2005 Mercedes Review

Specifications

Benz Aims for New M5 with CLS55 AMG

The new CLS55 AMG is the perfect example of just how orderly and organized things can work in the secret world of Mercedes-Benz. The automakers latest concoction of luxury and sport, the CLS, went from concept to production in what seemed to be a matter of months. This alone is amazing enough, but Benz hasnt let up off the accelerator in an effort to make its four-seat “coupe” the slickest and sleekest vehicle in its segment. Now it will also be the fastest, as a new AMG version upstaged BMWs M5 introduction that took place just a few days prior.

Thats right. Before anyone has had opportunity to drive home a regular V6 or V8 powered CLS, and even before any magazine has even road tested one, M-B has cranked up the power by bolting on a blower. But the super sedans speed to press makes a lot of sense really. The research and development into the E55 AMG was already done, and being that the CLS is a dramatic-looking four-door coupe with the chassis and underpinnings of the E-Class, it didnt take much to adapt it to CLS55 AMG status.

But cynics wont be the only ones who take notice of M-Bs timing. Like clockwork, Benz released photos and press information only moments after the news of BMWs V10-powered M5 hit automotive news sites across the world. Does Mercedes sleek new super sedan upstage the ultimate Bimmer, or is it something altogether different? One thing for sure, the CLS55 serves up a different story as far as its motor is concerned, opting for a laid-back and easy-going method of power delivery in comparison to the M5s hyper-tech ADD-infused V10. Like the E-Class, the CLS55 is powered by a supercharged 5.5 liter V8 developing a robust 476 horsepower - enough to put it directly in the path of super sedans currently being offered by Audi (RS6), Cadillac (CTS-V) and, of course, BMW. Still, it is outshined by the 507 horsepower high-revving (8,250 rpm) M5 V10. But according to racing legend Carroll Shelby, “Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races,” a belief that would favor the CLS55 AMG at 517 lb-ft of torque. The 134 lb-ft advantage is clearly in the favor of Benz. Straight line acceleration is simply jaw-dropping, taking a factory-claimed 4.7 seconds to reach 100 km/h, with plenty reserved to carry the car forward to higher speeds.

But as powerful as it is, will the CLS55 woo super sedan purists who have traditionally bought into BMWs take on a performance sedan. Keep in mind, while BMW offers an F1-style 7-speed paddle-shift-actuated SMG sequential manual transmission, the CLS55 is only offered in a rather conventional yet smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel mounted buttons to change gears in its manual mode. Where the BMW promises lightning quick shifts, Mercedes transmissions are normally biased toward smooth power delivery and therefore, rather slow shifts.

As with any AMG-tuned car, there are very few expressions of power shown in the bodywork. The exclusive models presence is made known via a new front bumper and air dam stylized similarly to the ultra-premium SLR, while the rear bumper is tweaked to show off its sports exhaust system highlighted by four oval chrome tips. Between the front and rear bumpers, a side skirt has been added. The car rides on 18 inch AMG wheels wrapped in 245/50 high-performance tires up front and 285/35 in the back for added traction. The AMG styling package is rounded out buy a tiny lip spoiler on the trunk lid and “V8 Kompressor” badging.

Not surprisingly, this styling treatment works quite well with the sleek CLS, especially because of its sweeping low roof and high window lines. Like all Benz products (bar the SLR), the CLS is voluntarily capped at 250 km/h (155 mph), but its slippery body and low profile suggests that it could at least reach 300 km/h (190 mph). Whether or not Benz will follow in the footsteps of Audi and BMW in liberating its bahn blasters from this artificial cap is unknown.

The CLS, like the E55, rides the delicate balance between sport and luxury, but its been given a helping hand in the suspension
department by Mercedes Airmatic DC pneumatic suspension system. Its the same adaptive system as fitted to the CLS500, but it is said to be set up firmer to cut back on body roll. Larger brakes, ventilated and cross drilled, are fitted with ABS and brake force distribution.

On the inside, theres not a whole lot of change aside from the AMG-designed sports seats and 320 km/h (200 mph) AMG speedometer. Additional AMG instruments join the speedo, plus distinctive kick plates to contrast a new selection of trim colors for the interior.

CLS55 pricing is expectedly quite steep at E 96,164, which in direct currency exchange equals $157,200 CAD or $120,000 USD. This is E10,000 ($16,400 CAD, $12,400 USD) more than the European price for the M5, but prices in Canada are almost always more affordable than those in Europe, or the U.S. for that matter. Still, it will be expensive, but those that want it wont be put off by the lofty price of entry.

But wait theres more! Recent news from AMG has the automaker fitting its 600 horsepower twin-turbocharged V12 to create the CLS65 AMG. While this model will even be more expensive, the M5s horsepower dominance may be short-lived. Alternative super sedan rivals such as the Audi RS6 and Jaguar S-Type R are about to become quite ordinary in comparison.

When will the race to super sedan supremacy end? Hopefully never.