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2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video]

Matt Davis — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Luxury

A Heated Up Sports Tourer With One Stylish Tuckus

Our jaws collectively dropped at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show when the Vision CLS concept debuted. Had Mercedes-Benz decided not to build it, there might have been hell to pay. But build the W219 CLS-Class starting in April of 2004 it did, and the accolades never ceased for that first-generation model until it was replaced in the summer of 2010.

The W218 second-generation model is still loved, though seemingly much less so than the groundbreaking original, And, as though it knew this reaction was coming, Mercedes showed us all the Concept Fascination at the Paris Motor Show in September 2008, which was ultimately massaged into the Concept Shooting Brake shown at the Beijing Motor Show in April 2010.

Mercedes couldn't do just another wagon with the CLS; it had to be something that echoed of pure styling exercises, and perhaps excess. Eyeing up this production version of the Mercedes CLS Shooting Brake built in Sindelfingen, we remain largely pleased, even when our professional objectivity changes to cold subjectivity. Keeping in mind the point of this lower volume lifestyle hauler, there are only two tangible bits on the car that we're not in love with, and that's not bad at all.

Whereas on the CLS coupe - *a-hem* - we would have loved to see a real two-door happen, for this new wagon style (sorry... shooting brake), Mercedes could never do a true shooting brake with just two forward doors; that would have been silly and might have sold in similar numbers as many a shooting brake in history has sold - frequently in single digits. No, it had to be a more useful wagon but with a lot of impractical swoosh.

Continue reading 2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video]

2013 Mercedes CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos]

Jeff Sabatini — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Wagon, Europe, Videos, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed images and full details on its 2013 CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake. So now all our whining about it not coming to the U.S. when it goes on sale in October can be official too.

As predicted, the gorgeous CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake will get the same 5.5-liter, twin-turbo V8 as its sedan counterpart, making 525 horsepower in standard models and 557 hp in the limited production "Edition 1." Standard models will make 516 lb-ft of torque, with Edition 1 examples producing 590. That extra grunt will help the Edition 1 hit 62 mph in just 4.3 seconds, as opposed to 4.4 for the standard trim. All cars will receive a seven-speed AMG MCT SpeedShift transmission and be electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.

As you'd imagine, the AMG Shooting Brake is offered with plenty of niceties and options, including a Designo wooden luggage floor, done up in cherry inlaid with smoked oak and trimmed with aluminum rails. Unfortunately, Mercedes hasn't come forth with any pictures of this option, but there is a brief cameo of the fine carpentry in the video available by scrolling down. We've even included some footage of a disguised example doing a monster burnout at the recently completed Goodwood Festival Of Speed. While you're back there, check out the official press release, and be sure to inspect the gallery - we'll keep an eye out for additional photos.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos]

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake ist verboten frucht [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the one we want

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Design/Style, Luxury

With every new set of spy shots, we become increasingly more excited for the launch of the Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake (or is that Break?). This tapered wagon version of the shapely CLS is certainly a looker, even in pre-production, camo-clad protype form, and after giving its shockingly quick sedan counterpart high marks for its driving dynamics, we can only assume that the complete Shooting Brake package will be really, really sweet.

Oh yeah, there's an AMG version, too.

Seen here for the first time, the CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake takes the same sleek long-roof shape of the CLS550 Shooting Brake prototypes we've seen, but adds all of the bulgy bits fitting of any high-performance Merc. All we can say is, it looks absolutely stunning, and we can't wait to see the finished product.

Power is expected to come from the same twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 found in the CLS63 sedan, sending 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels via Mercedes' seven-cog Speedshift transmission. Like the sedan, we expect that Mercedes-Benz will offer an AMG Performance Pack, which boosts power to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft in the sedan. Holy moly.

Wipe the drool from your keyboards and click through our attached high-res image gallery to see the CLS63 Shooting Brake prototype for yourself.

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake is the one we want originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brabus teases Frankfurt show car

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Mercedes-Benz

The 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show is nearly upon us, which means automakers will be trotting out more new or updated models in the coming weeks. Brabus, while not a major automaker, will also be there, and it's bringing something an all-new creation to further its stable of insanely fast machines. We don't have any details to spill regarding this latest Brabus bullet, but the tuning house has just released this photo to tease our emotions.

Judging by that headlight and side mirror, we're going to assume that Brabus has applied its wrenches to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG. Brabus has built ludicrious-speed-capable CLS sedans in the past, and it appears the German tuner will add a new version to its fleet.

Stay tuned for more information, as we'll be certain to find this car when we touch ground in Germany.

Brabus teases Frankfurt show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*

Noah Joseph — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS - Click above for high-res image gallery

With such a broad (and ever-expanding) range of products, Mercedes-Benz is always bound to be introducing something new at any given moment. And in this case, the German automaker has officially confirmed pricing for its new CLS.

Joining the Three-Pointed Star is the swoopy new 2012 CLS. Mercedes will offer the second-generation four-door coupe as both the CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) guise at $71,300 and $94,900, respectively (*plus $875 in destination charges). Follow the jump for the official announcement that also details how much cash you'll need to secure your own 2012 SLK roadster, whose pricing we revealed last week at the New York Auto Show.

