The CLS is a much better match for the 6.2-liter AMG V-8 than the S-class. I was expecting the CLS to feel a bit awkward with this engine since it seems to be nearly as large as an S-class, but I was pleasantly surprised. The CLS is even better suited to this particular engine than the CL coupe, which was another surprise. The tip in is a little funky, but once you're on the road this V-8 sounds great and packs plenty of punch.

Distronic is always nice when you're following a driver who doesn't like to hold a consistent speed, though I wish the distance control switch were located on the cruise control stalk. It's not intuitive to look down next to the shifter to control how closely you follow a car. I used the system at night and I didn't find the distance control until this morning when it was light. Aside from this ergonomic niggle, distronic is my favorite of the active cruise control systems and the only one I really trust to slow my car down safely and consistently if the car in front of me hits the brakes.

I suppose the main selling point on this car is the styling. The CLS started the four-door coupe segment and has spawned many imitators. A design that once stood out from everything else on the road now has several competitors and even the 2009 Mazda6 has a similar shape to this Mercedes. I wonder how the market will respond to these new imitators and what that does to image-conscious Mercedes buyers. The next CLS needs to be as revolutionary as the 2004 CLS was.

Phil Floraday, Senior Online Editor


After the manic C63, I think this is my second-favorite AMG "63" model, although it's a close call in light of the excellent CL63. As Phil noted, the size and spirit of this car work extremely well with the high-revving nature of this 507-hp normally aspirated V-8. Like some of the other great V-8s on the market today, there's something wholly intoxicating about this engine's glorious song. Let's just say it's tough to keep this Benz at legal speeds. But it's not just during autobahn-style blasts that the CLS63 is awesome; curves can be very fun, too, thanks to the car's excellent balance and steering.

With black paint and the AMG styling touches, the CLS's anti-sedan design reaches peak chic. Fuel mileage of 12/18 mpg city/highway becomes a nonfactor. If I paid more than $115K for a car, however, I'd expect it to at least have parking sensors and/or a reverse camera.

Rusty Blackwell, Copy Editor


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This is my second favourite 63-model also, only in my case it follows the CL63.

It's probably my first favorite AMG

Manic C63...i couldn't agree more