A new car, lots of information in short paragraphs.
What you need to know: The Mercedes CLS is a four-door coupé, which means that it’s technically a two-door car with four doors. This brazen contradiction is quite elegant and practical though, proven by the CLS’ popularity – built since the mid 2000’s, this model is the second generation of this car.
It gets even trickier; take notes if you have to. This 63 model is the most powerful CLS for sale locally and S means that it’s got more power (+20kW to 430kW) and all-wheel-drive. It’s not actually a 6.3-litre, that’s merely a reference to AMG’s heritage, as this engine displaces about 5.5 litres.
Some more facts: With up to 800Nm attacking the wheels, AMG fitted a clever rear diff and 4Matic system which can send up to 33% of torque to the front wheels. This car also features a three-stage drive mode, three-stage air suspension (with self-levelling rear setup), hard-core brakes and speed-sensitive sports steering.
…it’ll destroy 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds.
The brutal power is dispersed by an AMG 7-speed automatic ‘box with four modes, Race Start function and shift paddles. Get the sequence right and it’ll destroy 100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. Our press car managed 4.15 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars we’ve ever tested. Top speed is 250km/h with an optional pack for 300km/h.
Where we drove: The highways and byways around our base where the mad CLS demonstrated that it can do reasonably quiet and comfortable as long as you stay away from bad roads and the far right pedal. Cabin fit ‘n finish is excellent, it’s crammed full of toys and the active, heated and vented massage seats are superb.
The elegant design and butch AMG goodies attracted loads of attention with neighbours and strangers all creeping closer for a good look. Most people loved the burbling V8 exhaust note which, especially in Comfort mode and city street cruising, slacks well below 1,500rpm but still in the amazing motor’s power band.
Full throttle is not for the inexperienced or weak of heart.
Watch out for: Full throttle is not for the inexperienced or weak of heart. First gear full tilt is just a mess of flashing lights and drive train jerkiness, second gear wide open gives you more ESP warnings and a fishtailing rear end while third gear eventually finds some traction. And three-figure speeds.
Rear headroom isn’t great while one passenger bemoaned the hard ride back there. Mercedes claims average consumption of 9.9L/100km from the 80L tank but this is more like a new year’s resolution – wishful thinking. Although we managed to charm 13-14L/100km out of the beast, it ran low on fuel at 430km. You do the math.
Why you’ll want one: Those unique CLS coupé looks with venomous power, a highly refined Mercedes sedan which gurgles you to work on weekdays and ridicules your board member’s Porsches at a Sunday track day. And starting at N$1.6 million, there’s even a degree of value in this car.
Gallery
Performance
0-10km/h: 0.34 seconds
0-20km/h: 0.85 seconds
0-30km/h: 1.31 seconds
0-40km/h: 1.70 seconds
0-50km/h: 2.08 seconds
0-60km/h: 2.42 seconds
0-70km/h: 2.83 seconds
0-80km/h: 3.22 seconds
0-90km/h: 3.63 seconds
0-100km/h: 4.15 seconds
0-110km/h: 4.72 seconds
0-120km/h: 5.28 seconds
0-130km/h: 5.88 seconds
0-140km/h: 6.55 seconds
0-100m: 5.48 seconds @ 123.56km/h
0-200m: 8.02 seconds @ 157.90km/h
0-300m: 10.14 seconds @ 181.26km/h
0-400m: 12.03 seconds @ 199.04km/h
Maximum acceleration G-force: 0.83G
Altitude: 66m
All data captured by Racelogic® Performance Box