CLS 63 AMG: The Exclusive High-performance

The new CLS 63 AMG is an exceptional automobile offering impressive performance, dynamic styling and an exclusive interior. The four-door Coupe is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 AMG engine, which was developed entirely by Mercedes-AMG. The new 514 bhp AMG power plant has the highest specific power and torque of any naturally aspirated eight-cylinder production engine in the world. The refined Coupe has a 0 - 60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds, on its way to a governed top speed of 155 mph.

The high-performance engine of the new CLS 63 AMG is partnered by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC transmission, which offers the driver a choice between fully automatic and manual shifting, with changes actuated either at the selector lever or Formula 1 style, by a press of the aluminium gearshift paddles. Appropriately, the powerful engine is also mated with the new AMG sports suspension, based on the semiactive air suspension system AIRMATIC DC which incorporates the ADS II Adaptive Damping System, and with the new AMG high-performance brake system, which provides plenty of stopping power thanks to composite front brakes and vented and perforated brake discs on all wheels.

The refined coupe styling also incorporates powerful AMG styling elements, while the interior impresses with a blend of exclusive sportiness and superior materials and build quality. Standard specification includes AMG sports seats with nappa leather upholstery, the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with new aluminium AMG gearshift paddles and the new AMG instrument cluster with 320 km/h speedometer scale and red needles.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
The CLS63 AMG replaces the CLS55 AMG. The CLS gets AMG’s new naturally aspirated, 6.2-liter, V-8 engine that debuted last summer. The powerplant is the first engine developed by AMG that is not based on any Mercedes engine.

A few horses more
When the new Mercedes CL will make its debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, AMG will show their interpretation of the new coupe, the CL 63 AMG, equipped with all kinds of luxury features plus the 6.3-litre V8 returning 514 bhp – the same engine used for the CLS 63 which debuted just after the launch of the standard CLS two years ago.

But even for the four-door CLS there’s yet another model in the pipeline: Like the S-class, the 4-door coupe will soon be available as the CLS 65, powered by the same 612-bhp 6.0 liter bi-turbo V12 used in the S Class and SL-Class.

And like all the top AMGs, it’ll be getting the Performance optic with the new bumper and the additional air-intakes in front of the wheel arches.

We reckon that the CL will be available in 65 AMG-guise, too – maybe in summer 2007.

Unique blend of power and design
The newly developed 6.3-litre engine accelerates the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds

Technology borrowed from motor racing

Sports suspension with high-performance brake system

AMG bodystyling and exclusive interior appointments

With its impressive performance, dynamic design and exclusive equipment, the new CLS 63 AMG from Mercedes-AMG is a highly unusual automobile. The unique four-door Coupé is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine that was completely developed by AMG. With an output of 378 kW/514 hp and a maximum torque of 630 Nm, the new AMG power pack guarantees the very best in driving performance: the CLS 63 AMG accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in 15.1 seconds. The vehicle’s top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.

AMG’s new 6.3-litre V8 engine is the only one in the world to combine a high-revving design with generous cubic capacity. Developed completely independently by AMG, the high-performance engine has around 20 percent more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this output class. Manufactured completely out of high-strength aluminium, the V8 naturally aspirated engine features a number of technologies borrowed from motorsport, thus impressively documenting the racing sport tradition of AMG. The vertical arrangement of the intake and exhaust ducts as well as the use of a new variable intake manifold with two integrated throttle valves ensures that the cylinders are optimally charged.

Bucket tappets in the cylinder heads make a rigid valvegear possible, and therefore also high engine speeds. Variable camshaft adjustment, a particularly rigid closed-deck crankcase and cylinder bores with the revolutionary new TWAS coating are just some of the other prominent features of the cutting-edge V8 engine made by Mercedes-AMG.

The unique combination of a high-revving design and large engine displacement brings together the best of two worlds: exciting responsiveness and at the same time powerful torque at low engine speeds. A high level of agility at all engine speeds brings home to the driver of the CLS 63 AMG the emphatically sporty character of the vehicle. At 2000 rpm, the AMG V8 already delivers an impressive 500 Nm to the crankshaft. The maximum torque of 630 Nm is available at 5200 rpm.

The new AMG eight-cylinder powerplant delivers dynamic acceleration, fast sprinting power and the highest level of pure driving pleasure. With the AMG’s new, sporty and powerful sound, which was perfected during extensive test series, the eight-cylinder unit from Affalterbach offers the thrill of a naturally aspirated, high-rpm V8 engine — which every driver can feel and hear at low, medium and high engine speeds.

