2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS63 AMG

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class acquires the CLS550 Sport package as standard equipment instead of an option. Otherwise, the CLS sees only minor feature changes.

Introduction

When the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class debuted for 2006, it shook the establishment with its four-door coupe designation. At the time, the oxymoron made as much sense as seeing "vegan veal" on a menu. But the concept has definitely caught on, as competing sedans with coupelike roof lines are becoming more and more commonplace. And it's easy to see why. The combination of a coupe's graceful, sweeping lines and the practicality of two extra doors holds specialized appeal.

As the progenitor of this composite coupe/sedan genre, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a great example of the advantages and drawbacks to this design. Most of the positive traits are related to styling, while the majority of its faults can be attributed to the compromises made in the name of style. As you can probably guess, the rear seat bears the brunt of this, with reduced headroom and difficult entry and egress.

The CLS has also typically offered more sporting driving dynamics than most of the other vehicles in the Mercedes lineup. But the company has made strides in designing its newest vehicles to be more dynamic, so the CLS no longer stands out in this regard. In addition, a redesigned 2012 model is waiting in the wings and will be introduced in May 2011. As expected, this next-generation car will be even more powerful and will refine the current car's attributes. Initial reports, however, note that rear headroom is still compromised.

For 2011, at least, there are a few other choices to think about if performance and dramatic styling are what you're after. The Porsche Panamera has a coupelike profile and very impressive performance, but it's more expensive and hampered by an overall look that's much more polarizing. You might also check out the Jaguar XF or XJ, both of which are sleekly styled and have plenty in the way of luxury and performance. But the CLS remains a pioneer for this class of car and is still worth consideration.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class consists of two models: the CLS550 and CLS63 AMG.

Standard equipment on the base CLS550 includes 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels with high-performance tires, a sunroof, an auto-dimming driver-side mirror, automatic wipers, an adaptive air suspension, front and rear foglamps, cruise control, four-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with shift paddles, 10-way power front seats with driver memory functions, leather upholstery, wood trim, Bluetooth, the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic and a 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo with a six-CD/DVD changer, satellite radio and HD radio.

The CLS63 AMG adds a more powerful V8, an AMG-tuned sport suspension, more powerful brakes, 19-inch wheels, more aggressive exterior styling, upgraded leather and faux suede upholstery, sport front seats and an iPod interface. Options exclusive to the CLS63 AMG include the AMG Performance package, which adds lightweight 19-inch forged-aluminum wheels, a limited-slip differential, track-calibrated suspension settings, a higher top speed (186 mph) and a sport steering wheel. The AMG Wheel and Sound package includes 19-inch forged light-alloy wheels and a 12-speaker, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system. Additional CLS63 options include interior trim that features carbon-fiber and faux suede.

The Premium 1 package is available on both models and includes adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with washers, a power trunk lid, keyless ignition/entry, a power rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats and an iPod interface (CLS550). Stand-alone options include 19-inch wheels, illuminated door sills, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Mercedes estimates the 0-60-mph sprint will take 5.4 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/21 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined.

The CLS63 AMG gets a 6.2-liter V8 that cranks out 507 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. An AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels. In Edmunds performance testing, the CLS63 went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 12/18/14 mpg.

Safety

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes with antilock brakes, stability control, active front head restraints, a driver knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags and the mbrace emergency telematics system. In Edmunds brake testing, the CLS63 came to a stop from 60 mph in 114 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

While the CLS's graceful arching roof line certainly gives it a stylish coupelike silhouette, it's not without a few drawbacks. The lower rear roof line makes rear-seat access tricky for 6-footers. Once inside, those taller folks will find a noticeable lack of headroom, but there is plenty of knee and shoulder room. The short windows make the CLS's cabin feel less airy than a typical sedan's, but compared to a traditional coupe, the CLS is legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely passable. Also, trunk capacity is a useful 15.9 cubic feet.

Unlike newer Mercedes models with their austere, angular surfaces, the CLS's dashboard is curvaceous. Textures and materials are up to Mercedes' normally high standards. Most interior functions are controlled via Mercedes' COMAND interface; however, while this version features the latest software and menu structure, it's saddled with the previous generation's four directional arrow buttons instead of the multipurpose knob found in newer models.

