Mercedes-Benz->ke187 ushered in the era of coupe-like sedans with dramatically sloping rooflines and high beltlines. Starting in 2005, the CLS->ke539 started the trend that later took hold at Audi->ke14 and BMW->ke178 with their respective S7->ke3481 and 6-Series Gran Coupe.->ke320 Though the base CLS is great, Mercedes had the engineers at AMG kick up the power and performance for 2007 in the first CLS63 AMG. The AMG edition survived the CLS’ first-generation change in 2011 and lives on into 2015.

Now coming in to the 2015 model year, Mercedes has updated the CLS63 AMG yet again to be an even more powerful and prestigious four-door coupe. The biggest and most important news, of course, surrounds the powerplants lying within the CLS’ engine bay. Still present is the stout 5.5-liter, Biturbo V-8, but gone are its previous outputs of 550 horsepower in the standard CLS63 AMG and 577 horsepower in the upgraded S-Model. Now replaced with more impressive stats, the engine is only part of the changes surrounding the revisions for 2015.

There’s a whole host of other changes for the 2015 CLS 63 AMG listed after the jump.

2015 Mercedes CLS63 AMG

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mercedes CLS63 AMG
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 557
  • Torque: 531
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Like its less powerful ‘base-model’ CLS brother, most of the exterior changes for 2015 have been left to the front of the vehicle. A revised front grille, upper and lower fascias, side intakes, and innovated Multibeam LED headlights comprise most of the revisions. Beyond the new looks of the CLS, the AMG version gets a sportier lower fascia, unique sets of wheels, and a few chrome badges to distinguish itself from the standard car.

Overall, the CLS’ appearance is much more upright and commanding than before. The new diamond-pattern grille and Multibeam LED headlights offer a greater presence. Like the headlight system on the Audi A8, Mercedes’ new Multibeam LED system is a completely revolutionary method of lighting the road ahead.

The system uses cameras to determine what’s ahead and will automatically adjust the shape and angle of the beams of light coming from the LED units as to not blind oncoming traffic. In essence, the headlights are always in “bright” mode, but will shade parts of the projected light in order to avoid over lighting an oncoming car. Sadly, thanks to a useful yet outdated law stating cars must have low and high beam headlights, the Multibeam LED system likely wont make its way into the U.S. for a few more years.

2015 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG - Exterior Dimensions

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

Mercedes has updated the interior to a larger extent than the outside for 2015. A new three-spoke steering wheel and redesigned center console are present, along with a new eight-inch color infotainment system. The screen’s placement is also a big change, going from an integrated mount to a surface-mounted unit. It looks similar to BMW -- something we’re not overly fond of from either company. The yards of chrome accents and high-quality leather materials continue, as does the overall layout and switchgear placement.

Alcantara covers the headliner, steering wheel, and other parts of the cabin for an extra-sporty flair, while carbon-fiber accent panels pull in the racing theme. Especially interesting are the canted round buttons just left of the gear selector. Somehow they just look – right. The futuristic gear selector further helps in the beautiful look.

Drivetrain

The exterior and interior changes on the 2015 CLS63 AMG are fine and dandy, but the best news comes from under the hood. The 5.5-liter, Biturbo V-8 remains the sole powertrain for the AMG model, but it gets a healthy bump in power with the update. The standard CLS63 AMG’s mill now makes 557 horsepower and 531 pound-feet of torque, while the AMG S-Model gets a bump up to 585 horses and a tire-shredding 590 pound-feet of torque.

Those numbers represent a seven-horsepower gain in the standard model and an eight horsepower increase in the S-Model. The torque outputs stay the same as before.

With a little extra juice under the hood, the CLS 63 AMG should be able to knock a tenth of a second off its current time of 3.7 seconds to 60 mph. The same holds true with the S-Model’s 3.6-second run to 60.

Helping those 0 to 60 times be so low is the inclusion of Mercedes 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.

2015 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG - Drivetrain/Specifications

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG

Mercedes CLS 63 AMG S-Model

Type

AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo

AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo

Horsepower

557 HP

585 HP

Torque

531 LBS-FT

590 LBS-FT


Prices

Pricing for the Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and AMG S-Model have yet to be released, but expect them to stick round the current pricing range. The CLS 63 AMG starts at $99,500 and the S-Model starts at $106,500. Mercedes has, however revealed the UK pricing for the S-Model, which you can see below.

2015 CLS63 AMG S UK Pricing

CLS 63 AMG S Coupé

£86,500

CLS 63 AMG S Shooting Brake

£87,000


Competition

BMW M6 Series Gran Coupe

BMW jumped on the four-door coupe bandwagon along with Audi after the CLS became such a hit. With BMW’s M division getting a hold of the 6 Series, the car has become a force to be reckoned with. A 4.4-liter V-8 spits out 560 horsepower or 575 horses with the Competition Package, and comes mated to a seven-speed M Double Clutch transmission.

Zero to 60 mph times for the M6 GC start at 4.1 seconds and end with four seconds flat in the Competition Package.

Starting price for the BMW M6 Gran Coupe begins at $115,300 and rises another $6,000 for the Competition Package.

Audi RS 7

The Audi RS 7 is a very formidable beast in this trio. It comes powered by a turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 making 560 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Its 0 to 60 time comes in at 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of 174 mph.

As with all high-end Audis, the RS 7’s interior is superbly bathed in rich materials and beautiful details. Red stitching holds Alcantara fabric together and carbon fiber panels permeate the cabin for a sporty look.

The RS 7’s starting price begins at $104,900 and quickly rises with added options.

Conclusion

The revised 2015 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG and its less-powerful siblings are a good step forward in keeping the Mercedes lineup fresh and new. While the CLS was due for a mid-cycle refresh, these updates will be enough to carry the car through its current generation and into the next. Perhaps by 2020 the CLS’ third generation will make its debut, but until then, the refreshments made on the current car are more than enough to satisfy Mercedes’ customer base. With its starting price not likely to increase over that of the 2014’s, the new car will surely continue the four-door coupe trend Mercedes started a decade ago.