So you need a Mercedes-Benz with a giant V8, about 5.0-seconds to 60-mph or less, and perhaps four doors — perhaps only two.
Options will lead you to the CLS, the original “foupe” and inspiring act for the very fashionable new CLA250 and CLA45 AMG.
This is not really a Tupac vs Biggie-style rap battle.
Just noting that the CLS550 is available both in rear-drive and AWD setups.
They are both very tail-happy and will play along when you are in the mood.
But once the CLS trigger is pulled, you might be compelled to only consider the CLS63 AMG. While that is an exceptional vehicle, and the epitome of a big dom V8, the CLS550 is still the ‘full business.’
And a cool $10,000 savings will never hurt the wallet either. Only a s light dent in pace is barely noticeable, but the far comfier ride quality will be appreciated by all occupants.
Â
Official Specifications from Mercedes-Benz below.
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Technical Data
CLS550
CLS63 AMG
Vehicle type
Four-door, four-passenger coupe
Four-door, four-passenger coupe
Chassis
Steel unibody
Steel unibody
Engine
90-degree V8
90-degree V8
Valve arrangement
Four valves per cylinder
Four valves per cylinder
Valvetrain
DOHC per cylinder
DOHC per cylinder
Displacement (cc)
4,663
5,461
Bore (in.)
3.66
3.86
Stroke (in.)
3.39
3.56
Compression ratio
10.5:1
10.0:1
Horsepower @ rpm
402 @ 5,000 – 5,750
518 (550*) @ 5,250 – 5,750
Torque (lb-ft.) @ rpm
443 lb-ft @ 1,800 – 4,750
516 @ 1,700 – 5,000
(590 @ 2,000 – 4,500 )*
Intake system
Direct gasoline injection with piezo injectors, twin turbo w/ 12.9 lbs. boost
Direct gasoline injection, twin turbo w/14.5 (18.8)* lbs. boost
Max. engine speed (rpm)
6,300
6,400
Transmission
Seven-speed automatic
AMG SPEEDSHIFT
Seven-speed MCT
Shift controls
Direct Select
AMG DRIVE UNIT with
E-SELECT lever
Gear ratios
Automatic
Automatic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
R
4.38:1
4.34:1
2.86:1
2.89:1
1.92:1
1.92:1
1.37:1
1.37:1
1.00:1
1.00:1
0.82:1
0.82:1
0.73:1
0.73:1
– 3.42:1
-3.42:1
R2 “comfort mode”
– 2.23:1
–
Final drive
2.47:1
2.65:1
Stability control
ESP stability control
ESP stability control
Suspension
AIRMATIC
AMG Adaptive Suspension
front
3-link front axle with MacPherson struts, anti-dive AIRMATIC full-support air suspension
3-link front axle, anti-dive control, coil springs, electronic gas-filled spring struts, anti-roll bar
rear
Independent multilink, anti-squat and anti-dive, AIRMATIC full-support air suspension
Independent multilink, anti-squat and anti-dive control, AIRMATIC full-support air suspension, electronically controlled damping system, anti-roll bar
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.