IL Track Tested: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

I really like how the new CLS's look. I remember seeing my first one in person about 10 months ago in Bratislava. It was a dark silver and was coming toward me on this narrow street. I didn't recognize it at first then my jaw dropped. It just looked so menacing and elegant at the same time which was enhanced by the backdrop of Bratislava no doubt.

If it were any faster, or uglier, it would be a Nissan GTR!

NICE!
BD

121 mph trap speed in a 4200 lbs car? Looks like a little more than 550 hp here. I really like the old NA 6.2, but this turbo motor is a dynamo.

I still think this is a sharp car.

Ridiculously fast. Heck, even the "base" CLS550 is a rocket ship. If I hit the lotto, I would be test driving a CLS.

I think Riswick recently spent time in this car, too. Will have to see if he posts anything.

Keep seeing these around town. Just don't get it.

This and the Audi A7 are two truly unique cars in that pictures do them absolutely no justice. In person both are absolutely stunning machines, but in pictures they come off rather awkward looking.

If I wasn't a father with two young kids, I would seriously consider replacing my aging S550 with a new CLS. Aside from the SLS, this is far and away my favorite Benz out there right now.

I completely disagree with you guys regarding the looks of this car vs. its predecessor. I thought the old CLS was a little bit boring, while this new one is anything but.

Gorgeous car, and those numbers are insane for such a huge boat. AMG magic strikes again.

P.S.,

A video would be nice!

BD, this is out of your league. Looking at toasters all day, i mean Toyotas has seriously impaired your eye sight. Back to your miserable life troll.

GTRguy, there is really no need for immature comments or drama here as we all have different opinions. Grow up!

Anyway, this thing hauls the mail! That trap speed is serious for a 4200lb car. I really like this car but I'd still get a Panamera Turbo S as there's just something about it that's more desirable in my eyes.

So much for the CTS-V.

gtrguy2012 says:
09:05 PM, 02/14/12
It's true the previous generation was better looking and will go down in history as a classic, but this one isn't ugly by any means. They do look much better in person.

church123 says:
10:04 PM, 02/14/12
I really like the old NA 6.2, but this turbo motor is a dynamo.

zoomzoom22 says:
11:41 PM, 02/14/12
Gorgeous car, and those numbers are insane for such a huge boat. AMG magic strikes again.

x3. sick numbers, great styling, livable ergos (prior gen was tough entry/egress).
prior gen is an instant classic. this one, just a great car - not a classic.

Looks like just another Mercedes sedan now. There should be a complementary box of Depends adult diapers that come with every purchase of one of these old-people movers now.

If there was any problem with getting into and out of this car, then as a customer, you should have stuck with an E or S class.

What the hell is the point of this car now when it's hard to tell this from an S-class at first glance?

Less passion. More sales.

"So much for the CTS-V."

Um, this car cost almost TWICE as much.

Cool car. Can't wait for the comparo with the forth coming 650 Gran Coupe. ;)

I like this version much better than the previous one; the first gen looked amazing at first, but then seemed to age overnight. This one looks more grown up and classic than the first gen, IMHO.

Now, the S7 does nothing for me, for some reason, along with the Panamera (and I really, really want to like that car).

In a couple years when my oldest is off to college, this will be on my short list of vehicles to look for.

ls7505 says:
05:47 AM, 02/15/12
"So much for the CTS-V."

"Um, this car cost almost TWICE as much."

Do you really think that matters to Mercedes or those who own one?

@paul - yes. Not sure why people act like a family with a decent income still doesn't pause and consider how much they really want to spend. I always see these odd blanket statements about how "the people who buy X don't mind paying..." Really, then why is Lexus such a big seller? They're still cheaper than equivalent MBs, BMWs, especially in the top range cars.

Price is not the only factor of course blueguy to buy a Lexus over other brands. Just think about it and you will find reasons, but heck, that is off topic.

On topic, amazing machine this CLS, and yeah, even the base model is darn quick and powerful. Lovely V8 sound, great street presence, improved fuel economy and has a good interior.

CLS over E, all day long, and yeah, over the 650i as well.

Old design versus new: I'm not crazy about the new MB design language, exemplified here. It's not for me. I prefer the aircraft-like purity of the A7 interpretation of the old CLS. But it looks tailored and integrated. It looks undeniably expensive. In any event now that the four door coupe fashion the CLS started has spread all the way down to Hyundais, MB must abandon it. Mercedes has to keep moving boldly forward to stay ahead of the imitators, however ham-fisted. In fact, now that the Azera is trying to ape this new CLS, MB is probably going to have to move on again soon.

paulvincent1: "So much for the CTS-V."
ls7505: "Um, this car cost almost TWICE as much."
paulvincent1: "Do you really think that matters to Mercedes or those who own one?"

Paul, your initial statement implied that CTS-V and CLS63 are competing (for the same customers). Obviously that's not the case given the huge price differential as ls7505 pointed out. Try to keep your thinking clear.

I was fortunate enough to drive one of these last year at an AMG racing event at the Monticello race track in NY.

Despite what you think about the design - love it or hate - there is no denying this car has a presence, it really is something to look at in person. Even the interior is crafted beautifully.