The electronically controlled fuel supply system with newly developed components operates at a pressure of 3.8 to 5.0 bar depending on requirements. The fuel pressure adapts immediately to the desired performance level and external temperature. Following a command from the accelerator pedal, it takes just milliseconds for the vehicle electronics to adjust the pressure accordingly. This control system guarantees a spontaneous response and sporty propulsion at any engine speed and load range.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC with steering-wheel gearshift paddles
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC takes care of the power transfer in the new CLS 63 AMG. The driver can select the fully automatic or manual setting and change gears using the selector lever on the new silver-coloured AMG aluminium gearshift paddles. The seven-speed automatic system adapts itself to the driving style — be it dynamic or more laid-back. Accessible via a switch in the centre console, the driving modes “S” (Sport), “C” (Comfort) and “M” (Manual) in the new CLS 63 AMG each have different gearshift characteristics and speeds. Gear-changing time in “S” mode is about 30 percent faster than in “C” mode — and in “M” mode it is up to around 50 percent quicker.

If manual mode ("M") is selected, the driver also benefits from the V8 engine's immense pulling power, since automatic downshifts are prevented, even at full load or when the kickdown position is reached. In other words, the driver can be sure that the selected gear will remain engaged. Selecting manual mode also prevents AMG SPEEDSHIFT from performing an automatic upshift when the engine speed limit for a particular gear is reached. In manual mode ("M"), the new AMG instrument cluster displays the currently selected gear, including a shift prompt. In this way, sportier drivers can make the most of the considerable power at their disposal. When the engine speed approaches the lower rpm limit, the transmission downshifts.

AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
The power package is augmented by the AMG sports suspension as well as by the high-performance AMG braking system from the CLS 63 AMG. The engineers at Mercedes-AMG have developed a new sports suspension that is based on the semi-active AIRMATIC DC air suspension with the adaptive damping system (ADS II). Both the springs and the shock absorbers have been significantly stiffened. In addition, changed characteristics for the three stages of the AMG shock absorbers mean that body movements are reduced. Because of the automatically self-levelling suspension at all wheels, spring travel is always the same even when the vehicle is fully loaded. In addition, thicker stabilisers help reduce body roll when cornering at high speeds.

Depending on the driver’s wishes, AIRMATIC DC imbues the CLS 63 AMG with either very sporty or more laid-back handling characteristics. The shock absorbers and springs instantly adapt to the current driving situation, but can also be manually modified in three stages at the touch of a button.

High-performance composite AMG front brakes

The CLS 63 AMG features a new, high-performance, composite brake system at the front. Internally ventilated, perforated brake discs all around provide impressive deceleration and high fading resistance. The vehicle’s wheel/tyre combination also contributes to its high level of dynamic handling. The 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide, titanium grey, high-sheen 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new five-spoke design are fitted with wide-base tyres in size 255/40 and 285/35.

In line with the sporty development of the new AMG models with the naturally aspirated V8 engine, the Electronic Stability Program is not activated in the CLS 63 AMG when in Off mode. However, the ESP® Off mode is intended only for very sporty drivers who are experienced in highly dynamic driving and who can manoeuvre the AMG vehicles on closed-off tracks even in extreme situations. Even in the ESP® Off mode, however, all of the ESP® functions are restored immediately when the brake is activated. It remains the case that every AMG vehicle meets the same standards as any other Mercedes-Benz series-produced vehicle in terms of Mercedes-Benz core values such as active safety.

Muscular AMG bodystyling for a superlative Coupé design
The CLS 63 AMG’s superlative Coupé design is defined by the muscular AMG bodystyling, including the powerfully contoured front apron with large air inlets and circular fog lamps, side skirts and a distinctive rear apron with the traditional AMG design. The car is made even more distinctive by the unique radiator grille with three powerful, silver-painted louvres as well as by the “6.3 AMG” lettering on the front wings. The stylishly integrated AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by about 30 percent, which contributes to better driving stability at high speeds. The chromed, oval twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system provide visual and acoustic highlights. The CLS 63 AMG naturally complies with all of the usual emission limits, including EU 4. It also meets the specific requirements on the U.S. market, such as the LEV II standard, the on-board diagnosis II and oxygen sensor diagnosis.

Comprehensive range of high-quality standard equipment, including nappa leather upholstery
The equipment for the CLS 63 AMG stands out due to its combination of exclusive sporty design, high-quality materials and superb workmanship. The AMG sports seats provide a multicontour function and feature the characteristic AMG upholstery piping and perforation pattern with double stitching. In addition, they are equipped with seat heating, an AMG nameplate and Alcantara inserts at the shoulder level that optimise lateral support while cornering at higher speeds. Both the driver and the front passenger can fully adjust the seats electrically, and a memory function makes it possible to store various settings.

