CLS-Class (C219) CLS 65 - is it still in the cards?

[Pagani]

A while back there was talk about offerin the V12 AMG in the CLS line. I am curious to find out whether that is still in the plans for the future.

I would think there is a place for the V12 AMG in the line-up. But then again, this model may be mitigated by a potential upcoming bi-turbo version of the 6.2L V8.

I am still rooting for the V12, or better yet a "CLS" version of the S Class.

 

[vabboud]

utterly pointless, just a show off bragger car if it happens,
just to say we can do it, or we have enough empty space in our crania for our oversized genital to fit in type of car

 

[Pagani]

I see your point... but then again that argument applies to any of the other 65 AMGs.

Quite honestly, your comment would be more appropriate towards a proper through and through supercar. I doubt the average passerby--whom we would theoretically want to impress with our "oversize genitals"--is even aware of the difference of a 65 AMG versus the 550 or even 350 versions.

In my opinion there are two classes of customers who go for the 65 AMGs: (1) the person who simply has to have the absolute top of the line Mercedes, and (2) people who are addicted to power, but do not see themselves driving a Murcielago-like vehicle, as it would be too flashy. For neither of these is money an object when it comes to their passion, and both feel they are entitled of the reward for their hard work and achievements in life. Chances are they are true Mercedes loyalists, and would rarely cross-shop between comparable brands, or comparable price-brackets, i.e. BMW 6 and 7 series or Bentley FS/GT. I also doubt these people would give Maybachs a second or third look, since in their eyes, it does not justify the money asked.

More than ego, I believe the 65 AMG customer has a natural distaste for compromise.

 

[vabboud]

yes but the number of 65 customers greatly offsets the money nputed in such a project
and MB already has halo models in the S/CL/SL65
it does not need another one, although if it does it is just a exercise in ego

 

[Merc1]

Well when you think about it all the upper end AMG model are a exercise in ego. So yes they'll be another CL65, likely to be shown at Detroit or Geneva. It has already been developed and every CL550 customer pays into that when they buy. Plus the same platformed S65 is a done deal.

M

 

[bmer]

Well when you think about it all the upper end AMG model are a exercise in ego. So yes they'll be another CL65, likely to be shown at Detroit or Geneva. It has already been developed and every CL550 customer pays into that when they buy. Plus the same platformed S65 is a done deal.

M

CLS 65 not CL 65, Merc1.

 

[Merc1]

CLS 65 not CL 65, Merc1.

Whoops. Don't know how I missed that. No to the CLS65, that would be a pointless model.

M

 

[Pagani]

I am going to have to disagree with the statement that CLS 65 would be pointless. It is a niche product. However, whether it is feasible image-wise to couple a premium engine with what is essentially an E-class chasis, that is another issue.

In terms of pointless, I would actually see CL and S 63 as pointless vehicles, a case made recently in a mag driving all three CLs (550, 63, 600).

 

[bmer]

I am going to have to disagree with the statement that CLS 65 would be pointless. It is a niche product. However, whether it is feasible image-wise to couple a premium engine with what is essentially an E-class chasis, that is another issue.

In terms of pointless, I would actually see CL and S 63 as pointless vehicles, a case made recently in a mag driving all three CLs (550, 63, 600).

Actually, To me all those CL models make much more sense than a V12 Bi-Turbo 4-door Coupé.
CL500 is a comfortable GT with a powerful V8. CL 63, the sportier and more powerful "regular" AMG model. CL 600 the top-of-the-line luxury model with V12. The CL 65 will be the special limited AMG super-coupe for those who want to drive a car that has more power than they will ever need.

 

[Pagani]

We can go back and forth defending our own statements here--to each his own. I actually see where you guys are coming from.

In terms of the 63 engine application in the S and CL, my "pointless" comment refered to the fact that this engine is underpowered when compared to the "regular" 600 models, while not having any significant sporty advantages, as evidenced by a recent magazine test. For that type of vehicle class, the "special" AMG should have been the only AMG.

Now back to the CLS range. A CLS 65 AMG makes to me as much sense as the CL65 and S65. The sportier and lighter chasis makes it a very willing dancing partner, although here I agree the 63 does not fall short... Let me downshift my thoughts here and say that "shredding tires" kind of power makes more sense in the CLS than in the, say S 65, in my opinion.

I started this whole thread from my personal opinion that the CLS does look like the fastest vehicle in the mercedes line-up to me. Why not actually have it be in reality with the infusion of the top engine? If I am looking at getting a 600+ hp Mercedes four door, why can't I get one that looks the part to me? I would make me wary of spending $110k on a CLS 63, knowing that even my 78 year old neighbour lady would smoke my lights out in her 2007 S600 (not that I would ever get in a rubber-burning contest with dear old Nadine, EVER, but u see the necessary compromise in principle?)

And why do I have to get the S65 AMG to get such a four door, when an S600 is even more luxurious and more appropriate for the use my S Class would get?


I currently have an 05 S600 Sport and I doubt a 221 S 65 would offer me more (save for the obvious model ugrades) in terms of how I use the vehicle. Therefore, given my want for an MB AMG, I would have to shell out for the SL65 AMG in addition to my S600 (or eventual 221 equivalent). If CLS 65 was available, I would sell my S600 and not bother with the SL65, at least until the new SL is on the market.

Sorry for the lengthy post, guys.

P.S. For my taste, the only application I would accept with the 6.2L AMG engine would be an eventual SLK 63 with a proper manual transmission.