Driving Impressions

Though the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 is considered the base model CLS, its performance is far from pedestrian. The 382-hp V8 provides ample power and the car's handling is sharp without compromising ride quality. The CLS63 AMG, with its 6.2-liter V8, is geared toward the power-hungry enthusiast. It emits a seductive growl with every stomp of the accelerator and has higher handling limits thanks to its sport-tuned suspension. But you'll need to step up to the pricey AMG Performance package to approach the prowess of a Porsche Panamera.

2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C63 AMG

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is unchanged save for some shuffling of options and feature packages. A new pre-paid maintenance option debuts, while last year's Dynamic Handling package has been eliminated.

Introduction

Even those who don't know much about automobiles associate the three-pointed star with engineering excellence and superb construction. While it's true that Mercedes-Benz let quality slip at the beginning of the decade (largely due to electronics reliability), its current offerings show a return to the company's long-standing glory. A solid example would be the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which provides much of the luxury, performance and refinement of its large-size sedan siblings but in a more affordable package.

Within the C-Class lineup, buyers can choose from three very distinct versions of this compact sedan. The C300 Luxury offers a plush, quiet ride along with a few classic styling cues such as the traditional Mercedes grille with its stand-up hood ornament. The C300 Sport and C350 Sport models cater to the driving enthusiast with a firmer suspension, a Mercedes SL-style grille, LED running lights and darker wood accents within the cabin. The C63, Mercedes' answer to BMW's M3, is in another league altogether with its thundering 451-horsepower V8, ultra sport-tuned suspension and aggressively bolstered sport seats.

Whichever version you consider, the C-Class will impress you with excellent fit and finish, good build quality, user-friendly high-tech features and a refined ride (even the C63 is relatively comfy). The few demerits include the C300's acceleration, as this model's V6 is outgunned by a few rivals, notably the Audi A4's turbocharged four-cylinder. And the C-Class can be pricey alongside comparably equipped competitors such as the Infiniti G37 and Lexus IS. It's also worth noting that the BMW 3 Series offers a more involving drive for the enthusiast. Still, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class remains a shining star, offering luxury sport sedan intenders a well-rounded, well-regarded choice.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an entry-level luxury sedan available in four trim levels: C300 Sport, C300 Luxury, C350 Sport and C63 AMG.

The C300 models share the same engine and are both available with 4Matic all-wheel drive, but differ in exterior styling elements, interior trim, suspension tuning, front seat design and standard transmission.

Both C300 models come standard with 17-inch wheels (different designs, however), a sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way power front seats, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker stereo with a CD player, auxiliary audio jack and a pop-up 5-inch display screen. The Premium I package adds auto-dimming mirrors, a 10-way power driver seat, power driver lumbar support, driver memory functions, a power-adjustable steering wheel, automatic wipers, heated front seats, satellite radio, a power rear sunshade and a split-folding rear seat. A lighting package adds active xenon headlights with washers, LED running lights (standard on Sport version) and LED taillights.

The C350 Sport is essentially a C300 Sport with the Premium I package, a bigger V6 and black bird's-eye maple wood trim. The C63 AMG is equipped similarly, but ups the performance ante considerably with a V8 engine, firmer suspension, bigger brakes, 18-inch wheels, AMG interior and exterior sport cues, leather AMG sport seats and aluminum paddle shifters.

Opting for the Multimedia package gets you the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system (with real-time traffic updates), a six-CD changer, an iPod interface, 6GB of digital music storage and a bigger pop-up display. The AMG Seating package available on the C63 adds front memory seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel and upgraded leather upholstery. The AMG Development package available on the C63 adds 30 more horsepower, upgraded brakes, a limited-slip differential, a track-calibrated suspension, a higher top speed and leather/faux suede steering wheel.

This year brings a new prepaid maintenance option (not available on the C63, though) that covers maintenance requirements for 3 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first. Other stand-alone options include 18-inch wheels, a panorama sunroof (not available on C63), a rearview camera (requires Multimedia package), leather upholstery, heated front seats, keyless ignition/entry, satellite radio, the iPod interface and a premium Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo.

