Mercedes CLS63 AMG | PH Auction Block
With good reason, M156-engined Mercedes are appreciating - time to see what the fuss is all about?
It’s hard to overstate the significance of the Mercedes CLS. No, really. And yes, even allowing for the fact that Mercedes-Benz doesn’t actually make one anymore. Because this first generation, the C219, was the genesis for the premium fastback coupe craze still popular more than 20 years later. The BMW Gran Coupes, the Audi Sportbacks and even the Porsche Panamera all owe some kind of debt to the productionised version of the Vision CLS concept in 2004.
Now it’s been so successful, it’s easy to see the CLS idea is a wonderfully simple one: take relatively humble underpinnings (in this case, the W211 E-Class) and present it much more sexily, with the more powerful engines and a swankier interior. Of course, that was always perceived as the drawback as well, because there were lots of E-Class in a car that cost more money - so why wouldn’t you just have the saloon? But the CLS, a bit like the AMG GT 4-door later on, always felt like more than the sum of its parts, something just that bit more special than a slinkier saloon.
And when one of those parts was the 6.2-litre, M156 V8, then something truly exceptional resulted. Again, the engine also went in the E-Class, but there remains something that bit extra about a CLS - particularly with rarity in its favour. The CLS63 AMG hails from that memorable time in the late '00s when Mercedes found room for this V8 in almost everything, from R-Class MPV to CLK convertible. Handily, the CLS is most definitely still one of the 6.2-litre cars you’d really want (not just appreciate for novelty value), and isn’t yet valued at tens of thousands of pounds (wait until you next see one of those R-Classes for sale).
This one has been with its current keeper for more than a decade, which is often a good sign of how well a car has wormed its way into the affections of its owner. If it wasn’t a joy to drive, if it cost an unreasonable amount to run or wasn’t dependable, then surely it would have gone from the driveway before now - there are alternatives, after all. But it’s stuck around, rumbling through a few thousand miles a year, sauntering through its MOT test and (we’ll assume) been lovely company in the process. How could it not be?
This particular CLS benefits from a custom stainless steel exhaust, a paint correction and coating a few years back, plus a sprint booster to further improve throttle response. So it should be one of the best-looking and best-sounding examples of a famously handsome, famously melodic AMG flagship. Certainly, it still cuts a dash all these years later, and the walnut trim inside means it’s not just a sea of black.
As always with these Teutonic muscle cars, you’ll want to consider having a contingency fund to keep a CLS 63 in fine fettle. (It should go without saying by now, but just in case: expensive cars get cheaper to buy, not to run.) The top rate of VED will apply, where some of the supercharged CLSes get away with less. And while the owner of this one has regularly changed the oil, you’ll probably want a big service documented for peace of mind. Then it’ll be time to start planning a trip somewhere far away and sunny, as there’s really nothing like a 6.2-litre AMG to road trip in.
It was bonkers fast, so can only imagine how quick this version is.
I had the later 500 with the 5.5 (388 bhp) and that was fairly rapid, nearly got a 55 but bailed out as going faster wasnt what it really needed. I always get to this point with fast barge type cars, they arent much good at the twisty stuff and their forte, which is sustained high speeds (120 mph plus) isnt really possible in the UK.
The CLS was a sensation when it came out but familiarity has bred contempt, however that looks very sharp, almost like they are coming into a sort of modern classic thing.
Can still get a CLS 55 for ten grand, maybe less, 469 bhp with tuning potential if more is required, seems like a lot of value there, I didnt find mine that bad to maintain. Word to the wise, 55 brakes are a hell of a lot cheaper than 63 brakes if costs are an issue.
I had the later 500 with the 5.5 (388 bhp) and that was fairly rapid, nearly got a 55 but bailed out as going faster wasnt what it really needed. I always get to this point with fast barge type cars, they arent much good at the twisty stuff and their forte, which is sustained high speeds (120 mph plus) isnt really possible in the UK.
The CLS was a sensation when it came out but familiarity has bred contempt, however that looks very sharp, almost like they are coming into a sort of modern classic thing.
Can still get a CLS 55 for ten grand, maybe less, 469 bhp with tuning potential if more is required, seems like a lot of value there, I didnt find mine that bad to maintain. Word to the wise, 55 brakes are a hell of a lot cheaper than 63 brakes if costs are an issue.
It was bonkers fast, so can only imagine how quick this version is.
I had the later 500 with the 5.5 (388 bhp) and that was fairly rapid, nearly got a 55 but bailed out as going faster wasnt what it really needed. I always get to this point with fast barge type cars, they arent much good at the twisty stuff and their forte, which is sustained high speeds (120 mph plus) isnt really possible in the UK.
The CLS was a sensation when it came out but familiarity has bred contempt, however that looks very sharp, almost like they are coming into a sort of modern classic thing.
Can still get a CLS 55 for ten grand, maybe less, 469 bhp with tuning potential if more is required, seems like a lot of value there, I didnt find mine that bad to maintain. Word to the wise, 55 brakes are a hell of a lot cheaper than 63 brakes if costs are an issue.
If the 55 was the 55k ( supercharged) engine there would be little or no difference.
That steering wheel would drive me mad, though.
That steering wheel would drive me mad, though.
It was bonkers fast, so can only imagine how quick this version is.
I had the later 500 with the 5.5 (388 bhp) and that was fairly rapid, nearly got a 55 but bailed out as going faster wasnt what it really needed. I always get to this point with fast barge type cars, they arent much good at the twisty stuff and their forte, which is sustained high speeds (120 mph plus) isnt really possible in the UK.
The CLS was a sensation when it came out but familiarity has bred contempt, however that looks very sharp, almost like they are coming into a sort of modern classic thing.
Can still get a CLS 55 for ten grand, maybe less, 469 bhp with tuning potential if more is required, seems like a lot of value there, I didnt find mine that bad to maintain. Word to the wise, 55 brakes are a hell of a lot cheaper than 63 brakes if costs are an issue.
If the 55 was the 55k ( supercharged) engine there would be little or no difference.
I almost bought one.... that was running shorter pulleys and over 600hp I believe.. Just brilliant
and sounded immense...If was to have one today.. it would deffo be the Supercharged 55
Owned almost 7 years, since 2019.
Fantastic car. Phenomenal power plant. Very responsive, sounds great, pulls like a train.
Has had gearbox oil cooler pipes, new Pirellis all round, refurbished power steering rack and all servicing done at the MB main dealer (never been serviced outside of the dealer network). Standard wear and tear / age-related maintenance.
Generally, very reliable - engine and gearbox are strong.
Goes without saying, it is thirsty - but you can get 300 miles from a tank. High road tax.
Currently at the body shop getting the front end resprayed.
It's a rare car, especially in this colour. You don't see many CLS 219 models on the road these days - let alone the AMG models.
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