2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS63 AMG

For the 2006 model year, Mercedes set the world of automotive styling afire with the introduction of its highly sensuous Mercedes CLS-Class “four-door coupe.” In 2009, this modern classic’s performance model, the CLS63 AMG, receives a freshening.

Outside, a new two-bar grille with grey wire mesh background replaces the four-bar grille and its traditional black backing. The 2009 taillights are LED, and the side mirrors have 32% more glass and arrow-shaped turn signals. The new rear bumper now boasts trapezoidal dual exhausts, which replace oval ones.

Climbing inside, you'll find yards of leather and a dashboard of hand-polished wood, but less interior space than in its sibling E-Class – the four-seat CLS is all about style. An elegant three-spoke steering wheel with a flat bottom, reflecting the CLS63 AMG’s performance heritage, gives an unobstructed view of the chronometer-style gauges – speedometer in the center flanked by a tachometer and clock – finished for 2009 in white on a silver background. Fuel level and coolant temperature are displayed via bar graphs. The latest version of the COMAND infotainment system incorporates Bluetooth technology for hands-free cell phone and audio operation. Reviewers report that the system’s menus and controls are improved.

The high-performance CLS63 AMG receives its motivation from a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 that shares no parts with its CLS550 sibling. The AMG engine sends 507 hp and 465 ft-lbs of torque spinning through a seven-speed automatic. The CLS63's transmission is equipped with the paddle shifted AMG Speedshift, which is calibrated for 35% faster shifts and perfectly rev-matches downshifts. The 0-60 blast happens in 4.3 seconds according to Mercedes, though one reviewer claims 4.1 seconds. And it stops - it's equipped with six-piston calipers and 14-inch rotors in front and four-piston calipers with 13-inch rotors in the rear.

The CLS Class is equipped with Mercedes’ Airmatic suspension, which combines air springs with electronically adjusted gas-filled dampers to provide a driver-controlled ride that ranges from highway luxury-car comfort to exhilaration in the twisties. Reviewers report that the CLS63 AMG, with its more sport-tuned suspension, “felt much smaller than its dimensions suggest” when pushed hard through twisting European country roads.

Safety, as always in a Mercedes, is taken seriously, as the CLS-Class comes equipped with the full complement of airbags, including a driver’s knee bag. In addition, the Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system is standard – if its forward-looking radar senses an impending collision, the system pre-tensions seat belts, moves seats into safer positions, and closes the sunroof if it senses a possible rollover. Brake control, traction control, and an electronic stability program are also included.