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The best place to start up Mercedes’ new CL63 AMG is in an enclosed space with the windows down

Text: Hermann-Josef Muller / Photos: Auto Bild


"Merc's new CL63 AMG sounds like a close relative of the McLaren SLR, its snarling roar will cause passers-by to stop and stare. With a spectacular 518bhp, can the mighty newcomer put an end to the supercar power struggle once and for all?

This latest AMG model joins the CL range, also made up of the V8 500 and V12 600. Tipped to cost about £105,000, it will be similarly priced to the £106,995 CL600, and boasts only 1bhp more. Yet while the two look similar on paper, they offer a very different driving experience.
Touted as the ultimate Mercedes, the AMG focuses on being as sporty as possible. Huge 19-inch alloys complement the CL’s bodywork, which also gets new air scoops and side skirts.



Slip inside, and the S-Class-derived cabin is predictably luxurious, with figure-hugging seats and several sporty extras. The highlight is a neat AMG dial package, with a special stopwatch to record lap and acceleration times. It’s called a Race­timer, and should have some impressive figures to log. As the Merc weighs more than two tonnes, it’s hard to believe it can glide from 0-62mph in only 4.6 sec-onds. And that’s just the beginning...
Once the rear tyres have stopped struggling for traction, acceleration never lets up. The bellowing engine note continues up to 7,200rpm, with peak power arriving at 6,800rpm and 630Nm of torque at 5,200rpm. This ability to rev is what sets the AMG variant apart from the CL600, which has a lazier low-down punch.



The secret is a new all-aluminium V8. With no turbo or supercharging, it claims to deliver higher bhp and Nm of torque per litre than any equivalent unit.



What’s more, a seven-speed auto is standard. It has only recently been dev-eloped to cope with this level of torque, and offers super-quick changes. Equally impressive is how the CL slows down. AMG high-composite brakes give the four-seater stopping power to match its acceleration. Yet the big Merc isn’t perfect. Its sports suspension is a develop­ment of the standard air set-up, but it feels too firm, which makes the softer CL600 seem the more sensible option.



So, is the AMG the pick of the CL range? Only if you have very deep pockets. As if the list price wasn’t steep enough, you’ll have to fund a sub-20mpg thirst for fuel. Unless you intend to use your CL on the track, the CL500’s 5.4-second 0-62mph time will probably more than suffice. The 63 AMG has a glorious soundtrack, but most buyers will be better off leaving it in the garage."

The impression i get from this article is that you should just buy the CL550..


But i still disagree and would purchase a CL63 over a CL550 anyday It's exterior is obviously more menacing, it's engine superb.

Not everyone want a 500hp car and I can understand that. Even a CL550 is almost already overpowered for the streets so I understand why people choose a CL550

I can understand that too, but what i'm referring to is that AutoExpress seems to think the CL63 doesn't offer anymore over the CL550. Which of course, i disagree with.

You really think so? If so, we have a lot of overpowered automobiles on the road

truth of the day!

It's my opinion that people who buy the 550 more times than not can't afford the 63!

Any track times, 0 to 200, etc ?!

Sadly no. But if your interested in the CL you can see the performance test for the CL600 here: http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=7132 (Auto Motor Und Sport: CL600 Peformance Test)

I'm not sure that price is truly the deciding factor, particularly when you add some of the "standard" CL63 options like the AMG Sport Package, dynamic seats, etc to the price of a CL550. The actual price differential between the two models could be less than you think. I think a more valid statement could be that the CL600, which is 45% higher, is the real price issue vehicle for CL550 buyers. Also, some CL buyers (but none I know!) might object to the CL63 20" wheels having too firm a ride and the "burbling" exhaust being a bit too noisy. I also have a rather large friend who drives a CL (W215), but felt the AMG style seats were a bit too tight. The CL600 has none of these issues, only the price.

Good point, but as a proud owner of a 2001 CL 500 sport, I believe I'm in the majority of owners who would of much rather had the V12 600 AMG!