Indiacar.com -Mercedes Benz CLS 63 AMG

German auto manufacturers have built a formidable reputation for fielding performance divisions that elevate cars to stratospheric planes. Most of these divisions have their roots in motorsport, the only arena where the expertise and experience to build high performance cars can be gained. Audi has Quattro Gmbh, BMW has M Gmbh and Mercedes has AMG. At the start of this year, Mercedes-Benz gave India a taste of its AMG magic by launching the entire range of AMG tuned cars. The CLS 63 AMG is a steroid injected nouveau art house automobile that OverDrive (May ’09) tested….here are the results.

Design
The CLS has one of the swoopiest designs to take shape in the journey from drawing board to sheet metal. Four years after its world premiere, the electrifying, muscular lines are still as unique and unmistakable. Graceful lines sweep up from the front, run up the A-pillar and lazily swoop down to a sculpted boot, all of it making for a smooth, fluid silhouette. Details abound in the CLS 63 AMG. The arrow shaped LEDs embedded in the indicator lamps are eye-catchingly arranged, and make for quite a view in the dark. From the 6.3-litre badges on the fenders, this AMG creation exudes sporty intent. In profile, the attractively styled 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels and side skirts grab attention. The AMG rear spoiler sets it apart and the tail lamps are LED lit. The latest CLS AMG version also sports dual chrome AMG badged tailpipes.

Interiors

Like the exteriors which are absolutely gorgeous, the stylish, lavishly leather wrapped interiors emanate 7-star luxury. The sweeping dashboard is highlighted by natural grain leather with walnut trim across the dash and centre console. The 3-spoke sporty steering wheel is identical to the one in the SL?K-Class and the instrument cluster is an interesting mix of an analogue clocks and LED fuel and temperature gauges.

The sporty AMG seats have electronically adjustable side support and provide lumbar support along with memory settings for the front seats. The CLS AMG gets exclusive AMG sports seats in nappa leather and Alcantara inserts at the upper shoulder level. There is nothing to find fault with the car’s ergonomics. Everything is within the reach of the occupants and falls perfectly into place.

Most interior functions are controlled via Mercedes familiar COMAND interface. Features include speed-sensitive volume control, keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, MP3-compatible CD and DVD player, as well as a Bluetooth interface which can establish a wireless connection between a mobile phone and the vehicle’s hands-free system.

Engine & Transmission
Mercedes claims that the CLS 63 AMG engine is the most powerful naturally aspirated production V8 ever. The 6.2-litre engine is the first to combine a high-revving nature with large displacement. This 4-valve-per-cylinder, double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing engine develops 514 PS at 6800rpm and maximum torque of 630Nm.

The newly patented variable intake manifold made of magnesium with two parallel action internal throttle flaps is a world first. The large displacement allows the engine to develop around 20 percent more torque than comparable naturally aspirated engines in this performance class. The free revving engine also produces nearly 90 percent of its peak torque at just 2000rpm giving it a sporty character and making it highly tractable at all engine speeds. The design of the entire intake and exhaust manifolds and the vertical arrangement of all ducts in line with racing cars is what is instrumental in development of the high torque.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 7-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission that can be operated manually by either the conventional lever or via Formula 1 style paddles. AMG Speedshift electronic control provides 35 percent quicker gear shifts, giving performance-minded drivers total control over shifts. The manual mode doesn’t make any automatic up shifts or downshifts even at full load. This does intensify the driving experience and the load-free downshift is of particular benefit when braking ahead of corners on the race track.

Performance

The CLS 63 AMG is not a supercar by definition but the virtues that AMG have injected deem it as such. Eight cylinders in a ‘v’ fire up with unrequited passion and propels the CLS to 1000kmph from standstill in just 5.3 seconds. The 150kmph mark is achieved in 10.1sec while 200kmph comes up in just 17.1sec.

In official manufacturer claimed tests, the car reached 100kmph in an eye-popping 4.5secs – making it the fastest four-door saloon in the world. The AMG Speedshift Plus 7-speed gearbox which delivers power via a limited slip differential is the key to the acceleration, the surge available across the entire spectrum. The flexibility of the AMG engine is also reflected in its roll-on times. The 40-100kmph takes a mere 15.08sec and overtaking seems a prerogative in this car.

For adequate retardation, the CLS63 AMG employs massive 14-inch vented disc brakes with AMG calipers. The newly developed AMG high performance brake system with Pre-SAffe features large composite front brake discs and aluminum 6-piston calipers which provide speedy halts and excellent fade resistance. The rear wheels get 13-inch discs with 4-piston calipers. The CLS takes 42.30mts and 2.97 seconds to come to a standstill from 100kmph and 30.10mts from 80kmph.

Ride & Handling
The CLS makes no pretence at being a sports car; it is not. It’s a mature speedster, not a toy for boy racers. Mated to the new AMG sports suspension, based on the Mercedes semi active air suspension system, Airmatic DC incorporates the ADS II Adaptive Damping System. The suspension includes an automatic level control that maintains ride height even when the car is fully loaded. The driver has a choice to choose from three sport-comfort settings.

Verdict
The AMG makes an obscene load of outright power. The marvel is that all this rampaging power is entirely manageable but needs only a slight provocation to unleash all its capabilities. Being one of the best looking grand tourers around it makes a statement wherever, whenever. The CLS 63 puts style above all else and along with the full AMG treatment, the car gets upgraded brakes, sport suspension, new 19-inch aluminum wheels, bodykit and premium leather seats – making it a veritable chariot for the gods.

Priced at an astronomical Rs.1.24 crore, it is however what the car delivers that makes it worth the while. It is great to drive, fast as a bullet, with all-forgiving electronics and a brilliant handler to boot. Not to forget all the ostentatious effect that is synonymous with the 3-pointed star. To sum up, sighs OverDrive (May ’09), the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG is a class apart.

At A Glance

Price: Rs. 1.24 crore (ex-showroom, Mumbai), Power: 514PS@ 6800rpm, Torque: 630Nm@5200rpm,
Acceleration: 0-100kmph: 5.3s, 0-400kmph: 13.5s, Top Speed: 260kmph,
Fuel Efficiency: City: 4.4kmpl, Highway: 8.7kmpl, Kpl (overall) 5.47kmpl