Mercedes-Benz, renowned for its luxury and performance, unleashed a new level of power in its 2014 Cls 63 Amg lineup, introducing the formidable S-Model. This upgrade not only amplified the existing model’s capabilities but also presented a fresh benchmark in the high-performance coupe segment. The heart of this beast is an AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, a marvel of engineering that balances exhilarating power with surprising efficiency. For those seeking the ultimate driving experience, the CLS 63 AMG S-Model integrates performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, delivering unprecedented control and dynamism.
The AMG division of Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. The introduction of the AMG-engineered 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system to a range of high-performance sedans and coupes, including the CLS 63 AMG, marked a significant step forward. This system, designed for sporty driving, ensures that the immense power of the AMG engine is translated into breathtaking acceleration and handling, setting a new standard in the segment. Beyond the CLS 63 AMG, this advanced 4MATIC system was also integrated into successful SUV models like the ML 63 AMG, GL 63 AMG, and G 63 AMG, and found its way into other models within the CLA and E-Class lines, showcasing AMG’s commitment to widespread performance enhancement.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, emphasized the significance of these models, particularly the S-Models, stating, “The S-Models in particular represent the most attractive proposition in the segment.” He highlighted the CLS 63 AMG’s unparalleled combination of power, torque, and the innovative AMG 4MATIC all-wheel drive, especially in the Coupe and Shooting Brake variants (though the latter is not available in the USA). Källenius also proudly noted the AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine’s continued reign as the most efficient series production V8 engine globally, and underscored the expanded possibilities for individual customization offered by these new model variants.
| CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC 4-door Coupe | CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC 4-door Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5.5-liter | 5.5-liter |
| Rated power output | 550 hp at 5,250 – 5,750 rpm | 577 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Peak torque | 531 lb.-ft. at 1,750 – 5,000 rpm | 590 lb.-ft. at 2,000 – 4,500 rpm |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph (prelim) | 3.7 seconds | 3.6 seconds |
| Top speed (electronically limited) | 155 mph | 186 mph |
The performance figures of the CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC speak volumes. Achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds firmly positions it at the pinnacle of its class. This blistering acceleration is not solely due to the increased horsepower; the performance-oriented all-wheel drive system plays a crucial role. With a 33:67 front-rear power distribution, the system prioritizes rear-wheel drive dynamics while ensuring optimal traction. This intelligent power distribution minimizes wheel slip during aggressive acceleration, allowing drivers to fully exploit the engine’s potential. Furthermore, the electronically limited top speed of 186 mph underscores the S-Model’s high-performance pedigree.
Alt text: Side profile of a 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC coupe, showcasing its sleek four-door design and sporty stance.
Under the hood of the new CLS 63 AMG S-Model resides the potent AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, meticulously tuned to deliver 577 horsepower and a massive 590 lb.-ft. of torque. This represents a significant 27 horsepower increase over the previous AMG Performance Package, which was a popular option for the standard CLS 63 AMG coupe. This power surge is achieved through refined engine electronics and a boosted turbo pressure, increased from 0.9 to 1.0 bar. Even the standard CLS 63 AMG model benefits from these enhancements, boasting 550 hp and 531 lb.-ft. of torque, a substantial 32 hp increase compared to its predecessor. Remarkably, despite these power gains and enhanced performance metrics, all CLS 63 AMG models maintain impressive fuel efficiency and low exhaust emissions, solidifying the AMG 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine’s status as the most efficient high-performance V8 engine in production.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed Sports Transmission: Precision and Control
A key component in the CLS 63 AMG’s performance arsenal is the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission. This advanced transmission offers a range of custom-tailored settings, allowing drivers to fine-tune the car’s responsiveness to their preferences and driving conditions. Four distinct drive programs – “C” (Controlled Efficiency), “S” (Sport), “S+” (Sport plus), and “M” (Manual) – provide a spectrum of driving experiences. In “C” mode, the focus is on smooth and comfortable gearshifts, with the ECO start/stop feature activated to enhance fuel efficiency by automatically shutting off the V8 engine when the car is stationary. In this mode, the car typically starts in second gear for smoother starts.
