MERCEDES BENZ CLS AMG Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Mercedes-Benz introduced the refreshed version of the second generation CLS model in 2014, and along with the rest of the range, the most powerful version of it, the 63 AMG, has gone through an update as well.

When the German automaker introduced the second generation of this four-door coupe on the market in 2009, it was an important step forward, although the car came during the world financial crisis, and that affected the brand's sales. Still, by 2014, those numbers climbed back. Also, in 2014, the European Union started to switch from Euro 5 emission standards to Euro 6. As a result, not just Mercedes-Benz but all automakers had to upgrade their vehicles. The CLS 63 AMG couldn't make an exception, and the automaker used the moment to implement several other improvements to this four-door coupe.

The most striking change was noticed at the front, where the AMG received a diamond-pattern grille, which replaced the simple black one used on its predecessor. Mercedes-Benz also upgraded the headlights with the Multibeam LED technology and made them better for night driving situations. Furthermore, the automaker also changed the front bumper, which incorporated the A-shaped lower grille and the massive side scoops covered with a chicken-wire style mesh. From its profile, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG featured the same V8 biturbo chromed badges on the front fenders, behind the wheel arches. At the back, the automaker installed an upgraded bumper that featured a set of thin vertical vents on the outer corners, while underneath it, the CLS kept the same four rectangular exhausts as its predecessor. From its profile, the CLS 63 AMG featured a set of 19” light-alloy wheels fitted with 255/35 tires up front and 285/30 tires to the rear axle.

Inside, the most significant change was for the infotainment unit. The automaker replaced the formerly used small color display neatly integrated into the dashboard with an 8” landscape-oriented screen mounted into a free-floating position. Even though it looked like an aftermarket piece of equipment, it was all original and was controlled by the same rotary dial housed on the center console behind the gear selector. Like its predecessor, the 2014 CLS63 AMG featured high-bolstered bucket seats for the front passengers and a bench profiled for two in the back, separated by a center console fitted with cup holders.

Under the hood, the automaker kept the same 5.5-liter V8 powerplant, helped by two turbochargers. In the AMG 63 clothing, it offered 550 HP, while the AMG 63 S 4Matic version added another 27 ponies to the pack. In addition, the latter version was offered with an all-wheel-drive system. Both versions sent their power via an AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic (multi-clutch) gearbox. For better handling, the automaker tuned the suspension and added a negative camber for the front axle. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz also enlarged the front axle's track by 24 millimeters (0.95”).

The four-door coupe built by Mercedes-Benz reached its second generation in 2011 and received an AMG treatment as it should.

Despite the controversies about its body shape, the second generation of the CLS proved to be a worthy investment from the carmaker, creating a new niche market in the premium segment. The three-pointed-star brand achieved with the CLS what BMW obtained with the X6 SUV-coupe.

With its low hood and sleek front fascia that sported a thick slat across the grille, the powerful version didn't want to be mistaken by its less-powered siblings. Behind the carmaker's badge, the CLS sported the radar needed for the adaptive cruise control and the automatic braking system. The AMG-specific lower bumper sported the A-shaped lower grille flanked by two side-scoops needed for cooling the brakes and, like eyebrows, two LED light strips for the DRLs. A set of 19" light-alloy wheels with a five double-spoke design were installed to emphasize the car's performance.

In the leather-wrapped cabin, AMG installed high-bolstered bucket seats at the front. As a result, the front occupants could share the wide center console that sported a storage compartment under the armrest and the infotainment system rotary controlling. Next to the gear selector, AMG placed three buttons and a rotary controller for the car's specific settings, controlling the suspension, gear changes, and engine response. It also featured a launch-control function. In addition, AMG installed carbon-fiber trims on the dashboard that matched the aluminum inserts from the center stack. Last but not least, the driver was greeted by a flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum paddle-shifters behind.

