Benz unveils biturbo CLS 63 AMG

The new CLS 63 AMG from Mercedes-Benz brings more power, torque and performance, yet is much cleaner and more economical -- proving that power, passion and prudence can be compatible.

In fact, the new CLS 63 AMG is incredibly more economical, with the provisional NEDC fuel consumption figure indicating a 32 per cent improvement over the previous model. The reduction in CO2 emissions is equally impressive.

Much of this comes from the adoption of the new M 157 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine that employs technology such as piezo direct fuel injection and stop/start to squeeze maximum efficiency while upping power over the previous normally aspirated 6.2-litre V8. If you order the AMG Performance Package version, power jumps from 378kW/630Nm to as much as 410kW/800Nm. If you're not quite that power hungry, the regular AMG 5.5-litre biturbo engine, with a turbo boost of 1.0 bar compared to the Performance Package's 1.3 bar, produces a mere 386kW/700Nm.

Zero to 100km/h is quoted at 4.3 seconds for the high-power version, and 4.4 seconds for the regular version.

All this, with a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.9L/100km, and a CO2 output of 232g/km (for both variants) tends to make the superseded version, which quotes 14.5L/100km and a thumping 345g/km, look almost grossly inefficient.

Playing a part in the new AMG's efficiency is the seven-speed Speedshift MCT transmission, exclusive to AMG. The Speedshift MCT box uses a wet start-up clutch to do away with the conventional torque converter, as well as the adoption of "generator management" and stop/start technology to shut the V8 down when stopped in traffic.

The multi-mode transmission enables the driver to choose between maximum efficiency (C mode, which activates the stop/start system), two sport modes (S and S+) and manual shifting (M mode). Benz says the AMG comes with "highly emotional vocals" that are encouraged by the transmission's quick-shifting characteristics.

In terms of chassis, the svelte AMG four-door "coupe" builds on a substantial base with the availability of air-suspended electronic-damper AMG Ride Control suspension, electromechanical AMG "sports parameter" variable-assistance steering and ceramic composite brakes. The specially developed AMG front suspension also gives the car a 24mm wider front track, while grey triple-spoke 19-inch wheels wearing 255/35R19 tyres on the front and 285/30R19s on the back, attend to the task of keeping everything glued to the road.

LED headlights also make it onto the hi-po CLS, as is the case for lesser CLS models. With no less than 71 LEDs, the headlights use the company's Intelligent Light System to follow curves in the road ahead -- a combination claimed by Mercedes to be an industry-first. The LED lighting system also incorporates the Benz Adaptive Highbeam Assist.

Mercedes says the LED lights offer even better life expectancy than Xenon globes with an average operating life of around 10,000 hours -- about five times longer than Xenons.

The front of the AMG 63 CLS, according to Benz, shows a number of SLS AMG influences, including the grille that flagrantly displays its three-pointed star. Elsewhere the pumped-out wheel arches, AMG bonnet, rear diffuser and spoiler, and dual chrome exhausts, speak of the energy within.

Inside, it's clearly AMG too, with nappa leather sports seats, three-spoke steering wheel flattened off at top and bottom and aluminium shift paddles.

The AMG Performance Package, in addition to the up-powered engine, gains a carbonfibre rear spoiler, red brake callipers and an AMG Performance steering wheel with Alcantara grip inserts.

The AMG 63 CLS is also offered in a limited "Edition 1" version, spectacularly painted in matt grey and featuring special AMG seats with "corteccia pearl" designo leather with a "shimmering metallic surface finish."

The CLS 63 AMG is scheduled for its European launch in March 2011.

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