Inside Line tests hundreds of vehicles a year, but not every vehicle gets a full write-up. The numbers still tell a story, though, so we're introducing a new feature on Straightline called "IL Track Tested." It's a quick rundown of all the data we collected at the track, along with comments direct from the test drivers. Enjoy.
This is the car that started the whole "four-door coupe" thing. Seemed like a strange idea at the time, but now the Mercedes-Benz CLS is the old-timer of the low-roof sedan crowd.
Still looks good though, and when you stuff AMG's 6.2-liter V8 under its hood the CLS feels good too. The standard CLS550 is no slouch, but the AMG setup turns the CLS into the low-slung street sleeper that its design has always promised. Just look at these numbers and see for yourself.
Full test numbers and photo gallery after the jump.
Vehicle: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG
Odometer: 6068
Date: 12/09/08
Driver: Josh Jacquot
Specifications:
Drive Type: rear wheel drive
Transmission Type: 7-speed Automatic
Engine Type: V8
Displacement (cc / cu-in): 6208cc (379cu-in)
Redline (rpm): 7,000
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 507 @ 6800
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 465 @ 5200
Brake Type (front): ventilated disc
Brake Type (rear): ventilated disc
Steering System: speed-proportional power steering
Suspension Type (front): multi-link
Suspension Type (rear): multi-link
Tire Size (front): 255/35ZR19 (96Y)
Tire Size (rear): 285/30ZR19 (98Y)
Tire Brand: Pirelli
Tire Model: PZero Rosso
Tire Type: performance
Wheel Size: 19 X 8.5 front - 19 X 9.5 rear
Wheel Material (front/rear): alloy
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,210
Test Results:
0 - 30 (sec): 2.2
0 - 45 (sec): 3.3
0 - 60 (sec): 4.6
0 - 75 (sec): 6.5
1/4 Mile (sec @ mph): 12.8 @ 112.7
0-60 with 1-ft Rollout (sec): 4.3
30 - 0 (ft): 29
60 - 0 (ft): 114
Braking Rating: Very Good
Slalom (mph): 65.3
Skid Pad Lateral acceleration (g): .84
Handling Rating: Good
Db @ Idle: N/A
Db @ Full Throttle: N/A
Db @ 70 mph Cruise: N/A
Acceleration Comments: Monster torque and instant throttle response means "pedaling" this beast is a must off the line. Traction control does almost as well without any of the careful footwork.
Braking Comments: Solid and consistent pedal response - impressive for a large sedan, but typical of AMG.
Handling Comments: (Skidpad) Easy to balance on the throttle. Good balance and response for such a large sedan. (Slalom) Best slalom run w/suspension in softest setting, otherwise it was too stiff and easily upset.
rick8365 says:
03:19 AM, 02/ 4/09
Sweet car. Nice write up and pics too.
dougtheeng says:
06:14 AM, 02/ 4/09
Great numbers but I think this is a hideous looking car.
jmess says:
06:36 AM, 02/ 4/09
A base C6 Corvette can generate better numbers at far less dollars. Yawn.
rick8365 says:
07:00 AM, 02/ 4/09
CLS63 vs. C6 - Other than both having 4 tires and a steering wheel....completely different conveyances; no?
dougtheeng says:
07:16 AM, 02/ 4/09
The constant Corvette spamming is growing tiresome.
tslbmw says:
08:27 AM, 02/ 4/09
"Great numbers but I think this a hideous looking car."
Wow, just to show the difference in subjective opinions, I have to say that the CLS is the most beautiful 4 dr on the planet. And the AMG trim only adds to my affection.
ledwinka says:
09:01 AM, 02/ 4/09
A classic. My wife and I look forward to owning a CLS (I guess it would be the next generation). Too bad the new MB's like E class look awful by comparison.
machwon23 says:
11:35 AM, 02/ 4/09
I have agree with doug, at least for the front end. The rear and profile are fine, the front is fugly. It's like a totally different person or team designed the front end. To me, it looks awkward and doesn't fit the rest of the car. Otherwise, though, it is a very nice car.
carfreak8394 says:
01:01 PM, 02/ 4/09
I agree with tslbmw.. This car is great looking, in my opinion.
crazymustang says:
01:30 PM, 02/ 4/09
Sure it isn't a killer on the Skin, but take a test drive, from my 45 Minutes with this car, It gave me that quiet Mercedes-Benz Luxury Experience at normal Driving speeds, and when you crank the pedal, the car really answers, My next daily driver.
cwc1 says:
06:26 PM, 02/ 4/09
Most Mercedes interiors don't look that great to me, and not worthy of the car's image. Those instruments look pretty dull to me, particularly for a performance version of an already expensive and upper echelon car. Instead of that clock on the left, why not some additional gages? This is an AMG after all...
007Solace says:
02:00 AM, 02/ 5/09
Yeah. The interiors in these crazy expensive cars have interiors that look like they came out of economy car. The dials on the steering wheel and else where look plastic cheap. BMW have better interiors. And even Acura which I drive now, went from owning a BMW. My Acura TL has a better looking interior then this Mercedese and my last car the E46 BMW did to. Outside it looks good and it has prestige and power but Im going for a reliable car now and still looks good" Like the Acura TL and even the new one with SH-AWD and 2010 it will have the option of a 6speed manual. European car companies. Be very afraid. lol.
Even American Cars are becoming more reliable then these Euro imports.
stingray454 says:
08:22 AM, 02/ 5/09
I think the materials used in the interior look rich and are nicely finished, however, the design and style of the interior leaves a lot to be desired. The dash is kind of haphazard and doesn't flow well. Looks better than the BMW 5 and 7 series though.
charlesb says:
09:29 AM, 02/ 5/09
This car is cool. It's a good compromise for those who want coupe-like styling and a usable rear seat that you can get in and out of. The premium over the E-class, on which it is based, is pretty hard to swallow, if you aren't absolutely 'in love' with the style though.
albook says:
07:49 PM, 02/ 5/09
forget all the haters; this car looks GREAT!
4maticbenz says:
03:04 PM, 02/ 7/09
This car is awesome looking. it may not fit your particular taste, but you have to admit it is a pretty interesting looking car; that's a fact, not an opinion. i love mercedes and BMW, and while this definetely isnt my favorite model, its still is awesome. And why the hell are some of you idiots comparing it to some P.O.S. collection of GM crap. Who cares about the freakin Corvette. That car has become boring as hell ever since the US started importing cars a couple of decades ago.
hondacura4 says:
06:28 PM, 02/ 7/09
This is the car Batman would drive if he had a small family. =)
I liked this car when it debuted and even though the design has aged pretty well, Im getting tired of seeing them. Mercedes should have made the CLS model more exclusive.
bege says:
08:47 AM, 02/ 9/09
Those of you who are saying that Acura and the domestic cars have better interior than this MB don't know anything about luxury and sport. It is way better than Geo Metro looking Vettes and Acuras. Even if someone gives me a Vette I wouldn't take it, what a horror inside and plastic outside. As far as Acuras, they will never going to be a drivers cars, never. A front wheel drive car can't come remotly close to a real wheel drive car on handling and fun. The only japanease manifacture that is a drivers car is Infiniti and the Nissan 370Z. The Vette is another wanna be Ferrari, it will never will, even if they put 1,000hp under the hood. A great car is not just about how much hp it has, it is about soul, heart and beauty!!!!