Mercedes-Benz AMG 63 2006 Range Review

What we liked
>> Engines: performance and soundtrack
>> Real world usability
>> CLK and ML surprises

CarPoint has been feted with right royal treatment over recent weeks. We've sampled life in the (very) fast lane, and liked it!

As enthusiastic as we are here at your favourite automotive website, there are times when writing about cars can get a touch monotonous. Don't get us wrong, we love what we do, but long-winded examinations of shopping trolley hatches or oversized, over-engineered, all-wheel drives can get a little same same.

There comes other times, however, where we'd crawl over broken glass to do our job. Spring 2006 has been one of those times.

And the renewed vim and vigour is the work of AMG -- Mercedes-Benz's go-fast arm. In particular, the three-step launch of its latest and greatest offerings, the 63 range -- the E 63, CLK 63, CLS 63 and all-wheel drive mega-SUV, the ML 63.

The first stage for CarPoint was a drive of the cars at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit back in October. Then we lived with a silver arrow E 63 for the better part of two weeks and finally, the piece de resistance, driving a trio of the 6.2-litre V8-engined cars on closed roads in the Touring section of the 2006 Classic Adelaide.

Such an extended and diverse sampling of a car or cars provides a writer with a quandary... One ends up with myriad thoughts and impressions -- arguably too many to convey in the limited forum of words on white space. Were that we had been able to take you all along for the ride...

However, equally it gives you the ability to fall into, or more to the point, out of love with what are undeniably big, powerful and potentially OTT cars. Far from falling out of love, however, we ended up with an even keener appreciation of the level of engineering and sheer 'unburstability' of these super-Benzs.

THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST
The heart of the 63s alike is an all-new, all-AMG powerplant. Where previously the Affalterbach (Germany) based performance division tuned existing Mercedes-Benz powerplants with the addition of turbochargers, superchargers (or just plain bored 'em out), the 63 is a departure.

You can only experience this engine in AMG-engineered product. Exclusive to AMG it is also a taste of things to come. Indeed, it might displace just over 6.2-litres (Mercedes-Benz has conveniently changed the 'rounding-up' rules to make it a 63 and recall the stonking 300 SEL 6.3 of old... Though some say the 63 actually denotes 630Nm or torque) but it also revs like an engine half its capacity.

And has a soundtrack that's half NASCAR, half Messerschmitt... Just ask the spectators at Classic Adelaide!

AMG says it is the first in the world to combine “the high-revving concept with a large displacement”. This assumption is convenient but a long bow -- Ferrari and others might like to argue the point.

Even AMG's claim that at 354-386kW (see below) and 630Nm, the 63 powerplant is the world's most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder production engine might be arguable (GM produces a stonking dry-sumped 376kW/644Nm LS7 7.0-litre V8 for example) but in the end it's also splitting hairs. This is an engine that is built to satisfy petrolheads the world over.

An all-alloy 90-degree DOHC V8, the 63 engine features fuel-injection, high 11.0:1 compression ratio, a variable intake manifold within twin induction system, variable cam timing on both inlet and exhaust cams, rigid race-style closed-deck crankcase and linerless, coated cylinder bores.

It uses current race engine architecture and also draws from AMG's experience in developing the supercharged engine for the Mercedes McLaren SLR. Indeed, a measure of the engine's unique status is the fact that it shares no parts whatsoever with other Mercedes-Benz V8s. Bore centres (the distance between cylinders), crankcase layout, valvetrain and even the bore/stroke ratio are all unique to AMG.

What hasn't changed is the bespoke nature of each powerplant -- a single technician assembles each engine by hand -- and signs on the engine's manifold-mounted AMG badge.

Our thanks goes to Tobias Freid, Yorsten Weze, Guido Nordkis and Andreas Bayer for the handiwork evident in the Phillip Island AMG line-up.

THE LINE UP
Mercedes-Benz Australia currently offers six 63 variants across four models with at least two more to come. Our 63 overload consisted of drives in the E 63 AMG saloon (a wagon is also offered), the CLS 63 AMG four-door coupé, the ML 63 AMG all-roader and the CLK 63 AMG coupe and cabriolet. Note to middle-age male buyers -- if you opt for the open CLK make sure your toupee is well secured!

The two likely additions to the range Down Under are the CL 63 AMG two-door flagship (due in March 2007) and the world's hottest production limo, the S 63 AMG which some lucky owners will see sooner.

In Europe very fast families can opt for an R 63 AMG and there's even talk of the new GL-Class arriving eventually with the mega-mill. That should make sort work of Big Red and the rest of the Simpson Desert!

Interestingly, there are no current plans to replace the SL 55 AMG with a natmo 6.2-litre engined model. If the SLK gets the new big mill then we want one!

