2014 Mercedes Benz CLS63 AMG 4matic

The logic is pretty simple. Adding more power is useless unless sufficient traction is available to get it to the ground. That’s AMG’s thinking at least, and for 2014 the North American-bound CLS63 AMG four-door “coupe” gets the same all-wheel-drive system and power enhancements as those added to the previously announced 2014 E63 AMG four-door sedan. Little surprise, as the CLS, after all, is little more than a rebodied E-class; under the surface, the cars are virtually identical.

For the 2014 model year, the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 rises in output from 518 horsepower to 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque, which was also the 2013 rating with the optional performance package. But on top of that, there now is an "S" version, which increases power output to 575 horsepower and torque to 590 lb-ft by raising boost pressure from 13.0 to 14.5 psi. Maximum torque is available in a broad range from 1750 rpm to 5250 rpm (up to “just” 5000 rpm on the S). As with the E63 AMG, the CLS63 AMG is governed at 155 mph (or 186 mph on the S), which still keeps a respectful distance to the car's full capabilities. The regular model goes from zero to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, and the S shaves that a hair to 3.6 seconds.