But the piece de resistance was the 5.5-liter biturbo powerplant paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox. It sent the power to the rear axle featuring a self-leveling pneumatic suspension.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS range as a four-door coupe in 2004, and it absolutely surprised its customers and was also a trendsetter.

Fast forward four years, and, in 2008, the carmaker brought the refreshed version of the CLS range. Even though the world financial crisis had already damaged some automakers around the world, Mercedes-Benz went on with the upgrading program. It had to do that anyway since there were new emission regulations starting in 2009.

The CLS's first-generation was a love and hate relationship with its customers. Mercedes-Benz installed a pair of unusual-looking headlights and a fluid line for the bodywork that was ended with a sloped back. In addition, the doors didn't have a frame for the windows, so the vehicle could have been called a four-door coupe. In the AMG flavor, the car sported unique 6.3 badges on the front fenders. At the back, the automaker installed four chromed oval pipes that peaked from underneath the rear bumper, flanking a diffuser.

Inside, the automaker added all the bells and whistles it had in its storage. The infotainment system, named COMMAND, placed on the center console featured sat-nav, the stylish steering wheel featured a few buttons on the horizontal spokes, while the third one got the AMG metallic label fitted at the bottom. Obviously, the sports bucket seats at the front provided enough side support, while in the back, the profiled-for-two bench offered enough comfort but not too much headroom.

Under the hood, AMG installed a 6,2-liter V8 monster paired to a seven-speed automatic gearbox that sent all the power to the rear wheels.

The CLS was the car that brought the “4-door coupe” name on the market when it was introduced in 2004. Two years later, after a huge success on the market, it received the CLS 63 AMG version.

The CLS exceeded the brand's expectations when it was introduced in 2004 and, in the following year, its sales went over 20.000 units. And it did that again in 2006. For the German car-maker it was clear that the buyers want something more. And that “more” was translated in more power and more opulence. The CLS 63 AMG was the right answer and it was introduced as a replacement for the CLS 55 AMG.

In the front, there was a new front bumper with an integrated spoiler that was inspired by the F1 race-car. The big central air-intake was accompanied on the sides by the other two air-dams for the big disc-brakes. On the front fenders, the manufactured installed a chromed “6.3 AMG” badge. A discrete lip on the trunk lid was added for an additional visual effect.

Inside, the CLS 63 AMG featured sport-bucket seats with high bolstering for the torso, but not too much for the base. The interior of the car featured wood grains and leather, despite the car's performances. The instrument featured a TFT display in the middle of the speedometer.

The CLS 63 AMG was not as powerful as the most powerful 55 AMG engine. It offered 507 hp (the 2006 SL 55 AMG had 510 horses). The 6.3-liter engine was limited in its power and torque to be fitted with the newly developed AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic which could not handle the same amount of grunt as the older 5G-Tronic gearbox.

When Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS at the 2004 New York International Auto Show, the world stood still. It was the first new-age, four-door coupe on the market. This kind of bodywork was long-forgotten and only a big brand such as Mercedes-Benz could revive it and receive applause. In the autumn of same year, the carmaker introduced the CLS 55 AMG at the Paris Motor Show. It was the fast coupe with four doors.

The exterior look was drastically enhanced compared with such as CLS500 or the CLS320 CDI versions. Its big, 18” wheels (19” as an option) had a special design. The car was lowered by 10 mm (0.4”) than the rest of the CLS range The Airmatic suspension was standard and the entire setup was stiffer, for better handling. But some people still didn't like the dropped back of the car.

Inside, the CLS 55 AMG featured a combination of sporty styling and high-quality materials. The new AMG sports seats shows special AMG perforations, double stitching and Alcantara panels. It also includes nappa leather in three colors variants.

The supercharged 5.4-liter V8 engine offers 476 hp and 700 Nm (516 lb-ft) of torque. It was mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The result is a spectacular 4.7 seconds for a 0-100 kph (0-62 mph) sprint and a limited top speed of 250 kph (155 mph).