Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2013-...photo-5853952/


Rather than fuss with the seemingly pedestrian, entry-level Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, starting at just $116,205, we recently straightened our tie and climbed right into the burly flagship at the other end of the CL-Class range – the most exclusive entry behind the velvet ropes that goes by the name CL65 AMG.

With a price of $214,105, the bad-boy of big Benzes soars in rarified air – the same stratosphere occupied by Aston Martin and Bentley. Like the S65 AMG, its sedan sibling, the coupe is fitted with a handcrafted 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 that delivers 621 horsepower and a mind-boggling 738 pound-feet of torque. Mirroring the sedan, the CL65 is also equipped with the automaker's robust five-speed "AMG Speedshift" automatic transmission sending power to just the rear wheels. Loaded with nearly every option in the automaker's arsenal, but all fitted as standard equipment, the four-place cabin is a cocoon that keeps its occupants isolated from the outside world while coddling them with the world's finest upholstery and trim. The CL65 AMG is elegant, spectacular and very exclusive.

Driving Notes

• The V12 engine provides thrust levels that are more common to small jets. Despite the large displacement, there is slight turbo lag as the turbochargers build up their 22 psi of boost. Once pressure hits, a fraction of a second later, the driver plays spectator to a ferocious battle between the engine and electronic traction control system as the 4,940-pound coupe launches to 60 miles per hour in about 4.2 seconds. Triple digits on the electronic display arrive effortlessly and its passing power leaves everyone giggling. The engineers have restricted its terminal velocity to only 186 mph, apparently to prevent it from going into orbit.
• Mercedes calls the CL65's Active Body Control (ABC) underpinnings "arguably the most advanced suspension in production" as its hydraulic systems actively control squat, roll, vibration, pitch and dive during maneuvers - it even mitigates the effects of crosswinds. Despite its AMG-calibration, and a near lack of body roll, the suspension never felt harsh or rough. Truth be told, it was actually much softer and more comfortable than we had expected it to be.
• Twin-sliding front calipers, over 15.4-inch perforated rotors (the holes are cast in place), provide confident levels of stopping power and look great inside the forged 20-inch wheels. The high-performance tires are 255/35R20 front and 275/35R20 rear, with wide contact patches that contribute to stability. Those meaty rubbers are needed to keep the heavy coupe planted on the pavement, but noise from the tires annoyingly permeates the cabin on certain road surfaces.
• Four adults will fit comfortably inside the CL65 AMG. Front passengers have an enormous amount of room to stretch out, but backseat passengers will need those up front to move forward a bit for the most comfortable accommodations. We marveled at the fit and finish, but would pass on the slick steering wheel and gloss black trim in favor of carbon fiber or wood.
• The CL65 AMG feels more athletic and slightly more nimble than the strapping Bentley Continental GT, but not as agile and spry as the smaller and lighter Aston Martin DB9. The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a better four-passenger vehicle than both of its competitors, but its discreet badging may not warrant the same attention from an ignorant valet - lest it be confused with a visually similar CL550 – possibly damaging a fragile ego.

http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/2...benz-cl65-amg/

Aron9000

Man, I guess Benz prices these things because people will pay them. Is this worth $100,000 more than the base car at $215,000. HELL NO!!!!

For that type of $$$$, you better be looking at an Aston Martin DB9, Lambo Gallardo,McLaren MP4-12C or Ferrari 458 Italia. All of those range in price from about 200-250k depending on options, and man they are a lot more thrilling of a ride. Plus they don't suffer the brutal depreciation of the Benz. Hell the Audi R8 v10 looks like a relative bargin vs the top line CL65 AMG, it starts at 180k vs 214k for the Benz.

Vladi

This car is for MB enthusiasts only and that's ok but whole CL line depreciates like your favorite Jaguar. You can get used CL550 in a very good shape in high 30s or you can grab CL63 in high 40s. Amazing value if you are ok of being ripped off on service and maintance no matter where you go

geko29

I thought they were retiring the CL nomenclature in favor of returning to the S-class coupe, like they did with the E?

Sounds like fun though, I may have to pick one up in 2016 for $40k

TangoRed

They are when the next-generation car comes out.

rogers2

Like most things in life most people can’t understand things or appreciate things until they own it. Better yet afford it. A CL65 is the boss. Any one that can purchase a new CL65 probably can purchase an Aston Martin DB9, Lambo Gallardo, McLaren MP4-12C or Ferrari 458 Italia or whatever. But neither of the cars mentions above has half of the luxury/features a CL65 offer. If you’re looking for more sport MB has other cars in its lineup you can purchase.
While look for my last car it was between a CL550 and Aston Martin DB9. Off the topic the DB9 was spectacular looks wise but compare to the CL luxury and amenities it was terrible. The Nav look like it was made in 1995. Plus every time I went to the dealership there were someone new complaining about service. One guy was telling me it usually takes one month just to get a part. Good luck to those people purchasing a CL for 30k if it’s such thing. I wouldn’t touch one without a warranty. A minor ABC repair can cost you 1650.00.

Despite that my next car probaly would be an Aston!

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

You gotta hand it to Mercedes. From "base" $29K* CLA/A/B's all the way up to over $200K mark AMGs. MBZ knows how to cover their bases

KillaIS250

iTrader: (1)

Agreed! I've seen some beautiful CL/CLS models selling used for a fraction of their brand new cost.
If I ever got one I would just wait till a used one went up for sale and save more then half!

LexFather

5,027 lbs of hot sex

geko29

So you'd spend a guaranteed extra $180k to avoid the possibility of having to spend $1.7k. While that's certainly your right, don't make it out like people who make the opposite choice are somehow foolish as a result.

rogers2

People can choose to purchase used or new imo. After own two CL's, I can say you can't ball for long for cheap. Eventually you’re going have to pay the piper. Any car over a 100k is going to cost you via service and maintenance wise. If you want cheap service/maintenance purchase a Honda or Toyota.

After owning my little IS250 I have come to understand that Lexus service is not as cheap as I thought.

As far as the other cars mention I luv every last one. I was just trying to make the statement that the CL is in a different category. I feel the CL offer more luxury than those cars mention but less sport. Honestly if I had money like that I probably would purchase a Ferrari. Despite how much the maintenance and service is going to cost me.
By all means I don't find those people foolish. Purchase a CL65 for daily driving and a Ferrari for the weekend.

DONT SLEEP

iTrader: (8)

For those wondering why someone would purchase a CL65 over a Lamborghini / Ferrari / Aston Martin... well for one, the CL65 can be driven daily. It's not as high maintenance as the other cars and there are Mercedes dealerships everywhere that will work on them. Not to mention it's just as fast if not faster than those other cars too with the ability to carry some extra passengers. One last thing... most people might not see it this way, but this car draws a lot less attention. Some people really don't want the lime green lamborghinis or the bright red ferraris... they just want to blend into the crowd and have something that makes them happy but not going to draw teenagers coming to the parking lot posing next to their car.

Would I pay $215k for a CL65?... definitely not, but I can see how some people come to the decision. To each his own!