Mercedes-Benz The Rules: CL 63 AMG

Motoring Channel Staff - 29/Sep/2006

Paris, France — Style and power - two of the tenets of the Paris Motor Show, and two closely held principles of the new super cruiser from Mercedes. Tuned by AMG for an extra boost in the power train and chassis departments, Mercedes has unveiled the range-topping version of the new CL-Class luxury coupé at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, or in its native tongue, Mondial de l'Automobile. 

The new Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG shows off the latest in style from the Stuttgart automaker, while at the same time giving the attractively designed coupé the performance to humble many a super car. 

Under the hood of the elegantly severe German coupé is an AMG-tuned 6.2-litre V8 engine that was developed independently of Mercedes' operations and provides the new Merc with scintillating performance. Maximum output of 386kW (525hp) and 630Nm of torque guarantees performance of colossal proportions. Though the big German is expect to weigh around 2000kg, it has enough power and torque to sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. 

The 6208cc upgraded engine's 386kW of power hits the rear wheels @ 6800rpm, while the 630Nm of torque arrives @ 5200rpm. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph), which is the case with most German luxury cars these days, and like all Mercedes-Benz vehicles is fitted with the latest in comfort, safety and handling technologies.

As Mercedes-Benz explains, just one glance at the high-tech specification of this exceptional 2-door coupé emphatically under-lines its exclusive status. In addition to the unmistakable AMG bodystyling and the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control that regulates the amount of bodyroll through corners, the AMG high-performance braking system is also fitted as standard, ensuring that the imperious coupe pulls up much quicker than you'd think. There's also the Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system in the new CL 63 AMG, and can be supplemented by the addition of both the innovative new Pre-Safe Brake and Distronic Plus as an option. Distronic Plus is an adaptive radar-based cruise control system that makes highway driving effortless. Only the steering wheel and indicators need be operated.

The fire-breathing 2-door coupé's styling takes the best aspects of the S-Class and CLS-Class, showcasing a smooth, curved roofline, flared wheel arches and elegantly modern headlight lens coverings. According to Mercedes, the CL 63 AMG represents the highlight of Mercedes-AMG's model initiative thus far, which has encompassed ten brand new high-performance AMG models to date, most of which feature the new 6.3-litre V8 engine.

Compared to the previous AMG V8 engine, a 5.5-litre supercharged V8 combination, this new block gives the AMG powerpack a higher power-to-swept-volume and torque ratio than any other naturally aspirated series-produced 8-cylinder engine in the world.

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class @ Paris '07

Mercedes-Benz chose the London Motor Show (20th July, 2006) to unveil its new super luxury coupe, the CL-Class, and will be again shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show alongside the CL 63 AMG, listed above. Just as the luxury coupé points the way forwards for the future with its innovative technology, the design also sets the mould for a new Mercedes style. Powered by the most powerful Mercedes engines to date, the new luxury coupé takes all the challenges of motorway and country driving in its stride. 

The 8-cylinder unit in the CL 500 generates 285kW (388hp) and delivers its peak torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800rpm. The CL 500 takes just 5.4 seconds to reach 100km/h from standstill. Under the bonnet of the new CL 600 can be found an ultra-sophisticated biturbo V12 that unleashes its power in formidable fashion. It puts a whole 380kW (517hp) on tap and torque peaks at a phenomenal 830Nm from 1900rpm. 

The new CL 600 is catapulted from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds (the same as the CL 63 AMG above - but isn't quite as agile through corners) and despite such prodigious performance, the V12 drive unit actually burns 0.4 litres of fuel less per 100 kilometres than the outgoing CL 600. 

The range-topping CL 600 comes with all the right touches for a first-class ambiance, and is more related to luxury, while the CL 63 AMG is all about performance. So, the CL 600 can be had with what Mercedes calls Passion Exclusive leather appointments, with seats from the designo range, handpicked poplar wood trim and an Alcantara roof liner with top stitching for a quilted effect. If you want to make an impression - this is the car you need. Ventilated dynamic multicontour seats with a massage function, the COMAND APS navigation system with hard drive, the "Logic7" surround-sound system including DVD changer and the Keyless-GO access and drive authorisation system are all to be found on the list of standard equipment too.

For more info on the CL 500 and CL 600 luxury coupés, click here for the full wrap from the 2006 London Auto Show.