Pricing starts at $159,900 for the ML 63 AMG, with the CLS 63 AMG currently topping the 63 bill of fare at $252,300. The CLK coupe and Cabrio are $199,100 and $213,100 respectively and the E sedan and wagon are $227,600 and $233,600.

Such a diverse range of vehicles (and hefty pricetags) dictates a variety of mechanical and equipment specifications. Engine outputs range from 354kW in the case of the CLKs through to 386kW in the yet-to-be released Down Under CL. The E and CLs share a 378kW engine and the ML gets a 375kW version.

What doesn't change is maximum torque -- 630Nm. As the engines of all the 63s are mated to an AMG-modified version of Benz's 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, we're surmising that 630 is the magic number in terms or torque capacity for this iteration of the self-shifter. Mercedes Oz has that question on notice.

In all but the ML, the 7G gets real alloy steering wheel-mounted paddles for manual shifting. The ML features the same three transmission modes (Comfort, Sport and Manual) but wheel-based shifting is via buttons.

Given the cars' performance potential the other areas that get a thorough makeover are brakes and suspension.

All 63 models get B-I-G ventilated and cross-drilled disc brakes and big multi-piston calipers all round. There are specially calibrated antilock brakes on all models with all the top of the range electronic assistance and distribution algorithms built in. These babies stop!

Suspension is AMG's own, based on Mercedes' AIRMATIC DC on all but the CLK models. A semi-active air suspension system, it features Benz's Adaptive Damping System ADS II which offers three settings: Comfort, Sport I and II. Both springs and dampers are significantly stiffer than the standard models.

In the case of the CLK, however, the conventional (steel-sprung) suspension and dampers have been retuned for their sportier surroundings. The end result is a significant step up from the pedestrian status of the old CLK 55. Take it from us.

As you'd expect there's plenty of bespoke goodies inside and out of the 63s. Typically there's little left to option into the cars as they respectively sit at the very top of their individual model line-ups.

Signature goodies like big multi-spoke alloy wheels and wide low-profile high-performance rubber are givens (18-inch on most and 19s on the ML -- 20s are an option... Bling!). So are sporty multi-function leather seats and all the regular complement of convenience items, entertainment and nav systems and electronic safety aids including PRESAFE. These are top-of-the-line Germans after all.

The full specification details of each 63 model would run to thousands of words. Take it from us, you'll miss out on little... Alternatively check out our model comparator and detailed specs

Keen drivers will note the 63 range does get a special version of Mercedes' Electronic Stability Program with both higher slip thresholds and the ability to switch it off. To quote AMG: “ESP-Off mode is only intended for very sportily oriented, skilled drivers who are able to control AMG cars at the physical limits on private circuits.”

Drift kings be aware, however, even when activated, as soon as the brakes are operated all the functions of ESP turn back on.

IN THE HOT SEAT
With performance that far outstrips local legal limits Mercedes made the decision to launch the 63 range at our favourite blacktop playground, Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

The Island's high-speed sweeping corners can bring the best and worst out of cars. Big heavy, powerful road cars don't necessarily fare well. The AMGs did -- and then some.

A quick drive to refamiliarise ourselves with the track onboard the outgoing E 55 AMG was enough to confirm that these cars punch and perform more like sportscars than uber-saloons.

The CLK was the first of the 63s we drove at the Island and it immediately proved more wieldy than the previous generation CLK 55. Probably our least favourite of the outgoing models, the 55 always seemed like half an AMG -- it was too soft to be a serious performance Benz.

The CLK's 354kW output represents a 30-plus per cent boost in mumbo over the 265kW 55 and it shows -- with a 0-100km/h time of 4.6sec and an estimated top speed of 290km/h if the fun police didn't cut it at 250, this is a very fast car.

Though it's still no 911, even on the racetrack the CLK 63 is much sportier than the last model with sharper turn-in, significantly more grip and true super-coupe feel. As noted above: hairdressers need no longer apply!

Next was the CLS which shares its underpinnings and chassis basics with the E 63.

Though the CLS and E's air suspension is probably a better compromise on the road (allowing better ride comfort when required), the CLK's steel and standard damper set up probably has a performance edge. That said, for a big and heavy (circa 1850kg) car this is still remarkably sharp on the track.

With 378kW, there's a power to weight advantage for the two-door too, but you'd be hard pressed to call the big-uns slow! Even moderate entries onto the straight saw the CLS easily topped the 230km/h mark before it was time to brake for Turn One.

And what brakes they are. Fade free and with power to burn they pull the CLS down from silly speeds effortlessly. And thanks to a bit more wheelbase (2854 v 2715mm), the CLS is a touch less, er... entertaining than the CLK under really hard braking.

Overall the CLS has a bulletproof feel on the track -- an impression that was borne out on the road and over the Classic Adelaide stages. The safety nannies let you know when you're trying too hard, but the car comes back for more and more. Great stuff.

