The selectable programs add firmness to the vehicle's ride, which deteriorates from being highly absorbent to becoming downright rude as handling dynamics improve to that of "sports car" status. I found absolutely no value in firming-up the calibration for typical city driving. The car competently handles all one can throw at it on city streets with remarkable grace and poise.
Perhaps a romp through twisty back roads would call for upping the stiffness. Certainly if hanging the tail while powering out of a turn is your thing--which this rocket can do without breaking a sweat--firmer underpinnings will undoubtedly enhance control. In my short exposure to such, I found the chassis well balanced and its reactions quite predictable, especially for a vehicle weighing in at 1,910 kg (4,210 lbs).
Strong brakes counter acceleration
The CLS63 AMG uses massive drilled rotors and composite discs to shed speed in extremely short order. The restraint imposed by the AMG binders is quite remarkable for a relatively large, heavy sedan. Perhaps due to their robustness, they're on the touchy side and take some getting used to when contending with stop-and-go urban traffic.
Behind the wheel
The following text will really form the substance of this road test, and will be what most readers have the greatest interest in perusing.
Climbing into the CLS63 AMG requires one to lower him/herself as if climbing into a low-slung coupe. Once inside, a sense of confinement develops due the swooping roofline and correspondingly small windows.
I didn't find the CLS63 AMG to be a particularly inviting or comfortable car from an ergonomic perspective. Many other cars offer a superior driving position and better visibility; but then again, they don't have the visual seductiveness of the CLS.
The true essence of this car is its brute strength, which presents itself quite audibly upon start-up. The big engine sounds intense, powerful and slightly demonic in a refined sort of manner as it drops down to a deep rumbling idle.
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| The car competently handles all one can throw at it on city streets with remarkable grace and poise. |
Perhaps a romp through twisty back roads would call for upping the stiffness. Certainly if hanging the tail while powering out of a turn is your thing--which this rocket can do without breaking a sweat--firmer underpinnings will undoubtedly enhance control. In my short exposure to such, I found the chassis well balanced and its reactions quite predictable, especially for a vehicle weighing in at 1,910 kg (4,210 lbs).
Strong brakes counter acceleration
The CLS63 AMG uses massive drilled rotors and composite discs to shed speed in extremely short order. The restraint imposed by the AMG binders is quite remarkable for a relatively large, heavy sedan. Perhaps due to their robustness, they're on the touchy side and take some getting used to when contending with stop-and-go urban traffic.
Behind the wheel
The following text will really form the substance of this road test, and will be what most readers have the greatest interest in perusing.
Climbing into the CLS63 AMG requires one to lower him/herself as if climbing into a low-slung coupe. Once inside, a sense of confinement develops due the swooping roofline and correspondingly small windows.
I didn't find the CLS63 AMG to be a particularly inviting or comfortable car from an ergonomic perspective. Many other cars offer a superior driving position and better visibility; but then again, they don't have the visual seductiveness of the CLS.
The true essence of this car is its brute strength, which presents itself quite audibly upon start-up. The big engine sounds intense, powerful and slightly demonic in a refined sort of manner as it drops down to a deep rumbling idle.
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| The highly coveted AMG-built monster produces 507 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. |