Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG – one more from Affalterbach

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the new CLS 63 AMG, and the C218 variant of the form takes off where the W219 left off, with more tricks in the bag, of course.

The four-door coupe gets two output variants of the form, centered around the workings of the M157 AMG 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine, which features spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, a full aluminium crankcase, four-valve technology with camshaft adjustment, air/water intercooling, generator management and a stop/start system among its tech leanings.

In its stock guise the pot puts out 525 hp at 5,250 rpm and 700 Nm at 1,750-5,000 rpm; with the AMG Performance package strapped on, output becomes 557 hp at 5,750 rpm and torque goes up to 800 Nm at 2,000-4,500 rpm. The major difference between both power units is the increase in the maximum charge-air pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar.

The drivetrain of choice is the AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sports transmission, replete with a compact wet start-up clutch in place of the torque converter and a stop/start function, which is permanently active in the transmission’s Controlled Efficiency (“C”) mode, switching the eight-cylinder engine off when the car comes to a stop. The “C” mode also gets a “soft” accelerator response set-up, with early gearshifts.

Going to “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus) and “M” (Manual) modes brings about the engine management system partially suppressing the cylinders, interrupting ignition and injection under full load leads to even faster gearshifts. Also on call are an automatic double-declutching function and RACE START function.

Externally, the CLS 63 AMG bags a more distinctive bonnet, wider mudguards, a specific AMG front apron with black painted cross member and V8 BITURBO badging. Standard fitment includes LED High Performance headlamps. At the back, there’s a diffuser insert, an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid and – as also featured on the SLS AMG – an integrated rear foglamp.

Elsewhere, there’s an AMG brake system, with the option of going with a ceramic high-performance composite braking system if you choose, as well as an AMG sports exhaust system with dual twin chrome tailpipes. Road contact comes courtesy of titanium grey-painted, high-sheen 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new triple-spoke design, wearing 255/35 front and 285/30 rear rubbers.

Further efforts in the name of performance sees the fitment of all-aluminium doors, around 24 kg lighter compared to the conventional steel ones, and additionally, the bonnet, front wings, boot lid, parcel shelf, various support sections as well as major parts of the chassis and engine are all made from aluminium too.

The car comes shod with a three-mode AMG Ride Control sports suspension, with steel suspension struts on the front axle and air suspension struts on the rear axle, as well as automatic level control and electronically controlled damping. There’s also a new front axle, with a 24mm wider track width, and a newly developed electromechanical AMG sports parameter steering offering a more direct ratio and variable power assistance that adapts according to the chosen suspension mode.

Inside, among the extensive range of standard appointments are AMG sports seats in nappa leather, a new three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles and flattened top and bottom sections and an AMG Drive Unit with compact E-SELECT selector lever.

The AMG Performance package, besides ramping up the juice, also gets you a bag of other stuff – among these, carbon fibre AMG engine cover and spoiler lip on the boot lid, AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara inserts in the grip areas and red-painted brake calipers.

Further optional items available are an AMG Exterior Carbon package, trim elements in carbon fibre/black piano lacquer and yes, illuminated AMG door sill panels as well as a lightweight, forged 5-twin-spoke design light-alloy wheels and corresponding 255/35 front and 285/30 rear tyres. Indeed, you could have a seriously sordid season ticking off all the boxes with this one.

Gallery after the jump.

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