Alt text: Close-up view of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission, highlighting its advanced engineering and contribution to the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG’s performance.
Switching to “S”, “S+”, or “M” modes transforms the driving dynamics of the CLS 63 AMG. The engine and transmission become noticeably more responsive and agile, delivering quicker gear changes and heightened throttle response. In these sportier modes, the ECO start/stop function is deactivated to ensure uninterrupted power delivery. For an even more engaging driving experience, particularly during spirited driving, the transmission employs momentary suppression of ignition and injection during full-throttle upshifts. This not only results in incredibly fast gear changes but also produces a thrillingly sporty exhaust note. Furthermore, automatic rev-matching during downshifts and the RACE START function are standard features of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission, further enhancing both performance and driver engagement.
Performance-Oriented 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive: Maximum Traction, Maximum Fun
The performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system in the CLS 63 AMG is engineered to deliver maximum driving excitement without compromising control. It achieves this by distributing engine torque in a rear-biased 33:67 ratio between the front and rear wheels. This rear-wheel-drive-focused torque split is crucial for maintaining the characteristic AMG driving feel, providing exceptional handling and driving pleasure. The 3-stage ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) system has been specifically calibrated to work in harmony with the full-time all-wheel-drive system, offering various levels of intervention to suit different driving styles and conditions. In “SPORT Handling” mode, the Torque Vectoring Brake system becomes active, applying selective braking to individual wheels to enhance agility during cornering. By subtly braking the inside rear wheel during поворотах, the system induces a controlled yaw moment, resulting in impressively neutral steering response and improved turn-in behavior.
The core of the AMG 4MATIC system is a sophisticated transfer case, seamlessly integrated with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-Speed sports transmission. This transfer case, featuring an additional power take-off to the front wheels, is remarkably compact, taking up minimal extra space. Power is transferred from the take-off to the front differential via a propeller shaft, and then distributed to the left front wheel through an intermediate shaft that cleverly passes through a sealed duct within the engine oil pan. This intelligent and space-saving design contributes to the all-wheel-drive system’s relatively low additional weight of only 155 lbs. A multi-plate clutch with a locking force of 37 lb.-ft. regulates the transfer of torque to all four wheels as needed, ensuring optimal traction and stability in various driving scenarios.
CLS 63 AMG S-Model: Enhanced Dynamics with Limited-Slip Differential
Taking performance a step further, the CLS 63 AMG S-Model is equipped as standard with a limited-slip rear differential, integrated within the rear final drive. This advanced technology further elevates traction, resulting in even sharper vehicle dynamics and heightened driving enjoyment, particularly on a racetrack or during spirited driving on winding roads.
All CLS 63 AMG models benefit from the AMG Adaptive Sports Suspension, featuring an electronically controlled damping system. With a simple press of a button marked with a shock absorber symbol on the AMG DRIVE UNIT, drivers can instantly switch between suspension настроек from “Comfort” to “Sport” or “Sport Plus.” The front suspension utilizes a steel-spring system, while the rear axle is fitted with a load-leveling air suspension system, ensuring a balance of comfort and performance.
Further refinements have been made to the three-link front suspension on both the S-Model and the standard CLS 63 AMG with all-wheel drive. Newly developed aluminum control arms enhance grip and agility, contributing to more neutral steering behavior during high-speed cornering. The S-Model distinguishes itself with more performance-oriented elastokinematics, providing the driver with even more direct feedback, neutral handling, and enhanced wheel grip at the limits of adhesion. A wider front track (increased by 0.9 inches or 2.4 cm) further enhances stability at higher cornering speeds and improves overall road feel. Increased negative camber on all wheels also contributes to improved cornering prowess.
Complementing the advanced suspension system is AMG’s electromechanical speed-sensitive steering. A rack-and-pinion steering ratio of 14:1 ensures agile handling in curves, while the variable power assist system adjusts steering effort based on the selected suspension mode, providing optimal steering feel and responsiveness in all driving situations.
