Apparently, the lady scowling aggressively at me from her Prius wasn’t impressed by the “V8 BITURBO” badge fixed to the side of the new CLS63 AMG. German posh-rocket hot-rods like this aren’t doing Mother Nature any favors to be sure—but the folks at Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division are digging in and doing their part for the environment, too.
Case in point?
Gone is the former free-breathing AMG 6.2 litre V8, replaced by a new 5.5 litre unit called the M 157 that’s twin turbocharged (hence ‘BITURBO’) and direct injected. Replacing displacement with turbochargers, drivers only pay the fuel penalty on the power they use-- rather than feeding a bigger, thirstier engine all the time. In theory, the new M 157 power unit performs like a V8 with six-plus litres of displacement while cruising gently with the fuel mileage of something far less monstrous.
More power, less fuel
So, there’s more power, and about 30 percent less chugging of premium unleaded to make it. The latest AMG engine even self-stops at traffic lights to cut wasteful idling—just like many hybrids. That means less atmospheric nastiness from the tailpipes, too, Ms. Prius.
The numbers? Up to 550 horsepower if equipped with the ironically-optional ‘performance package’. You get 518 without. There are 7 paddle-browsable gears, 0-60 takes a hair over 4 seconds, and near-infinite F-bombs are available from anyone you decide to serenade with the machine-gun exhaust note.
A sexy split personality
The display of German drivetrain firepower is housed within a slick and sculpted new body that combines the silhouette of a coupe and the functionality of a sedan—albeit one with a low roof line. Seating is available for four total occupants, and driven modestly, few of them would hazard to guess that the CLS63 AMG has a charmingly inappropriate personality disorder.
Dialed into its ‘Comfort’ setting with gentle throttle response, easy steering and cushy shocks, the CLS63 floats gently down the road with a soothing, heavy and creamy ride character fitting of a world leader in long-distance tranquility. Driven leisurely, the engine makes barely a peep-- and other than some tire and road noise at speed, it’s a strangely relaxing place to spend some time.
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| Want one? The CLS63 AMG will start rip-snorting out of Canadian dealer lots halfway through this year. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
Case in point?
Gone is the former free-breathing AMG 6.2 litre V8, replaced by a new 5.5 litre unit called the M 157 that’s twin turbocharged (hence ‘BITURBO’) and direct injected. Replacing displacement with turbochargers, drivers only pay the fuel penalty on the power they use-- rather than feeding a bigger, thirstier engine all the time. In theory, the new M 157 power unit performs like a V8 with six-plus litres of displacement while cruising gently with the fuel mileage of something far less monstrous.
More power, less fuel
So, there’s more power, and about 30 percent less chugging of premium unleaded to make it. The latest AMG engine even self-stops at traffic lights to cut wasteful idling—just like many hybrids. That means less atmospheric nastiness from the tailpipes, too, Ms. Prius.
The numbers? Up to 550 horsepower if equipped with the ironically-optional ‘performance package’. You get 518 without. There are 7 paddle-browsable gears, 0-60 takes a hair over 4 seconds, and near-infinite F-bombs are available from anyone you decide to serenade with the machine-gun exhaust note.
A sexy split personality
The display of German drivetrain firepower is housed within a slick and sculpted new body that combines the silhouette of a coupe and the functionality of a sedan—albeit one with a low roof line. Seating is available for four total occupants, and driven modestly, few of them would hazard to guess that the CLS63 AMG has a charmingly inappropriate personality disorder.
Dialed into its ‘Comfort’ setting with gentle throttle response, easy steering and cushy shocks, the CLS63 floats gently down the road with a soothing, heavy and creamy ride character fitting of a world leader in long-distance tranquility. Driven leisurely, the engine makes barely a peep-- and other than some tire and road noise at speed, it’s a strangely relaxing place to spend some time.
 |
| The numbers? Up to 550 horsepower if equipped with the ironically-optional ‘performance package’. You get 518 without. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |