2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG

The CLS, like the E55, rides the delicate balance between sport and luxury, but it's been given a helping hand in the suspension

Besides the AMG-designed sports seats, the interior of the CLS55 remains mostly unchanged. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

department by Mercedes' Airmatic DC pneumatic suspension system. It's the same adaptive system as fitted to the CLS500, but it is said to be set up firmer to cut back on body roll. Larger brakes, ventilated and cross drilled, are fitted with ABS and brake force distribution.

On the inside, there's not a whole lot of change aside from the AMG-designed sports seats and 320 km/h (200 mph) AMG speedometer. Additional AMG instruments join the speedo, plus distinctive kick plates to contrast a new selection of trim colors for the interior.

Recent news from AMG has the automaker fitting its 600+ horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 into the new four-door coupe to create the CLS65 AMG. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz Canada)

CLS55 pricing is expectedly quite steep at E 96,164, which in direct currency exchange equals $157,200 CAD or $120,000 USD. This is E10,000 ($16,400 CAD, $12,400 USD) more than the European price for the M5, but prices in Canada are almost always more affordable than those in Europe, or the U.S. for that matter. Still, it will be expensive, but those that want it won't be put off by the lofty price of entry.

But wait there's more! Recent news from AMG has the automaker fitting its 600 horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 to create the CLS65 AMG. While this model will even be more expensive, the M5's horsepower dominance may be short-lived. Alternative super sedan rivals such as the Audi RS6 and Jaguar S-Type R are about to become quite ordinary in comparison.