Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS63 AMG Review: Shooting star

What we like:

Mind blowing pulling power

superb ride/handling balance

smooth yet ultra quick shifting gearbox

direct steering

What we dislike:

Doesn’t sound as good as AMG’s naturally aspirated V8s

costs more than the average flat

thirsty when hustled

The CLS has showed that Mercedes hasn’t lost its touch making interiors that are unsurpassed in quality and levels of perceived luxury. The black piano trim is standard feature o the AMG model while the exposed surfaces on the dashboard, doors and centre console feel soft to the touch and made from the best materials – the CLS has the ‘hewn from solid’ feel’.

The CLS’ high waist line makes the driver feel cocooned in the cabin while AMG go-faster bits inside include superbly supportive and comfortable AMG sports seats in nappa leather, a new three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with aluminium shift paddles and flattened top and bottom sections, and the AMG DRIVE UNIT with compact E-SELECT selector lever. The AMG DRIVE UNIT sits on the console between the driver and passenger and consists of the buttons to adjust the settings for the AMG mode, AMG RIDE CONTROL, ESP and the rotary knob to alter the gear shift modes neatly placed in a row next to the cool electronic gear selector. The latter features an embossed AMG shield on top.

Other AMG features include the IWC clock on the dashboard and bespoke instrument with a 320km/h speedometer and a rev counter with ‘V8 Biturbo’ written at the bottom. The multi-function display within the large speedo also features an AMG mode with a lap timer function as well displaying vital information like oil temperature, gear position and gear shift mode. The display also doubles up as a shift light – the whole screen turns red as the engine’s redline approaches in manual mode.

With competitors like the BMW M5, Jaguar XFR and the upcoming, new Audi RS 6, the CLS63 AMG and its E63 AMG brethren will have a tough fight on its hand. The AMG’s combination of its potent engine, superb gearbox and well-balanced nature though means that only a competitor of epic proportions will be able to surpass the capabilities of this monstrous V8 from Stuttgart.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai