2011 MERCEDES BENZ CLS 63 AMG (C218) 5.5L V8 7AT RWD (525 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The four-door coupe built by Mercedes-Benz reached its second generation in 2011 and received an AMG treatment as it should.

Despite the controversies about its body shape, the second generation of the CLS proved to be a worthy investment from the carmaker, creating a new niche market in the premium segment. The three-pointed-star brand achieved with the CLS what BMW obtained with the X6 SUV-coupe.

With its low hood and sleek front fascia that sported a thick slat across the grille, the powerful version didn’t want to be mistaken by its less-powered siblings. Behind the carmaker’s badge, the CLS sported the radar needed for the adaptive cruise control and the automatic braking system. The AMG-specific lower bumper sported the A-shaped lower grille flanked by two side-scoops needed for cooling the brakes and, like eyebrows, two LED light strips for the DRLs. A set of 19″ light-alloy wheels with a five double-spoke design were installed to emphasize the car’s performance.

In the leather-wrapped cabin, AMG installed high-bolstered bucket seats at the front. As a result, the front occupants could share the wide center console that sported a storage compartment under the armrest and the infotainment system rotary controlling. Next to the gear selector, AMG placed three buttons and a rotary controller for the car’s specific settings, controlling the suspension, gear changes, and engine response. It also featured a launch-control function. In addition, AMG installed carbon-fiber trims on the dashboard that matched the aluminum inserts from the center stack. Last but not least, the driver was greeted by a flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum paddle-shifters behind.

But the piece de resistance was the 5.5-liter biturbo powerplant paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It sent the power to the rear axle featuring a self-leveling pneumatic suspension.