If there was a surprise at Phillip Island, however, it was the ML – nobody expected the big, tall all-wheel drive to behave at the track but it did.

The very nature of the vehicle demands extra attention and a different mindset when driving but there's little doubt the ML 63 was more at home on the Island's sweeping layout than it had any right to be. And if its performance here was any indication -- it'll be plenty quick on the road as well.

Smooth lines, with early and even throttle applications had the full-time all-wheel ML powering out of the Island corners and once again the amazing AMG brakes made short work of big stops -- even given the ML's 2300kg-plus mass.

It's worth noting too that the ML is a staggering $39,200 less than the next AMG 63 (the CLK coupe). With a 0-100kmh time of 5.0sec, 250km/h (limited) top whack and prodigious in-gear acceleration, it is a prestige performance bargain.

LIVING WITH E
But to this writer it's always been the hottest E-Class that is the quintessential AMG car. That was exactly the car CarPoint got to drive away from the Phillip Island 63 launch and it didn't disappoint.

From the muscular AMG front splitter and big air ducts to the 6.3 AMG front wing script, rear quad pipes and vestigial rear spoiler, the latest E 63 screams measured performance.

Far from being Euro trash, it's a car that you can take anywhere – it's lauded by Street Machiners and the top-end of town alike. Forget the Aston -- this is what the thinking James Bond would be driving.

Unlike previous generations of AMGs, the E 63 has more a sense of occasion inside. We liked the new profile AMG sport seats with Alcantara inserts and the new sports steering wheel which is standard across the range.

In nearly two weeks of living with the E 63 we didn't tire of its performance but the regular fills of premium unleaded were a pain. Not because of the cost (if you buy such a car you're a committed purchaser of fossil fuel) rather the frequency. It's a long time since we drove a car that needed two fills a week.

Perhaps AMG should consider a long-range fuel tank option -- doubling the standard 80 litres would be a start.

We also struck a couple of gremlins -- a 'check oil level' message that stems from an incorrect dipstick sensor which Mercedes says it has fixed already on customer cars and another glitch with the 7GTronic transmission. The latter is probably more a function of the sportier programming of the AMG version of the 'box than a true fault and can be avoided if you leave the trannie in Comfort mode. It manifested itself in jerky and at times noisy changes when in sport mode on 'our' E 63.

We found we were using the manual mode and delicious alloy paddles for the sake of it: All the time revelling in the engine's wide powerband and wonderful engine note.

Not having spent the same sort of commuting time in a BMW M5 it's hard to directly compare. I'm happy to warrant, however, that save for the transmission glitch, there is little if any sacrifice you have to make in day-to-day use to benefit from the E 63's stellar open road performance.

To check out our launch review of the facelifted E-Class range click

ADELAIDE RAVE
The final instalment in our 63 blooding was the opportunity to drive two days of the Classic Adelaide stages in the non-competitive Thoroughbred Touring category.

Though team's runs are not timed and a 130km/h speed limit is imposed, the stages are proper closed roads so it's possible to use the 63s as they were intended.

With many of the stages quite tight, challenging the 130km/h limit is not as restrictive as you might first think -- though trust us, it comes up in a hurry when you're concentrating on the job at hand. FYI Mercedes claims the CLS will reach 200km/h from rest in 15.1sec.

Though the ML didn't make the trip to the Adelaide hinterland, we were able to spend time in E, CLK and CLS variants as well as a classic 190 SLR (that's another story... here soon).

It was the CLS in which we completed the most stages even using AMG's own in-dash 'laptimer' to record some of our stage times. And they weren't half bad.

AMG ambassadeur and five-times world 500cc grand prix champ Mick Doohan and co-driver and Benz dealer Peter Gazzard were leading the 'charge' in a CLK and rumour has it they were asked to slow down. It seems the stock standard road car was posting times that would have embarrassed the 'fast' guys.

Driving to a road book but without pace notes, the big 63s were a blast. Open corners could be attacked with the knowledge there was an adequate electronic safety net and where sightlines were constricted the big brakes and huge grunt of the 63s made for a very quick point-and-squirt routine.

The CLS took in the fastest longer stages on Day Two to Adelaide's south in its stride. It despatched a number of 'faster' touring cars and eventually we ran out of commonsense and switched the traction control off to the pleasure of all concerned -- except maybe Mercedes' tyre supplier.

As it had been at the track the CLS felt fast but never furious. We were impressed how accurately it could be placed and ultimately how safe it felt even at, er... elevated velocities.

And all the time the climate control was keeping us cool and the tunes were wafting gently in the background.

Does absolute power corrupt? When it comes to AMG horsepower... Absolutely! Now if only we can just convince Benz to build us a CLK 63 for Targa Tas...