By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos MBUSA
For 2015 the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG four-door coupe line brings driving excitement and boasts a performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive and an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine.
S-Model with subtly different design features
The CLS63 AMG S-Model can be identified by red brake calipers and the AMG logo on the trunk lid that sports an S in contrasting black. Accented by silver seat belts, the standard black premium nappa leather interior of the S-Model features contrasting gray stitching on the AMG sports seats, center door panels, door arm rests, steering wheel and center console. The rim of the AMG Performance steering wheel in black Premium leather boasts grip areas in Alcantara and is flattened at the top and bottom. In the S-Model, the front head restraints of the AMG sports seats feature the AMG crest embossed directly into the premium leather. The AMG instrument cluster also reveals an S AMG logo on the speedometer and red accents on the dials. Illuminated AMG door sill panels with white backlighting complete the range of equipment and appointments exclusive to the S-Model.
Engine
With 0-60 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds, the CLS63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC is clearly at the top of its competitive line-up. In addition to its increased power, the special edge of the S-Model can also be attributed in no small part to performance-oriented all-wheel drive with a 33 : 67 front-rear power distribution. Ideal traction during acceleration minimizes wheel slip, and its electronically limited top speed stands at 186 mph.
On the CLS63 AMG S-Model, the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine produces 577 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. This enhanced performance results from adapted engine electronics and increased turbo boost pressure, from 0.9 to 1.0 bar, despite added power and enhanced performance, the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine remains the most efficient high-performance V8 engine in production.
Transmission
Custom-tailored settings are among the many strengths of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission. Four drive programs, C (Controlled Efficiency), S (Sport), S+ (Sport plus) and M (Manual), provide each driver with a personal setup. In C mode, gearshifts are smooth and comfortable. The ECO start/stop feature is active, turning off the V8 engine when the car is at a standstill, and the car generally starts in second gear.
In the S, S+ and M modes, the engine and transmission are noticeably more agile, and the ECO start/stop function is off. Perfectly tailored to a sporty driving style, momentary suppression of ignition and injection during full-throttle shifts results in even faster gearshifts that sound great, too. Automatic rev-matching during downshifts and RACE START are also among the standard features of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission.
Performance-oriented all-wheel-drive
The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive distributes engine torque at a ratio of 33 : 67 between the front and rear wheels. This rear biased torque split provides for superlative driving fun and handling. The 3-stage ESP has been tailored specifically to the full-time, all-wheel drive system. In SPORT Handling mode, the Torque Vectoring Brake performs selective braking on individual wheels for outstanding agility. Briefly braking the inside rear wheel provides impressively neutral steering response during turn-in.
Mercedes-AMG goes a step further on the CLS63 AMG S-Model with a standard limited-slip differential that’s installed within the rear final drive. This high-tech package increases traction even further, providing even better vehicle dynamics and more driving fun, especially on the racetrack.
In addition the CLS63 AMG S-model features the AMG Adaptive Sports Suspension which features an electronically controlled damping system. Pressing a button marked with a shock absorber symbol in the AMG DRIVE UNIT is sufficient to switch the electronics from Comfort to Sport or Sport Plus. The front wheels use a steel-spring suspension system, while the rear axle is fitted with a load-leveling air suspension system.
Summary
The S-Model represents the most attractive proposition in the segment, with its superlative power and torque ratings and the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the CLS 63 AMG S-Model is without parallel in its Coupe variant. The customized model variants provide greater scope than ever for individual solutions.
Fuel economy is rated at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway with the 7 speed AMG Speedshift MTC transmission with Shift Paddles. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $106,550.00, the one I drove included Designo Diamond White Exterior Paint, 19 Inch AMG Cross-Spoke Forged Wheel-Titanium, Premium and Driver Assistance Packages, and it came in at $116,510.00 including destination charges.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
