The Bonifacio Global City showroom of CATS Motors resounded with the roar of an AMG engine as the Philippines’ Mercedes-Benz distributor launched the CLS 63 AMG. The second generation of the “four-door coupe”, i.e. a sedan with coupe body style, was introduced in the guise of its highest variant, the CLS 63 AMG.
The look is different from the first-generation, which emphasized purity of form. This second-gen CLS goes for a more muscular look, with bulging rear fenders similar to the E-Class sedan’s. There are also deep scallops along the doors. The front grille now has a vertical stance, in keeping with the current Mercedes sports-car styling. The styling is a visual reference to the brand’s early sports cars, such as the 300 SL.
The CLS 63 AMG features styling components specific to the AMG model, such as LED daytime driving lights, an F1-style front apron, single-louvre radiator grille, trunklid spoiler, the requisite quad tailpipes (trapezoidal, no less), and of course, light-alloy 19-inch wheels done in titanium gray. Nappa leather seats, AMG-specific gauges, paddle shifters, three-spoke steering wheel, and dedicated buttons for progressively setting the level of ESP assist.
The V8 biturbo badge signifies a 525 bhp engine, with a whopping 700 Nm of torque. An available performance package can boost that to 557 hp and 800 Nm. The engine incorporates a Start/Stop function to shut off the engine when the car is at a standstill. So despite the high performance, the fuel consumption and emissions are reduced by 32%, as if anyone driving this car will be thinking of that. What you will care about is the 4.4 second 0-100 km/h time, and the electronically-governed 250 km/h top speed. A seven-speed automatic gearbox has enhancements to cut the shift time.
The CLS 63 AMG rides on a steel suspension on the front axle, with air suspension used in the rear. The system provides automatic ride hide and is self-leveling. The suspension is adjustable, with Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus model available. The settings also affect the steering response. Spring rates are up 50% from the previous CLS to reduce body roll. Huge 360-mm brakes take care of deceleration.
If piloting this car isn’t enough to keep you awake, there is an attention-assist system which can detect driver drowsiness and prompts with an audible alert. The system monitors steering wheel movement for tell-tale signs of inattention. Texters and drunk drivers need not apply. There’s also a night-view camera visible on the LCD monitor.
There’s also a park-assist system which can parallel-park itself; the driver has to manipulate only the gas and brake pedals. Mercedes’ Pre-safe system, which can detect a potential accident and adjust the interior accordingly—-an automotive “brace yourself” system—-is standard.
The price for all of this goodness is—-brace yourself—-P13,800,000. If that seems all too much, a CLS 350 will follow later in the year.
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