The CLS-Class->ke539 made its debut in the U.S. in 2006 and it started off with a bang by offering the CLS55 AMG right off the bat. Sure, its 469-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 engine wasn’t nearly as stunning as the 5.5-liter used today, but it was impressive in its own right. Just a year later, the CLS63 AMG with its 507-horsepower, 6.2-liter V-8 engine gave it a spot in the market that few luxury manufacturers could match.

In the 2012 CLS63 AMG, Benz replaced the 6.2-liter engine with a 5.5-liter V-8 with a pair of turbochargers strapped to it. This smaller-displacement V-8 pumped out 518 ponies and 516 pound-feet or torque, but the AMG Performance Pack bumped that to a crazy 550 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. This Performance Pack dropped the 0-to-60 mph time to a lightning-fast 3.9 seconds.

For the 2014 model year, Mercedes-Benz->ke187 is expanding the CLS lineup->ke539 with the addition of a more powerful AMG S-Model. Alongside the hopped up S-Model is the standard CLS 63 AMG, which is equipped with its own slew of performance-oriented features, including the AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

This makes the CLS the fifth model in Mercedes lineup to offer the 4MATIC system as standard, along with the ML63 AMG, GL63 AMG and G63 AMG and the E-Class luxury sedan.

With the super-sexy M6 Gran Coupe making its debut in 2014 with a 560-horsepower V-8 and the 2014 Panamera coming in with a revision and a 440-horsepower twin-turbo V-8, the CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC has a lot to be worried about.

Click past the jump to read more about the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC.

2014 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 550 @ 5250
  • Torque: 531 @ 1750
  • Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the exterior, the 2014 CLS 63 AMG remains basically identical to the model announced back in 2011, except, of course, for the “4MATIC” badges placed here and there. Up front, it gets a distinct radiator grille with a three-dimensional shape, the usual V-shaped bonnet and LED high-performance headlights.

There is also a more powerful-looking front apron and side air intakes that ensure optimal cooling for the throaty V-8 engine.

On the rear, you will notice an AMG rear apron with a black diffuser insert and dual chrome tailpipes.

Customers can choose between the following exterior colors: Black, Obsidian Black, Lunar Blue, Iridium Silver, Palladium Silver, Diamond White, Steel Grey Metallic, Diamond Silver and Cardinal Red.

Exterior Specifications

Length

4995 mm (196.7 in.)

Height w/ tailgate open

1772 mm (69.8 in.)

Height

1396 mm (55 in.)

Width

1881 mm (74.1 in.)

Width front door open

2922 mm (115 in.)

Width incl. both mirrors

2071 mm (81.5 in.)

Wheelbase

2874 mm (113.1 in.)

Turning circle

11.35 m (37.2 in.)


Interior

Just like any other Mercedes model, the interior of the new CLS 63 AMG is all about luxury and elegance combined with power and sportiness.

The model comes equipped with AMG sports seats covered in Nappa leather available in three different colors: black, alpaca gray, and almond beige. There is also an AMG Performance steering wheel in a three-spoke design with aluminum shift paddles, flattened upper and lower sections, and specially shaped grip areas covered in perforated leather.

Customers can choose between the following upholstery: Black Premium Leather, Almond/Mocha Premium Leather and Ash/Black Premium Leather.

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the new CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC keeps the usual 5.5-liter V-8 engine that delivers a total of 550 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque. The engine is mated to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission that sends the power to all four wheels via the performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The transmission features four different driving modes: "C" (Controlled Efficiency), "S" (Sport), "S+" (Sport plus) and "M" (Manual). In "C" mode, the ECO start/stop function is active and shuts off the eight-cylinder engine when the car is at a standstill. In the other three driving modes, the engine and transmission are significantly more agile and the ECO start/stop function is deactivated.

The 4MATIC system distributes torque at a 33-to-67 ratio (front/rear axle) and features a special three-stage ESP that slows individual wheels to help increase the sedan’s agility.

Engine Specifications

Engine

5.5-liter V-8

Power output

550 horsepower between 5,250 and 5,500 rpm

Peak torque

531 lb.-ft. between 1,750 and 5,000 rpm

Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0 - 62 mph)

3.7 seconds (prelim)

Top speed

155 mph (electronically limited)


Suspensions and brakes

The new CLS 63 AMG is equipped with a high-performance AMG brake system, featuring sport ventilated and perforated brake discs on the front and rear that measure 14.2 inches. The brake calipers are painted in silver and feature AMG lettering. They are also equipped with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear to help shorten stopping distances.

Prices

Prices for the 2014 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG will be announced nearer to its release date in August 2014.

Competition

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

The M6 Gran Coupe made its debut in 2013 with a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that pumps 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This allows the massive Bimmer to hit 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. This puts the BMW 0.5 seconds behind the preliminary performance specs of the CLS 63 AMG, which is likely due to the Benz 4MATIC system.

The M6 Gran Coupe comes in at $113k

count=6>


2014 Porsche Panamera GTS

The 2014 Panamera inherits the same changes made to the 2014 911 lineup, including redesigned headlights and larger air intakes. Additionally, the Panamera received new taillights and standard bi-xenon headlights.

The GTS trim level carries a 4.8-liter V-8 engine that produces 440 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant hooks up to a PDK transmission that helps launch the sedan to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and to a top speed of 179 mph.

Speed comes at a price, however, as the Panamera GTS carries a $113k price tag, like the M6.

Conclusion

With the new standard 4MATIC system the 2014 CLS 63 AMG delivers considerable improved performance figures: it is more powerful and faster than base model and delivers incredible driving dynamics.