New style, more power, and extra gadgets for the go-fast CL63 and CL65. Low-flying private jets, tire-liquefying gentlemen’s expresses—whatever you call Mercedes’ CL63 and CL65 AMG models, they’re going to take more names and kick more assumptions to the curb after a 2011 refresh. There are the expected visual tweaks, but the real action is under the surface, where new electronic gadgets join a revised engine lineup.
The CL65 continues to holster a twin-turbo, 6.0-liter V-12 engine that’s among the gutsiest engines you can buy. This year, bigger turbocharger piping and reprogrammed electronics bump power from 604 hp to 621. Torque is unchanged at 738 lb-ft. Mercedes also says that a new “smart” alternator, new piston rings, and a modified oil pump conspire to reduce emissions by nearly four percent—but that seems a bit irrelevant when discussing a twin-turbo V-12 with a terminal velocity of 186 mph.Visual and Equipment Upgrades
Both cars receive the array of visual upgrades already applied to the lower CL-class models and the 2010 S-class. The changes encompass a new sculpted hood design, an enlarged grille, redesigned bixenon headlights, LED running lights, new taillights, backup lights relocated to the sides of the license-plate holder, a new painted diffuser, and new tailpipes. The cars ride on redesigned AMG-specific wheels, painted titanium gray.
For those who have interests other than surprising Porsche drivers, there’s enough tech on board the CLs to direct airplane traffic (although the cars don’t come with a 15-year-old kid to teach you how to use it all). A new AMG sports steering wheel features aluminum shift paddles and complements an updated instrument cluster and the latest version of Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system. Other new toys include a built-in lap timer, the SplitView display technology that shows different images for driver and front-seat passenger on the same screen, and enough safety tech to satisfy even the most paranoid of drivers.
The night-vision camera now can now detect and highlight pedestrians, and the new Active Lane Keeping and Active Blind Spot Assist systems apply brakes to keep the driver from veering out of his lane or sideswiping an adjacent car; the systems are optional on the 63 and standard on the 65. Both cars score the latest version of Mercedes’ Active Body Control suspension system, as well as Direct Steer, which offers variable steering ratios and effort; Torque Vectoring Brake, which slows the inside rear wheel in turns to mitigate understeer; and crosswind stabilization, which adjusts the suspension loading to counteract the effect of strong winds.Pricing for the new AMGs has yet to be announced, but we’re expecting something close to last year’s $146,075 for the CL63 and $208,045 for the CL65. Titanic depreciation is expected to remain the same.
