If there was ever a car that had an identity crisis it would be the Mercedes CLS Class. Short of being labeled as another crossover, some argue that the CLS class is a “compromise” between a luxury sedan and a coupé. Some even venture that it’s a sedan trying hard to be a coupé saying that the very sexy arched profile does looks fantastic but the limited headroom at the rear and reduced visibility when looking outside leaves a lot to be desired. “It’s like saying you live in a two-bedroom studio apartment” one quipped. A case of form over function?
The Mercedes CLS comes in two versions-the CLS 550 and the CLS 63AMG. The CLS 550 has a 5.5 liter, V8, 32 valve, DOHC, SEFI alloy engine that produces 382hp @ 6000rpm. This together with the Touch Shift Manually Interactive Transmission helps the CLS 550 sprint to 62mph in just 5.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically regulated to 155mph.
Naturally, AMG Motorenbau und Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH or better known simply as AMG, wouldn’t accept being outdone. The CLS 63AMG sports a massive 6.2 liter, alloy block and alloy cylinder DOHC, SEFI, V8, 32 valve engine that cranks out a more than impressive 507hp @ 6800 rpm via its’ 7 speed AMG SpeedShift Plus Manually Interactive Transmission. Leaping from a standing start to 60mph in just 4.3 seconds and with the AMG sports package has a top speed of 186mph bringing it up to par with the likes of the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi R8 with two extra passengers to boot.
The 2009 Mercedes CLS Class is intended to have all the trimmings and luxury you’ve come to expect in a sedan yet handle and feel like a coupé. To help achieve this, in the CLS 550 for example Mercedes installed the Airmatic semi active suspension system which among other things reduces the pitch, dive and roll that usually happens when luxury sedans take on tight curves and twisty roads.
Your Dallas Mercedes Benz Dealer can get you all the info you need to make your decision.