The high-performance S-Model boasts exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels finished in matte titanium gray with a high-sheen rim flange, while the standard CLS 63 AMG is fitted with triple five-spoke light-alloy wheels painted titanium gray with a high-sheen finish. Both models are equipped with 255/35 tires on 9 x 19-inch wheels at the front, and wider 285/30 tires on 10 x 19 rear wheels, maximizing grip and performance.
Optional AMG Ceramic High-Performance Composite Brake System: Uncompromising Stopping Power
The CLS 63 AMG is equipped with a robust high-performance AMG braking system featuring 14.2-inch ventilated and perforated brake discs on both the front and rear axles. The front discs, which endure particularly high thermal loads, incorporate AMG’s compound disc technology, extensively validated in motorsport applications. On the standard CLS 63 AMG, brake calipers with a grey finish and white AMG lettering house six pistons at the front and four pistons at the rear, ensuring rapid, fade-resistant braking and short stopping distances.
Alt text: Detailed shot of the optional AMG ceramic high-performance composite brake system on a Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG, emphasizing the large bronze calipers and carbon ceramic discs.
For drivers demanding the ultimate in braking performance, an AMG ceramic composite brake system is exclusively available as an option for the S-Model. This system is easily identifiable by even larger 15.8-inch brake discs and bronze metallic calipers adorned with the “AMG Carbon Ceramic” logo. The exceptional hardness of ceramic brake discs provides superior resistance to extreme heat and ensures a significantly longer service life compared to conventional steel brakes. Furthermore, this ceramic system is approximately 40 percent lighter, reducing unsprung mass, which in turn enhances handling agility and ride comfort.
S-Model Design: Subtle Yet Distinctive Enhancements
The CLS 63 AMG S-Model is subtly differentiated from the standard model through several distinctive design cues. Red brake calipers immediately identify the S-Model, along with the AMG logo on the trunk lid, which features a contrasting black “S.” Inside, the standard black premium nappa leather interior of the S-Model is accented by silver seat belts and contrasting gray stitching on the AMG sports seats, center door panels, door armrests, steering wheel, and center console. The rim of the AMG Performance steering wheel, trimmed in black Premium leather, features Alcantara® grip areas and is flattened at both the top and bottom for a sporty feel. In the S-Model, the front head restraints of the AMG sports seats are embossed with the AMG crest directly into the premium leather. The AMG instrument cluster also features an “S AMG” logo on the speedometer and red accents on the dials. Illuminated AMG door sill panels with white backlighting complete the exclusive range of equipment and appointments specific to the S-Model.
Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG High-End Surround Sound System: Auditory Excellence
Among the premium optional equipment available for all CLS models is the Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system. Mercedes-Benz and AMG collaborated with renowned Danish audio specialists Bang & Olufsen to create this exceptional sound system. Capable of Dolby Digital 5.1 playback, the system delivers an unparalleled auditory experience thanks to its 1,200-watt amplifier and 14 high-end speakers with neodymium drivers. The integrated digital sound processor (DSP) manages the distribution of music signals, allowing for precise sound customization.
The DSP offers a special B&O sound menu within the COMAND system. In True Image™ mode, individual sound settings for the front, center, and rear speakers can be adjusted, creating a realistic soundstage tailored to the chosen listening position. The “Sound Mode” menu provides various preset sound modes, allowing users to select between a high-end “Reference” studio sound and immersive surround sound. “Reference” mode focuses on faithfully reproducing the artist’s intended sound, while the surround sound mode creates a spacious and enveloping sound experience, particularly enhancing live recordings and concertos with a unique panoramic sound within the vehicle without altering the natural sonic characteristics of the recording.
Visually, the system is enhanced by illuminated 50-watt tweeters with acoustic lens technology, positioned in the mirror triangle, and high-end speaker covers in silver chrome adorned with Bang & Olufsen logos, further highlighting the system’s premium nature.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG 4MATIC and the new CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC were launched in the U.S. market in August 2013, bringing a new era of performance and luxury to discerning drivers.