Powertrains and Performance

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 hp and 221 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment for the C300 Luxury and optional on the C300 Sport, which comes standard with a six-speed manual. Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is optional.

In Edmunds performance testing, the C300 Sport with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive drops these estimates to 18/25/20.

The C350 Sport gets a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and the seven-speed auto is the only drivetrain combo offered. The C350 did the 0-60 sprint in 6.3 seconds, which is off the pace of more potent competitors but still plenty quick. Estimated fuel economy is 17/25/20.

The C63 AMG gets a burly 6.2-liter V8 that delivers 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a seven-speed automatic with three different shift modes. In Edmunds testing, the C63 reached 60 mph in a scant 4.4 seconds. Fuel economy estimates are 12/19/15.

Safety

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with front side airbags, side curtain airbags, front-seat-mounted pelvic airbags, a driver knee airbag, active front head restraints, stability control, traction control and adaptive antilock brakes (that feature brake assist, brake drying, pre-pressure and hill-start assist). Rear side airbags are optional.

In government crash testing, the C-Class received four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for front and rear side protection. In testing done by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the C-Class received top marks, including a "Good" rating for frontal-offset, side impact and roof-strength tests.

Interior Design and Special Features

Just tugging on the door handle makes you feel as if you've cracked open an impenetrable vault. The C-Class's interior is beautifully crafted, though its austere ambience and angular design may convey a less luxurious feel to some. Opting for wood trim or a two-tone color scheme at least introduces a small amount of warmth.

The controls are straightforward for this class of car, and Mercedes' optional COMAND electronics interface is fairly easy to use. The iPod interface is particularly user-friendly.

Though the current-generation C-Class is bigger than previous editions, it's hardly the best choice for growing families. Some might find a child seat difficult to install in the narrow, bucketlike backseat positions, and the 12.4-cubic-foot trunk is on the small side.

Driving Impressions

In a straight line, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C300 and C350 won't set any records. But steering and handling are precise, and in terms of overall dynamics, the car measures up just fine compared to others in this segment. Despite their somewhat sporty character, the Sport variants are never harsh on the road and can tackle long road trips with ease. The C300 Luxury rides a little softer than the Sport model and has a quieter exhaust system, resulting in a more serene driving environment.

The C63 is a completely different species. Packing a ferocious V8, the C63 is the German equivalent to a muscle car. While not quite as tactile or agile as the BMW M3, the C63 responds to driver inputs with added sharpness and a degree of communication few Mercedes-Benz models have ever offered.

2011 Mercedes-Benz’s SL63 AMG

Outrageous. That’s just one good descriptive to use when discussing Mercedes-Benz’s SL63 AMG.

The SL63, along with its big brother twelve-cylinder SL65, used to be at the summit of the M-B mountaintop. That was until that young buck SLS AMG showed up. Is this AMG-stroked eight-cylinder plaything still worthy? Read on, as we take a look.

What is it?
Start with the princely SL body style that reeked of old money. You know the car. Attractive to the white-haired, gold chain set with the mouth full of sparkly veneers and a babe on his arm that made you question whether a girl so young would actually go out with a guy like this. Or was it simply a case of father-daughter date night? Err, that’s an awfully close paternal relationship.

Then something happened. The powers that be at Daimler let their AMG guys start to massage the beast, so to speak, drop a big honkin’ hand built V8 inside, add all sorts of other go-fast goodies and voila, a hard-top convertible rocket that can do a Jekyll and Hyde with the best of them.

This is not the first SL that AMG has had their hands on. But it is the latest iteration of the same.

What’s it up against?
Some heady competition. Domestically, there’s the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1. Visit Europe and the Jaguar XKR, Aston-Martin Vantage V8 and Porsche 911 Turbo, are just a few of the categorical combatants.

Any breakthroughs?
The breakthroughs occurred with the SL63’s introduction in 2009. There was no SL63 model for 2010 as Mercedes was concentrating on bringing the SLS AMG to market, and the content of the 2011 model is effectively unchanged for the new model year. The goods include a seven-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift Plus technology, mated to a hand built 6.3-liter (actually 6.208-liter – remember, always round up even when it doesn’t make sense) that shares nothing with any other Mercedes-built engine.

