Mercedes CL63 AMG revealed

By Tom Phillips

26th July 2010

Meet the CL with a difference. Hot on the heels of the facelifted two-door coupe range, Mercedes has revealed official details of the hot AMG version. And as you’d expect, the newcomer is both more powerful and more fuel efficient than before.

The CL63 retains the name of the outgoing car. But instead of using a naturally aspirated 6.3-litre V8, the car gets the firm’s all new direct injection biturbo 5.5-litre V8. The unit comes in two states of tune. In standard form, the engine produces 537bhp and 800Nm. But with optional AMG Performance Package, this rises to 563bhp and 900Nm.

As a result, performance is impressive. The CL accelerates from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds, and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 62 mph mark is reached in just 4.4 seconds with the AMG Performance package, with the top speed increased to an electronically limited 186 mph.

In addition to the extra power, thanks to direct injection, a stop start system and a slick seven-speed auto gearbox, the new car is 38 per cent more fuel efficient than the previous model, returning 26.9mpg.

To distinguish the CL63 AMG’s exterior from lesser models, the coupe gets new lightweight 19-inch alloys, and an AMG bodykit, while the interior benefits from a sports steering wheel.

New technology includes the variable ratio Direct Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake to reduce understeer and AMG sports suspension. Customers will also get a number of personalisation options through the AMG Performance Studio and designo lines.

The new CL63 arrives in October, and will be joined on sale by the 621bhp twelve-cylinder CL65 AMG.

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