2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG - 79.7 %
Because we had to put these in some sort of order, the Merc became the "loser" of the bunch. Now, let's be perfectly honest here: There really is no loser in this lineup, and we had a very hard time placing one at the "bottom" of the pack.
However, there are definitely reasons as to why the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG is on the bottom rung. We absolutely loved the Benz; but we absolutely hated it, too. Here's the thing, this vehicle is everything we want a big, grand coupe to be (it's also the cheapest of the lot at a cool $120,500), yet it's everything you'd not want one to be, as well.
Let's start with the most important thing: that big, beefy V8 biturbo engine. Good for 518 horsepower and nearly as many torques, the 2014 MB CLS AMG isn't just a jumble of letters it's a jumble of pure, unadulterated power -- and we loved it. All that wondrous grunt is handled via a 7-speed automatic transmission and pushed out the rear wheels most of the time, until the 4MATIC system recognizes the need for more grip.
Possibly one of the best sounding of the bunch, the CLS AMG barks to life in such a fantastic way, we found ourselves wanting to turn the engine on and off as often as possible just to hear it -- and because we'd have rather been driving the other three.
Handling in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG is nothing short of fantastic for a vehicle its size and weight. The thing with grand coupes is they can be rather, well, grand in length. The CLS AMG is just that, however, it still manages to tackle the twisties like any good sporty coupe should.
Where the Merc falls flat is in its comfort (or lack thereof), both on the road and behind the wheel. Let's start inside the cabin, behind the wheel. Despite the height and size difference of all testers on the drive, we all found the driver's seat to be extremely uncomfortable and hard to adjust. The side bolstering is much too large and hinders steering capabilities. Move to the back where there's supposed to be more room and it's actually quite cramped.
While the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG has some stunning, smooth lines, the rear door openings pay the price for that coupe look. Entry and exit isn't easy, and placing a child in a baby seat is even more difficult due to the rake of the roofline.
Because we had to put these in some sort of order, the Merc became the "loser" of the bunch. Now, let's be perfectly honest here: There really is no loser in this lineup, and we had a very hard time placing one at the "bottom" of the pack.
However, there are definitely reasons as to why the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG is on the bottom rung. We absolutely loved the Benz; but we absolutely hated it, too. Here's the thing, this vehicle is everything we want a big, grand coupe to be (it's also the cheapest of the lot at a cool $120,500), yet it's everything you'd not want one to be, as well.
 |
| We absolutely loved the Benz; but we absolutely hated it, too. (Photo: Auto123.TV) |
Let's start with the most important thing: that big, beefy V8 biturbo engine. Good for 518 horsepower and nearly as many torques, the 2014 MB CLS AMG isn't just a jumble of letters it's a jumble of pure, unadulterated power -- and we loved it. All that wondrous grunt is handled via a 7-speed automatic transmission and pushed out the rear wheels most of the time, until the 4MATIC system recognizes the need for more grip.
Possibly one of the best sounding of the bunch, the CLS AMG barks to life in such a fantastic way, we found ourselves wanting to turn the engine on and off as often as possible just to hear it -- and because we'd have rather been driving the other three.
Handling in the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG is nothing short of fantastic for a vehicle its size and weight. The thing with grand coupes is they can be rather, well, grand in length. The CLS AMG is just that, however, it still manages to tackle the twisties like any good sporty coupe should.
 |
| Good for 518 horsepower and nearly as many torques, the 2014 MB CLS AMG isn't just a jumble of letters it's a jumble of pure, unadulterated power (Photo: Auto123.TV) |
Where the Merc falls flat is in its comfort (or lack thereof), both on the road and behind the wheel. Let's start inside the cabin, behind the wheel. Despite the height and size difference of all testers on the drive, we all found the driver's seat to be extremely uncomfortable and hard to adjust. The side bolstering is much too large and hinders steering capabilities. Move to the back where there's supposed to be more room and it's actually quite cramped.
While the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG has some stunning, smooth lines, the rear door openings pay the price for that coupe look. Entry and exit isn't easy, and placing a child in a baby seat is even more difficult due to the rake of the roofline.
 |
| Where the Merc falls flat is in its comfort (or lack thereof), both on the road and behind the wheel. (Photo: Auto123.TV) |