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000*

Mercedes-Benz officially prices CLS from $71,000* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Chris Paukert — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, First Drives, Design/Style, Luxury

Sometimes, Less Means More Of Everything

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sometimes, luxury isn't about having more - it's about having less, albeit artfully architected. Just ask BMW, which lops off a heaping helping of headroom and cargo space to turn its well-conceived X5 into the costlier, less utile X6. Admittedly, the X6 isn't particularly artful, but its rival, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is. Both vehicles are more indulgent - and more costly - despite offering reduced lebensraum and less exotic mechanicals.

Perhaps the originator and best practitioner of this less-is-more movement is Mercedes-Benz, whose designers adroitly took the last-generation E-Class, chopped off gobs of headroom and trunk space, added some CLS badges, and then proceeded to give the four-seater a much larger price tag. Given that luxury and practicality are nearly polar opposites, perhaps this trend shouldn't be that surprising. The ability to fritter away utility in favor of fashion is arguably the ultimate statement of luxury ("We could be rational, but why be so sensible, dahling?").

Of course, we needn't be so cynical - especially when the end result from Mercedes is so striking. The 2006 CLS wasn't simply a Stuttgart cut-and-shut job - any fool with a pair of working eyes could see that Benz had developed a voluptuous creature that looked downright otherworldly compared to the stodgy E-Class that sired it. Mercedes would go so far as to market the original CLS as a 'four-door coupe,' and while pedants broke out in hives upon hearing the term, the reality was that Benz had created something far sexier than an ordinary sedan. The CLS' sleekly beveled form wasn't for everyone, but it sparked a rash of imitators in nearly every segment of the industry, from fellow luxury players to workaday sedans. Clearly, Mercedes had no small job when it came to reinventing its style icon.

And this being our first drive of the new-for-2012 CLS family, what better way to start than with the Big Daddy CLS63 AMG range topper?

Continue reading...

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Mercedes-Benz, Diesel, Luxury

Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

In the span of two weeks, Mercedes-Benz announced two new CLS-based production models: the recently revealed CLS63 AMG and plans to produce a wagon version inspired by the CLS "Shooting Brake" Concept shown at the Beijing Motor Show. Now we've learned that another CLS variant could combine the two.

The CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake would adapt all the go-fast bits of its sedan counterpart into the five-door model set to go into production in 2012. That means the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 putting out between 518 and 550 horsepower and up to 590 pound-feet of torque depending on the spec. We've yet to get official word from M-B if the CLS Shooting Brake is bound for U.S. shores, but if the AMG version does come to fruition, don't expect it much before 2013.

Additionally, AMG execs told us that diesel performance models from the in-house tuner are a long way off. More to the point, AMG officials believe that gasoline engines have the potential to return just as much torque and fuel economy as their oil-burning counterparts, negating the need to develop high performance diesels. Here's hoping they're right...

Gallery: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Break Concept

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Mercedes-Benz considering CLS63 AMG Shooting Brake, diesel AMGs a long way off originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG - Click above for high-res image gallery

On the eve of the LA Auto Show, Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the 2012 CLS63 AMG, the bi-turbo V8 version of its thoroughly restyled and utterly delectable sedan.

AMG's new baby - the M157 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 - is finding a home in nearly every new Mercedes product, and when fitted to the CLS63 the blown mill is good for 518 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque... in standard form. Option up for the AMG Performance Package and Merc's in-house tuner turns up the boost from 14.5 to 18.8 psi and output rises to 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of twist. Equipped with AMG's seven-gear "Speedshift" MCT automatic tranny, the CLS63 takes an estimated 4.4 seconds to run from 0-60 in standard guise and 4.3 seconds with the AMG pack. Similarly, top speed also rises from 155 to 186 mph with the performance upgrade. And if you care, both variants clock in at 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.

In addition to the reworked engine and transmission, the front axle has been widened by nearly an inch and AMG fitted its independent adaptive suspension with electronic damping and a three-stage traction control system. The 19-inch, five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 255/35 tires in front and 285/30s out back, while 14.2-inch drilled and ventilated discs are fitted at all four corners.

A special "Launch Edition" will be available when the CLS63 goes on sale this coming summer and comes coated in matte grey paint with a mix of carbon fiber and piano black interior trim, alcantara headliner and AMG sports seats swathed in "Corteccia Pearl" leather. Make the jump for all the details and specs.

Gallery: LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Gallery: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

[Source: Mercedes-Benz]

Continue reading LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

LA 2010: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

Alex Nunez — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Europe, Mercedes-Benz

Click image to enlarge

Who does AMG think it is? BRABUS?

Mercedes' in-house tuning arm is upping the ante on three of its delectable, monstrously-powered passenger cars by offering optional performance packages that further enhance their dynamics.

The lucky recipients of the AMG Performance Studio's additional love are the CLS 63, SLK 55, and SL 55 -- three cars we'd gladly welcome into the Autoblog garage in their stock forms. Just the thought of even better versions makes us feel all warm and fuzzy. The full list of modifications made to each car is detailed after the jump, but suffice to say that no matter which one you choose, expect suspension, brake, wheel/tire, and appearance upgrades that make the cars even more well-rounded and provide a stronger street presence than stock AMG machines.

Pricing for the upgrades is set at 8,236 € for the CLS, 5,220 € for the SLK, and 11,948 € for the SL. If you're already paying the premium for an AMG ride, why not just go all the way and take the performance package, too? You know you want to.

(Pics, press release after the jump)

[Source:DaimlerChrysler]

Continue reading AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL

AMG offers new performance packages for CLS, SLK, and SL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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