Driving an E63AMG back to back with the CLS AMG there is a noticeable difference in the engines. In fact the SL63 AMG just seemed like a dud compared to this engine. The bi-turbo was the only engine that pulled past 100MPH coming out of the apex into the straight away. Not even the lighter nimbler C63 could breach it.

Amazing car - but for that price - you can almost have two CTS V's, one for the track and one for work.

BD - you must really have bad taste in cars. NOTHING Lexus builds can touch this. They don't even operate in this segment...

I can't imagine what it must be like to be so fanatic about a company like Toyota/Lexus. How boring must your life be that THEIR products get you excited.

And not a 550hp/590 lb-ft, 4-Seat, 4-Door Coupe that hits 60mph in under 4 seconds... This car is as fast as an LF-A from 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile.

And THAT isn't exciting to you. Oh, its not a Camry so I guess it isn't appliance enough for you though.

Dang I love this car!!! The front grill and headlights look so exotic at night. I simply love it

awesome!!!!

Can Edmunds get this thing on a dyno? Looks like it's a tune and a set of drag radials away from running 10s all day long. I love it.

@ j_smith1 says : "Can Edmunds get this thing on a dyno? Looks like it's a tune and a set of drag radials away from running 10s all day long. I love it. "

What is this a corvette? Only corvettes need slicks cup sport rubber to get impressive numbers. ;-)

This thing is impressive as it is.

Usually I'm not a fan of these niche-straddling cars that try to be two different things at once, because they're usually not good at either - eg: the X6 tries to be a crossover with coupe styling, but is neither good looking nor useful. However, the CLS seems to be a great middle ground between a coupe and sedan, offering a bit more style and sportiness while sacrificing a bit of room. It looks fantastic and wow can it perform. I'd take consistency and stability over minimal distance when it comes to brakes any day. There are a few cars out there that make me want to be rich, and this is one of them.

I like the new CLS more than the old CLS. It is far more aggressive and looks far better in person (and looks more expensive too). The interior is a huge step up and this car has the performance to back it up, finally, as the old CLS wasn't as good as its E63 brethren.

Since this car no longer has the 6.3 liter engine, shouldn't it be renamed the CLS55?

Now that I think about it, since the new CLS550 only has a 4.6 liter engine, shouldn't it be renamed the CLS 460?

Hi Erin,
Just an FYI: I don't believe this car has a dual-clutch transmission, but it does have a clutch (single) in place of the automatic transmission's conventional torque converter.
Also, the correct designation for this car's particular Continental tire is '5P', which is kind of somewhat exclusive to M-B; at least they're the only one that seems to fit them as OE.
Keep up the great work!

@ Hooklyn-

"BD - you must really have bad taste in cars. NOTHING Lexus builds can touch this. They don't even operate in this segment...

I can't imagine what it must be like to be so fanatic about a company like Toyota/Lexus. How boring must your life be that THEIR products get you excited"

Lol, please don't tell me you're trying to call someone a fanboy.

What's it like to be a fanatic about VW? Going to the shop every two weeks must be fun! You won't get that in a Lexus.

Ah, correct on both counts... I dared confuse the MCT with the DCT transaxle on the SLS.

@ Hooklyn-

"BD - you must really have bad taste in cars. NOTHING Lexus builds can touch this. They don't even operate in this segment...

I can't imagine what it must be like to be so fanatic about a company like Toyota/Lexus. How boring must your life be that THEIR products get you excited"

Lol, please don't tell me you're trying to call someone a fanboy.

What's it like to be a fanatic about VW? Going to the shop every two weeks must be fun! You won't get that in a Lexus.

As a current W212 E350 owner, I adore the new CLS. It's much prettier and dynamic-looking than the original model.

However, the E class has the CLS beat in overall practicality. The CLS looks better, but that's about it. In realistic terms, most people will opt for the E class, which isn't bad-looking either. I like mine.

As a owner of a 2006 CLS 55 030 car , at first I didnt care for the new style especially the rear and certain aspect of side view . Car looks like a s-class , the rear lights a nissan maxima . But seeing the car more and more in pics and finally on the street I "LOVE " this car . Yes , the old cls is a trend setter and has changed automotive styling and design everyone is copying it in some fashion.It still tunes heads and people always make comments about car "positive ones"
The new CLS had to go in some other direction and I think they picked the right direction , Yes the car isnt as striking with the roof line , and has more head room and interior room . The engines are unreal and Benz is leading with power even in base car . If I were going to replace my old car it would be a 2012 CLS or the A7 . Oh the interior is " Art" , but could be a little different than the E class . But that how MB does things .... Badm

I see these on the streets of North Jersey all the time, and the last thing I see is it racing off the traffic light. What a waste of 0-60 in 4 sec. Can't help but think that why anyone would want to buy this over the previous gen M5. It's damnside cheaper, and with that CLS money, you could honestly twin turbo the legendary V10 to match and beat the CLS in drag. It would've already beaten it in terms of handling and just driving dynamics. Can't say so much for comfort and luxury however, oh, and all the wife-swapping party invitations.

I'd have no problem slapping a set of drag radials on this thing and taking it out bracket racing. Throw a set of BFG 295/35R18 (yes, I know I would have to buy 2 18" wheels and it would look funny) drag radials and have at it. Hopefully the Ujoints can handle the stick.