New Mercedes-Benz CL63 and CL65 AMG

Mercedes-Benz has let its AMG department loose with the face-lifted CL super coupe. True to form, the boys from Affalterbach have created two rocket ships in the shape of the CL63 and range-topping CL65 AMG.  Based on the S-class saloon, weighing in at over two tons and sitting an epic 5.1 metres long, the CL has huge presence and AMG reckons it has given it a more athletic and confident appearance. Obligatory daytime LED running lights have been worked into the tweaked CL face along with restyling front and rear. The main emphasis, however, centres on better performance and efficiency. The CL63 gets the new direct injection 5.5-litre bi-turbo V8 as opposed to the 6.2-litre normally aspirated V8 in the previous car. The new turbocharged unit produces 536bhp and 590lb ft of torque (from 2000rpm), returns 26.9mpg and emits 244g/km of CO2 making it around 25 per cent more efficient than before. There’s an AMG Performance Package that ups things by 27bhp and 74lb ft to 563bhp and 664lb ft. The CL65 keeps its 6-litre V12 powerhouse with 621bhp and 738lb ft. Both cars use the AMG Speedshift seven speed auto ‘box.  Both CLs are predictably packed full of driver aids such as active lane keeping assist, active blind spot assist, night view assist and, curiously, technology to combat drowsiness. 0-62mph is tackled by the CL63 in 4.5sec with a Germanic electronically limited top speed of 155mph while the extra AMG pack knocks a tenth of a second off and ups the speed limiter to 186mph.  Stop/start technology is employed to aid fuel economy and the bi-turbo engine runs a generator management system that uses regenerative braking and engine overrun to charge the battery.  Exclusivity is a big part of the car’s appeal, with around 200 CLs finding UK homes annually. While they are beautifully at home coasting along the German Autobahn, are the AMG tweaked versions an over indulgence and a little unnecessary for our roads? Let us know your thoughts on the evo Forum…

Full details and images of the new Mercedes CL

Read our review of the outgoing Merc CL63 AMG

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