closing feature also contribute to its functionality.
Curiously, the high-performance CLS63 AMG will go on sale in Canada this Summer, sooner than the equally-new CLS550 4Matic which lands on Canadian shores this Fall. Canadian prices weren’t announced, but based on MB Canada’s recent pricing policies, I expect the price will remain the same or drop from its current $121,300 MSRP.