A two-stage resonance intake manifold helps with the SL63’s audio track to spit out a positively intoxicating gurgle that sounds as though it comes from under the hood, and out of the rear mounted twin exhaust tips, at the same time. A four-wheel independent active suspension even causes the AMG to hunker down while at speed.

How does it look?
The SL63 AMG looks like a totally evolved descendent of the 300SL of the late 1950s. Now with sharply creased bodywork, it features a new contemporary look and feel that although not overly flashy, still displays to those in the know that this is truly a special vehicle.

Special side gills designate this as a ’63 as opposed to a standard SL550, while a wide-open front grille area sucks up whatever air it can to help keep the big V8 cool. A subtle rear spoiler helps with downforce at speed, and the big, bad-assed 19-inch forged alloy wheels assist with the grip. Ground effects side skirts link the front of the car to the rear, where a specialized AMG rear end with diffuser flaps now makes up the rear fascia.

The world’s fastest convertible roadster roof can stow in the trunk in 16 seconds. But beware: Driving with the roof down does have a price. The stowed hardtop sucks up about thre cubic feet of storage space, going from 10.2 to 7.2 cubic feet.

And on the inside?
Two of the best driver and passenger seats found in a car live here. With multi-adjustable controls, the SL63’s chairs can cinch the side bolsters, adjust lumbar support, recline, raise, lower, heat and ventilate, and even more. Beside all of that, it offers active massage functions as well, which relieves lower back fatigue on long trips.

Leather stitched covering over the dashboard area, and Alcantara roofliner and A-pillar covers set off the ultra luxurious surroundings. The two-gauge binnacle features an AMG branded Speedometer and Tachometer for quick reference. The center stack houses the new and improved in-car entertainment/navigation system, which now includes HD terrestrial radio functions as well as Sirius Satellite Radio, and an SDHC memory card slot to introduce MP3 files into the system for custom playlists. Cubbyholes, and storage bins abound, and a small storage shelf resides behind the seats. A noise baffle is folded out of the way but is easily moved into place should you care for conversation with your top-down motoring.

Beyond that, the center console house all the ride control buttons and the shift lever with slap-shift functionality, should you decide to forego the use of the aluminum paddle shifters mounted to the steering wheel. A rotary dial with detents for Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus and manual ride control sits at the top of the console. Buttons that control shocks and an “AMG Setting,” which puts the car into a total high performance mode with launch control, stiffer shock settings and a remap of the shift points come next. And finally are buttons that control ride height to raise the car when traversing over steeply raked driveways. The control for the convertible hardtop sits at the very back of the console, out of the way of any accidental bumping by arms until the control is actually needed.

Naturally, everything is screwed together with precision and no material is anything short of luxurious. As it should be at this price.

But does it go?
Does Pope Benedict XVI hail from the Fatherland? Of course he does. This SL63 goes, and goes fast. A hand-built (“one man, one engine”) 6.3-liter V8 produces 518-horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. With a two-stage resonance intake manifold to assist with the air induction, it obviates the need for turbos on this engine. Not that there’s anything wrong with them. But in the process you get the added bonus of the audible, low-range growl that grows to an absolutely intoxicating brrrapp as you squeeze the loud pedal.

Power gets to the rear wheels by way of a seven-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission with AMG Speedshift Plus. Giving instantaneous shifts through the aluminum paddle shift levers or the slapstick function of the gearshift, the result is magical. Especially when upshifting through the Sport, Sport Plus, or Manual modes, the engine gives off the always-satisfying sound of subtle backpressure “pops” while banging through the gears. On the downshift side of the equation, there is a kickdown function that shifts directly from seventh to fourth gear, or from fifth to seventh. All the while, computerized rev-matching is occurring to cause virtually “load-free” (no jerking) downshifting, in the words of Mercedes-Benz.

Launch control is also in place for track day jaunts to ensure full throttle launches. Through a combination of depressing the ESP Sport Switch, standing on the brakes, flipping the upshift paddle, flooring the accelerator, and finally releasing the brake, the car launches at full acceleration. The SL63 registers a zero to 60-mph time of 4.5 seconds, with top speed electronically capped at 155 mph.

