2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG

Benz Aims for New M5 with CLS55 AMG

The new CLS55 AMG is the perfect example of just how orderly and organized things can work in the secret world of

Before anybody has even gotten their hands on the new CLS, Mercedes-Benz has already introduced the CLS55 AMG. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

Mercedes-Benz. The automaker's latest concoction of luxury and sport, the CLS, went from concept to production in what seemed to be a matter of months. This alone is amazing enough, but Benz hasn't let up off the accelerator in an effort to make its four-seat "coupe" the slickest and sleekest vehicle in its segment. Now it will also be the fastest, as a new AMG version upstaged BMW's M5 introduction that took place just a few days prior.

That's right. Before anyone has had opportunity to drive home a regular V6 or V8 powered CLS, and even before any magazine has even road tested one, M-B has cranked up the power by bolting on a blower. But the super sedan's speed to press makes a lot of sense really. The research and development into the E55 AMG was already done, and being that the CLS is a dramatic-looking four-door coupe with the chassis and underpinnings of the E-Class, it didn't take much to adapt it to CLS55 AMG status.

But cynics won't be the only one's who take notice of M-B's timing. Like clockwork, Benz released photos and press information only moments after the news of BMW's V10-powered M5 hit automotive news sites across the world. Does Mercedes' sleek new super sedan upstage the ultimate Bimmer, or is it something altogether different? One thing for sure, the CLS55 serves up a different story as far as its motor is concerned, opting for a laid-back and

Like clockwork, Benz released photos and press information about the CLS55 only moments after the news of BMW's V10-powered M5 hit automotive sites. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

easy-going method of power delivery in comparison to the M5's hyper-tech ADD-infused V10. Like the E-Class, the CLS55 is powered by a supercharged 5.5 liter V8 developing a robust 476 horsepower - enough to put it directly in the path of super sedans currently being offered by Audi (RS6), Cadillac (CTS-V) and, of course, BMW. Still, it is outshined by the 507 horsepower high-revving (8,250 rpm) M5 V10. But according to racing legend Carroll Shelby, "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races," a belief that would favor the CLS55 AMG at 517 lb-ft of torque. The 134 lb-ft advantage is clearly in the favor of Benz. Straight line acceleration is simply jaw-dropping, taking a factory-claimed 4.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with plenty reserved to carry the car forward to higher speeds.