2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG in depth

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New 5.5 liter biturbo V8 comes with more power and 32 percent better fuel-economy than in previous 6.3 liter-powered CLS 63 AMG


Mercedes-Benz has announced full details on the 2012 CLS 63 AMG model.

New for the CLS 63 is now AMG's 5.5 liter biturbo V8 engine, which replaces the outgoing naturally aspirated 6.3 liter V8.

The new 5.5 liter biturbo unit features a peak output of 410 kW (557 PS/550 bhp) and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque with the AMG Performance package. The standard engine configuration is rated at 386 kW (525 PS / 521 bhp) and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque.

Both units are mated to the AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sport transmission.

Fuel economy on the standard CLS 63 AMG now comes in at under 10 liter/100 km (a noteworthy achievement) - with a 9.9 liters per 100 km rating on the European cycle (NEDC).

That represents a remarkable 32 percent improvement in fuel-economy over the predecessor's 6.3 liter unit with an output of 378 kW (514 PS/510 bhp) and 630 Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque. That new fuel-economy rating comes by means of a stop/start system, engine technology such as latest piezo injectors and an aluminum crankshaft, as well as the use of aluminum panels in the body.

The 0 to 100 km/h sprint is 4.4 seconds for the standard model and 4.3 seconds for the CLS 63 with the AMG Performance package. The standard variant has a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The CLS 63 AMG comes with 3 drive modes: 'S' (Sport), 'S+' (Sport plus) and 'M' (Manual) and features AMG Ride Control suspension for a smoother, more exact ride quality with 3 modes of its own: Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus.

The 2012 CLS 63 AMG comes standard with high-performance LED headlights, AMG light-alloy wheels in a new triple-spoke design with 255/35R19 and 285/30R19 tires front and rear, respectively.

The AMG Performance package also offers a ceramic high-performance composite braking system, carbon fibre/black piano lacquer trims elements, door sills with illuminated AMG logo, carbon-fiber spoiler lip for the boot and red brake calipers, a seperate set of 19-inch light alloys in a double 5-spoke design and, aside from the aforementioned performance boost, the package includes a top speed limit bumped up to 300 km/h (186 mph).