Ride control is handled by automatic four-wheel level control, with driver selectable height adjustment. The suspension at both ends is handled by multi-link hardware with gas shocks, and coil springs in series with hydraulic cylinders.

The result is a roadster that sticks like glue and, as we mentioned previously, likes to suck itself down to the asphalt while at speed. We found on our test loop through that the SL just loved to cruise at speeds above 80 mph. We know that exceeds the speed limit in most neighborhoods, but we can’t help it. Quick, direct steering led us through the turns at high speed, with no untoward behavior at all.

So this is why the rich look so happy. It’s not just artificial surgery-enhanced grins.

Why you would buy it:
Sure, it costs a pretty penny, but when comparing it to other cars that you would have to tweak to achieve this level of performance, few are even able to come close.

Why you wouldn’t:
Because Friday night is cruising night at the local ice cream shop, you just had your gold chains polished and the Corvette detailed.

Leftlane’s bottom line:
Overall the SL63 is the perfect combination of looks, technology, luxury, and performance all mixed together. Fuel mileage is a meager 12/19, but if you have the Simoleans to afford the SL63 in the first place, gas prices be damned.

Only the positively earth-moving 604-horse SL65 will impress the neighbors more, but mainly because it adds a staggering $60,000 to the SL63 AMG’s base price.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG base price, $139,050. As tested, $141,060.
Panoramic roof, $2,010; Premium 1 Package, $3,150; Gas guzzler tax, $2,600; Destination, $875.

2011 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

We never thought we would see another gullwing from Mercedes after a 55-year absence, but it's here, a coupe capable of taking on almost any sports car in the world. 

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is the first product designed, engineered, and developed from the ground up by AMG, the high-performance division of the company, which up to now has provided engine, brake, and suspension system upgrades, but never a complete car. The new SLS AMG was a clean-sheet design, sharing only a few small interior pieces with any of the other cars in the Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG stable. The SLS AMG competes in the super sports car segment, against the Bentley Continental Supersport, Porsche 911 Turbo, Audi R8, and Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin. 

The SLS AMG is built like no other Mercedes-Benz in history, with a combination of 146 pieces of aluminum sheet, 16 castings, 46 welded extrusions, weldments, and extensive use of rivet-and-bond joints, magnesium and carbon fiber. The SLS AMG is only 4 percent steel, and every single fastener on the car is made of aluminum. 

The layout is front mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, with an aluminum chassis and a torque tube or spine running down the center of the car, enclosing a carbon-fiber driveshaft that spins at crankshaft speed and feeds into a rear-mounted AMG 7-speed double-clutch automatic transaxle. 

The SLS AMG certainly recalls the dimensions and proportions of the 300 SL Gullwing, but it is a much bigger car, because it has to be. There were no government dictates for automobiles in 1954, but in 2011 the new Gullwing will have to meet literally dozens of mandates for European, American, Japanese, Chinese and other markets, from safety to emissions to fuel mileage. 

For instance, where the original Gullwing had very simple side glass, door latches and hinges, the SLS has power locks, power mirrors and power windows, and the gullwing doors actually include pyrotechnic or explosive bolts that will literally blow the doors open in the event of a rollover accident so that occupants can get out. The SLS has to pass front, rear, side, offset, pole impact and rollover crash standards and has safety bumpers and air bags to package as well, so it had to be bigger. 

Living with the new SLS AMG requires some patience and a few concessions here and there. Like the old 300 SL Gullwings, the new car isn't easy to get into, requiring caution around the raised door, a butt-first entry followed by gathering the legs in one at a time. The steering wheel on the new one doesn't flip up out of the way, but the steering column has a power tilt-and-telescope feature that you can adjust all the way in and down every time you leave it parked so that entry and exit are easier. 

To drive this new Gullwing coupe is to enjoy automotive performance at the very highest level. It has incredibly quick throttle response, immense power and torque available, a unique 7-speed double-clutch automatic transmission that shifts fast and hard, a power delivery system coupled to quick, sure steering, and race-quality suspension that doesn't beat you up with its stiffness. For those who can afford this kind of beautiful supercar, the rewards will be prodigious, and the resale value should be fantastic, because there won't be many of these cars imported.