Benz beefs up CLS63 AMG

MERCEDES-BENZ has unveiled an updated CLS63 AMG range using the same 5.5-litre biturbo V8 as the just revealed E63 AMG.

The German car-maker will follow the same strategy for the CLS as it has with the 2013 E63, by introducing a new more powerful ‘S-Model’ variant in both coupe and Shooting Brake body styles.

Power output for the new CLS63 AMG range is identical to its E63 E-Class based sibling, with the standard CLS63 pumping out 410kW and 720Nm of torque while the S-Model packs a punch with 430kW and 800Nm of torque.

This marks an increase of 24kW over the existing model that produces 386kW.

The 2013 CLS63 matches the E63 AMG in the 0-100km/h sprint with a time of 4.2 seconds for the base model coupe – a 0.2 second improvement over the old model.

Dashing from zero to 100km/h in the range-topping S-Model coupe takes just 3.6 seconds while the Shooting Brake models are 0.1 second off the time of their coupe twins.

Mercedes-Benz manager of corporate communications Jerry Stamoulis said that the likely local release for the CLS63 AMG range would be around the second half of the year.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake was originally scheduled to go on sale in Australia around March this year following the launch of the standard CLS Shooting Brake range in December last year.

Mr Stamoulis said that the exact local model line-up was yet to be finalised, but that Mercedes-Benz Australia would hold out for the updated version.

“We will be waiting for the updated Shooting Brake CLS63 before launching it,” he said.

As with the E63 AMG, Australia also misses out on the 4MATIC all-wheel drive version as it is not built in right-hand drive.

Pricing is likely to remain around the same $263,000 for the CLS63 coupe but it is not known whether the Shooting Brake will carry a premium as the E63 Estate does over the sedan version.