Likes - Stunning looks
- Seductive performance
- Battle cry of an engine note
- Two driving personalities
Dislikes - Mighty expensive
- Only four can enjoy the ride
- Needs wider wheels
- Hard to park
Tech Specs - 6.3 liter 8-Cyl. 507 hp
- MPG: 12 city/18 highway
The Vehix View - No car, not even the mighty Porsche Panorama, Jaguar XFR or BMW M5 can match the split personality of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Brutality and savagery on the track mixed with sensuality, luxury and throngs of admirers on the street? Yes indeed, I’ll have more of that – thank you.
First Impressions
I was considering opening this review by painting a romantic, poetic description of the lines of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG (view photos). The CLS is indeed a stunning car to begin with. The addition of subtle AMG enhancements makes the elegant exterior package masculine and aggressive. Nothing on the market exudes such a bold design.
On second thought, no poetics needed.
The CLS was designed a few years back and the overall package has remained essentially unchanged. There were some recent changes of some cosmetics and signals integrated in the side mirrors.
Mercedes-Benz is working on an update that will maintain the beautifully curved roofline and overall proportions. They are smart not to mess with a good thing as journalists and automotive aficionados from around the world adore the CLS’s design.
AMG has taken the CLS and packed it with its silicon/aluminum alloy 6.3-liter V8 engine that turns this machine into a velvet glove holding a sledgehammer. It is the heart and soul of the CLS63 AMG.
But, there’s more.
When turning the already sporty CLS into an AMG, exterior enhancements were made. The front fascia lower component is angled and shaped to share a family resemblance with the rest of the AMG line. Lightweight, extremely low profile 19-inch wheels fill the wheel-wells and add to the aggressive AMG package. The rear-end of the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG has a blissfully subtle spoiler that offsets the quad bazooka-sized, oval-shaped exhaust pipes noticeably jutting out of the rear.
Pricing, Trims and Options
The regular CLS starts at $72,400. AMG’s CLS63 commands more than $25,000 more to base at $97,950. Although pricey, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG comes with nearly every popular option and accessory available for the standard CLS.
Interior Features
Seating in any Mercedes-Benz tends to be comfortable, as is the fit and finish of all interior equipment. Take the high level of workmanship and dial it up as you sink deep within the CLS63 AMG. Changes from Mercedes-Benz’s original design are subtle but meaningful.
The most notable alteration is the steering wheel covered in leather/Alcantara with AMG labeling and the AMG sport seats. Sport pedals, revised AMG-specific instrument cluster and AMG unique side sills complete the alterations. It’s subtle, tasteful and extraordinarily comfortable. I especially liked the feeling of the flat-bottom, sports steering wheel, which is one of the best in the business.
Some may be surprised to find that this is a four-person vehicle only. Rear seats are separated by a large, permanent center armrest. This allowed designers to add two large, comfortable rear seats that are executive chic. Four-zone climate control keeps each occupant in their separate comfort cocoon while storming down the autobahn (or any highway). These same occupants will thrill at the extremely quiet, serene cabin – until the driver unleashes all of the hand-built AMG V8’s fury. The noise is rewarding to any car aficionado.
For those who do not appreciate a rasp of German mechanical craftsmanship, the Harmon/Kardon 12 speaker, 510 watt, surround-sound FM radio, MP3s, SIRIUS Satellite Radio with a standard 6-disc CD changer sounds wonderful.
Adding to the usefulness of this rapid transit machine is a large 15.9 cubic foot trunk that can easily hold a few golf bags.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG carries a basic 4 year 50,000 mile warranty. Drive-train and corrosion are also covered for 4 years or 50,000 miles.
Crash test results and safety ratings for the Mercedes-Benz CLS and CLS63 AMG are not available at this time.
Mercedes-Benz includes the standard battery of safety additions including: stability control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints and a multitude of airbags. What is rather fascinating is the safety system that preempts an imminent collision by pre-tensioning seatbelts, closing the sunroof and placing the passenger seat in the safest position for an accident.