This is the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, which the company says is 'all about... exciting design, ultimate performance and groundbreaking efficiency.'
Ahem, the environmental lobby might have something to say about that last claim, but the first two are about right, so let's get down to business.
Despite the numerical designation, the 63 is powered by a 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. It develops 518bhp and 516lb.ft, the latter at just 1,750rpm.
Those numbers improve on the old CLS AMG model by 9bhp and 52lb.ft, and hammer the newcomer to 62mph in 4.4 seconds. However, there's also a Performance Pack option that raises power to 549bhp and 590lb.ft. With that the sprint to 62mph is cut by one tenth of a second.
Top speed is limited to 155mph, though customers can pay to have it raised to 186mph, for whatever reason. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed MCT automatic gearbox.
AirMatic rear suspension is standard, there are steel springs at the front and it's lowered by 15mm compared to the
standard CLS. The front track is wider and the arches filled with 19-inch rims.
There is something in Mercedes' efficiency protestations, too. The 63 AMG gets start-stop as standard, which contributes to economy and emissions figures rather more impressive than its predecessor's.
It now returns 28.5mpg combined and emits 232g/km, compared to 19.4mpg and 345g/km. Hardly a
Nissan LEAF, but...
Following its world debut at this week's
LA Auto Show, it goes on sale May 2011, with prices announced closer to then.
Mark Nichol - 17 Nov 2010
