Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 2014 Review

Having engine stop/start on a car like the Benz CLS 63 AMG doesn't seem to fit. But Benz likes to show you can have your cake and eat it too with cars such as this. The CLS AMG is more than a high performance four door coupe, it has an eco conscience too.

DESIGN

This is the latest and greatest CLS, generation two of a car that spawned a whole new genre that's been copied widely. Difficult to pigeon-hole, the CLS is a bit like a sexy S-Class Benz with a low arcing roofline, pronounced rear haunches and sleek lines. The whole package is highlighted by a set of striking 19-inch alloys and AMG's stylish body aero kit that includes front and rear diffusers and sports grille. It's a four door, four seater -- though you wouldn't want to be too tall for the back seat.

FEATURES

Crammed full of all sorts of kit, the CLS is for the well-heeled quartet in a hurry. Standard equipment includes a reverse camera, Parktronic, paddle shift, sports wheel, adaptive sports leather seats, large format info and TV screen, multiple connectivity and a swag of driver assist features -- active lane assist, blind spot warning, radar cruise, active brake Pre-safe brake and plenty more.

ENGINE / TRANSMISSION

Power comes from a 430kW/800Nm 5.5-litre, direct injection, twin turbo V8 with variable cam timing and lift and a host of other high-tech features. It's the same engine as in all the other AMG cars except the C63 and the SLS which have naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8s. This 5.5 will be the only AMG V8 soon.

DRIVING

It looks awesome on the road and is just as awesome to be in, offing a high level of luxury with a subtle sporty undercurrent. They use plenty of so called BlueEfficiency technology to get that fuel consumption down to about the same level as a common V6 Commodore -- remarkable when you consider the difference between the two including weight, performance potential and equipment. Benz delves into every aspect of its cars to optimise performance, economy and emissions.

This includes aerodynamics, powertrain and even rolling resistance. The only thing they missed here is weight control. AMG enhanced every dynamic function of the car including the wet clutch MCT seven speed auto, the steering, rear differential, six piston brakes, suspension with adjustable damping and ride height, even the aero package.

Multiple drive select and three stage stability control offers drivers the choice of cruisey supple through to a lot firmer -- not quite race hard, but hunkered right down. It's powered by a cracking good engine offering sensational performance and the sound to match thanks in part to the AMG sports exhaust complete with whip crack on the upchange at maximum revs.

VERDICT

Makes a style statement, backed up by a kick in the tail matched by few.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
Price: from $262,645
Engine: 5.5L 8-cylinder, 430kW/800Nm
Transmission: 7-speed auto, RWD
Thirst: 10.4L/100Km