2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Highlights

• Hand-built 6.2-litre naturally aspirated M156 V8 with builder's signature plaque
• In current ownership for eleven years
• Professional paint correction and Gtechniq ceramic coating applied in 2021
• Custom stainless steel exhaust centre and rear sections fabricated in 2016
• Long MOT

Overview

The C219 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was the first generation of the CLS-Class range of four-door coupe, produced between 2003 and 2010. Put simply, before the Audi A7, before the BMW Gran Coupe, before any of them, there was this. It was the first model globally to introduce this four-door coupe style and VAG followed with the Volkswagen CC model in 2008 and the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 in 2009. The CLS didn't so much enter a market segment as invent one.

And while the standard CLS variants were compelling in their own right, the boys at Affalterbach had grander plans. The M156 is the first automobile V8 engine designed autonomously by Mercedes-Benz subsidiary Mercedes-AMG, as previous AMG engines have always been based on original Mercedes engines. That's the engine sitting under the bonnet of this car: a 6.2-litre, naturally aspirated V8 with genuine motorsport lineage. Each AMG engine is hand-assembled one at a time by an expert craftsman at Mercedes-AMG in Affalterbach, Germany. Mercedes-AMG follows a philosophy of "one man, one engine," which means that a single technician - identified by the signature plate affixed to the engine - is responsible for the complete assembly of an AMG high-performance engine from start to finish. Open this car's bonnet and you'll find that signature plaque still present which provides a tangible link to the individual who built this very V8.

Paired with the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, the CLS 63 AMG could sprint from 0-62 mph in 4.5 seconds, then go to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The engine was more responsive than the supercharged unit it replaced, delivering a more linear powerband. Even now, those figures and that character command serious respect.

This 2007 example wears Obsidian Black over black leather with Alcantara inserts and has been with its current keeper for eleven years. Considered modifications reveal an enthusiast's touch: K&N performance air filter, Sprint Booster throttle response enhancer, and custom stainless steel exhaust sections fabricated in 2016 that retain the original AMG tailpipes. A professional paint correction and Gtechniq ceramic coating in 2021 speaks to ongoing investment in preservation. Three keys, the original Mercedes document wallet, complete owner's manual set, and COMAND instructions all accompany the car.

With its segment-defining silhouette, hand-built V8, and the kind of long-term ownership you rarely find, this is a CLS 63 AMG that looks very tempting indeed. And as the M156 is AMG's last V8 naturally aspirated engine ever produced, that makes it all the more worth your attention.

History and documentation

• First registered 7th September 2007
• Four former keepers
• Stamped service book with entries as follows: May 2008 @ 8,627 miles, Jun 2009 @ 21,028 miles, Aug 2010 @ 23,668 miles, Aug 2011 @ 26,165 miles
• The seller advises that he has had annual oil changes but has not kept a formal record of them
• Custom stainless steel exhaust fabrication invoice dated June 2016 @ 49,605 miles
• Professional paint correction and Gtechniq ceramic coating estimate dated February 2021
• V5C present in keeper's name
• Original Mercedes document wallet with owner's manual and COMAND APS instructions
• Collection of MOT certificates
• Three keys
• HPI clear
• ULEX compliant
• MOT until 19th February 2027
• 68,720 miles
• The private plate is not included in the sale and an age-appropriate plate will be applied prior to hand over

Interior

• Black leather and Alcantara upholstery with embroidered AMG logos on front seat backs presents well for its mileage
• Driver's seat bolster shows light wear; no splits or damage observed
• Aftermarket carbon fibre and Alcantara steering wheel with red 12 o'clock marker fitted; Alcantara sections exhibit moderate wear on lower portions
• Burr walnut trim extends across the dashboard and centre console and is in good condition
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Factory COMAND infotainment with integrated navigation
• Dual-zone climate control with physical buttons and rotary dials
• Electric memory seats with heating and ventilation
• Panoramic glass sunroof fitted
• Headlining in good condition
• The vendor tells us all electrics and switchgear are in full working order
• Boot space is tidy with Mercedes-branded umbrella and cargo net present

Exterior

• Obsidian Black metallic paintwork (colour code 197) presents with good gloss and depth following a professional paint correction and Gtechniq ceramic coating in 2021
• The vendor tells us there's no damage or scratches to the bodywork
• "6.3 AMG" chrome wing badges confirm specification on both front wings
• 19-inch AMG twin five-spoke alloy wheels with "AMG" branding on spoke faces; minor kerbing marks present on rim lips
• Bridgestone Potenza tyres fitted; the vendor reports adequate tread remaining
• Cross-drilled brake discs visible behind all four wheels
• Bi-xenon headlights with projector lenses appear clear with no hazing
• Rear light clusters clear with no cracks or moisture ingress
• Quad rectangular AMG exhaust tips in good condition
• AMG-specific front bumper with mesh lower intake and integrated fog lights
• Boot-mounted lip spoiler present
• Frameless door windows – a CLS signature
• Chrome window surrounds intact throughout; no obvious lifting or discolouration
• Rear parking sensors fitted
• No obvious signs of corrosion at wheelarch edges or visible body panels
• Underside inspection reveals intact undertrays, solid floor pans, and only light surface oxidation on exposed exhaust heat shields – consistent with age and use

Mechanical

• 6.2-litre (6,208cc) naturally aspirated M156 V8 producing 514 bhp and 465 lb ft of torque, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph
• Power sent to the rear wheels via AMG's Speedshift 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, featuring faster shifts, rev-matched downshifts, and a manual mode operated via aluminium paddles
• Rear-wheel drive
• 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds
• AMG-tuned Airmatic DC suspension offering continuously variable damping and selectable modes for comfort or sport
• "Handcrafted by" AMG builder's plaque visible on engine cover
• Engine bay presents tidily with no visible fluid leaks on upper components
• K&N performance air filter fitted
• Sprint Booster throttle response enhancer installed
• Custom stainless steel centre and rear exhaust sections fabricated in 2016; original AMG tailpipes retained
• The vendor tells us that a new battery has been recently fitted
• Rear differential and transmission appear dry upon visual inspection
• The seller notes that the tyre pressure monitoring sensors have been removed
• The vendor tells us the car starts, runs, and drives with no known mechanical faults

Summary

There's something about an atmospheric V8 that no amount of forced induction can replicate. That immediate throttle response, that mechanical crescendo as the revs build, that sense of direct connection between your right foot and the crankshaft. The M156 was the first V8 designed autonomously by Mercedes-AMG, and as these naturally aspirated powerplants become scarcer in a turbocharged world, the cars that carry them are earning a fresh kind of appreciation.

This particular CLS 63 AMG comes from long-term single ownership and features some choice upgrades. At under 4,000 miles per annum on average, it's been used regularly enough to stay healthy but sparingly enough to stay well-preserved. In all, it’s a four-door coupe pioneer with a hand-built V8 being sold by an enthusiast keeper. There's a lot to like here.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Rainham, Kent.