The car’s comprehensive range of high-quality appointments also includes top-quality nappa leather in three different colour combinations at all seats, the door centre panels and at the centre armrest; the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel with new AMG gearshift paddles made of silver-tone aluminium; chrome-plated door sill panels bearing the AMG logo; and the AMG instrument cluster with its 320 km/h speedometer.

Still another new feature is the AMG instrument cluster’s main menu display: the menu shows the currently selected gear including an upshift prompt in the manual ("M") mode, as well as either the engine oil temperature or battery voltage and the RACETIMER. This new function enables the driver of the CLS 63 AMG to measure lap times on an enclosed track. RACETIMER also stores the time of the fastest lap, the average and top speed as well as the lap distance.

Perfected safety with standard PRE-SAFE®
Like all the other variants of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the new CLS 63 AMG benefits from the extensive model enhancements which guarantee optimal driving safety. PRE-SAFE®, for example, the award-winning anticipatory safety system offered exclusively worldwide by Mercedes-Benz, has been included as standard equipment. PRE-SAFE® recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages. If braking deceleration exceeds a certain level or the vehicle threatens to go into a skid, the system tensions the front seat belts as a precaution, adjusts the position, height and cushion/backrest angle of the front passenger seat, and closes the side windows and sliding sunroof to leave only a small gap.

The market launch of the new CLS 63 AMG is scheduled for June 2006.

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Specifications

Engine

No. of cylinders/arrangement

8/V, 4 valves per cylinder

Displacement
cc
6208

Bore x stroke
mm
102.2 x 94.6

Rated output
kW/hp
378/514 at 6800 rpm

Rated torque
Nm
630 at 5200 rpm

Compression ratio

11.3 : 1

Mixture formation

Microprocessor-controlled fuel injection, HFM


Power transfer

Transmission type

AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed automatic

Ratios
Final drive
1st gear
2nd gear
3rd gear
4th gear
5th gear
6th gear
7th gear
Reverse
2.82
4.38
2.86
1.92
1.37
1.00
0.82
0.73
-3.42/-2.23


Chassis

Front axle
Four-link suspension, full-support AIRMATIC DC air suspension with level control, anti-dive system, stabiliser

Rear axle
Multi-link independent suspension, full-support AIRMATIC DC air suspension with level control,
anti-squat and anti-lift system, stabiliser

Brakes
Composite front disc brakes - internally ventilated and perforated, rear disc brakes - internally ventilated and perforated, foot-operated rear parking brake, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP®

Steering
Rack-and-pinion speed-sensitive steering, steering damper

Wheels
Front: 8.5 J x 18; rear: 9.5 J x 18

Tyres
Front: 255/40 R 18; rear: 285/35 R 18


Dimensions and weights

Wheelbase
mm
2854

Track width front/rear
mm
1599/1583

Overall length
mm
4915

Overall width
mm
1873

Overall height
mm
1389

Turning circle
m
11.5

Boot capacity max.*
l
495

Kerb weight acc. to EC
kg
1905

Payload
kg
465

Gross vehicle weight
kg
2370

Tank capacity/incl. reserve
l
80/14


Performance and fuel consumption

Acceleration 0-100 km/h
s
4.5

Maximum speed
km/h
250**

Fuel consumption NEDC comb.
l/100 km
14.5


*Acc. to VDA measuring method
** Electronically limited

A Special Edition Mercedes-Benz CLS is going on sale from March 2009 for a minimum price of €67,294.50. The CLS Grand Edition model features exclusive articles like matt designo paint finish that comes in paint choices called obsidian black, iridium silver, carneol red and flint grey. The CLS' "designo magno platinum" matt paint finish is highly scratch- and dirt resistant as well, proving wrong the notion that luxury is fragile.

The four-door Mercedes coupe features 18-inch 5-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with pockets painted in titanium grey, running on 245/40 R 18 tyres in the front and 275/35 R 18 tyres in the rear.

Several interior comforts keep the CLS Grand Edition in the realm of special Mercedes-Benzes. These include Alcantara, special leather upholstery, high quality wood, sport pedals brushed in stainless steel, a COMAND control system with parktronic and "Grand Edition" velour floor mats.

Although one of four engines can be ordered with this car, the CLS350 CGI model seems to be the one touted the most. At its heart is a V6 layout with piezoelectric direct injection and spray-guided combustion. At maximum level it develops 215 kW / 292hp and can comfortably reach an average fuel consumption figure of 9.1 litres/100km.