First Look: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG And CL65 AMG

First Look: 2019 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG And CL65 AMG

The result is a claimed reduction in CO2 emission of 30 g per kilometer and 27-percent better fuel economy. Based on EPA numbers for the previous model, that equates to CO2 emissions of 1.14 pounds of CO2 per mile, down from 1.46 pounds per mile. More importantly to most consumers, that means fuel economy could be as high as 14 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, up from 11 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. All in all, not too bad for a car believed to weigh over 4700 pounds. Helping that trick new engine out is Mercedes' tried-and-true seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. While enthusiasts will appreciate its rev-matching on downshifts and refusal to upshift automatically while in "Manual" mode, the average owner will likely better appreciate the new Controlled Efficiency, or "C" mode. In C mode, the computer will soften accelerator response and start the car in second gear to minimize fuel burn.

In fact, drive it gently enough and you'll be in sixth gear by 37 mph with the computer relying on the engine's massive torque to keep things smooth. The CL65 AMG's updates aren't quite as involved. The massive 6.0-liter V-12 gets a new set of turbos that now crank out up to 22 psi of boost, ramping up the power from 604 horsepower in the last model to 621 horsepower in the new car. Torque is still limited to 738 pound-feet even though the engine is capable of producing 885 pound-feet, which is simply too much for the drivetrain to handle. In fact, the CL65 AMG must continue to make-do with Mercedes' Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission because the seven-speed dual-clutch box can't handle the power. Those 17 extra ponies are good for an extra 0.3 seconds in the sprint to 60 mph, running it in a claimed 4.2 seconds before topping out at a limited 186 mph.

Refinement in the engine and tricks like the alternator that only charges on overrun and braking help the CL65 AMG increase its fuel economy an unspecified amount while dropping CO2 emissions by 3.5 percent. Both cars get the full bag of tricks from the new CL-Class. That means Direct Steer, a lighter, more direct steering system, Torque Vectoring Brake, which can brake the inside rear wheel to kill understeer, and Automatic Crosswind Stabilization are all standard. The AMG cars also pick up the CL-Class' Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Night View and Drowsiness Detection systems along with Active Body Control. To make them more sprightly than the standard CL-Class, the AMG cars also get a sport-tuned suspension that will stiffen even further in Sport mode and even lower the car 0.6 inches between 40 and 62 mph to improve aerodynamics. Throw in up-sized 15.4-inch front and 14.4-inch rear brake discs behind AMG wheels specific to each model and you've got yourself a serious grand tourer. The revision above the hood is equally muted.

Both cars receive the CL-Class' latest styling, which pulls all of the body's curves into tauter, straighter lines for a more aggressive look. Both AMG models get slightly revised front and rear fascias with the top-dog CL65 AMG being distinguished by chrome accents on the front splitter and rear diffuser. The update also includes new LED daytime running lights, new taillights, the appropriate "V8 BiTurbo" and "V12 BiTurbo" badging and an AMG performance exhaust with unique chrome tips. Inside the cars, each is updated with leather AMG sport seats that are both heated and ventilated. Also on the build sheet is a leather-wrapped AMG steering wheel and a Racetimer function for recording lap times. To distinguish the top-shelf CL65 AMG, it also gets exclusive wood trim and diamond-patterned top-quality leather on the seats, doors and more. Mercedes-Benz hasn't announced pricing on the new models yet, but a modest increase is expected. 215,000 before options. In addition to the precious few options packages, Mercedes' Designo customization feature will upgrade the car in just about any way you're willing to pay for. Expect to see the new CL AMG cars on showroom floors in November.

Big weight, big dollars, big torque, big power. Even twelve cylinders weren't enough when Affalterbach was devising its looney-tunes M275 engine. It had to be a twin-turbo V12. With twenty-four spark plugs, because it needed another big number. So we recently hit the dyno rollers in our CL65 AMG in pursuit of knowledge. First, of course, big numbers. But we also wanted to find out if age and miles have eroded this thing's ability to belt out the goods. Our performance testing of the big coupe was certainly an informative exercise to help flesh out the answer, but a dyno test can tell us so much more. 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG So, yeah: 6.0 liters, 604 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque when new. We headed to our usual dyno haunt, MD Automotive in Westminster, CA, and got busy with the CL65 AMG. Here's what we measured at the wheels: 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Well, then. Yes, that's 674 lb-ft of torque and 528 horsepower to the wheels. Factoring in driveline loss, it's safe to say this thing is still plenty perky despite its near-double digit age and almost sixty thousand miles on the clock.