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Mercedes CLS 55 AMG

Power can corrupt. Historically, the world's most infamous tyrants were all driven by their need to control others, and over the past few years Mercedes' engine builders have mounted their own campaign for global domination. Certainly, the supercharged version of the AMG V8 is a monster.

By Roland Loewisch

October 2004

Power can corrupt. Historically, the world's most infamous tyrants were all driven by their need to control others, and over the past few years Mercedes' engine builders have mounted their own campaign for global domination. Certainly, the supercharged version of the AMG V8 is a monster.

It first appeared in the SL, and was then used in the S-Class and E-Class. The CLS 55 AMG is top of the range in the four-door sports car line-up, and is the latest big Merc to be fitted with the awe-inspiring unit.

The car arrives here next year, and is expected to cost around ΂£75,000. For that, buyers will get a similar level of kit to that in the E55 AMG, including grey leather sports seats, white-backed dials and a sports-shift auto gearbox.

And as with the E55, the CLS is simple to drive day-to-day. The two-pedal transmission and long throttle make for smooth town progress, but away from the suburbs the car comes into its own. Acceleration is startling, although over-zealous use of the right pedal can lead to Mercedes' 'Pre-Safe' accident prevention system taking over, cutting power and activating the traction control. You can't switch it off, and for keen drivers it could prove frustrating.

Otherwise, the CLS is amazing on the road. The brakes bring the car to a stop quickly, while the chassis is remarkably agile. This Merc is great for cruising, but if you enjoy more challenging roads, then there's maybe a bit too much power for the car to handle.

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FIRST OPINION

    Diehard AMG enthusiasts will love the CLS for its individual styling. However, unless you crave the supercharged V8 powerplant and harder ride associated with the German manufacturer's performance badge, there's little reason to buy this Mercedes over the more refined and smoother CLS 500, which remains our pick of the range.
 

AT A GLANCE

    UK sales start in February
    Huge straight-line performance
     
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