Super CLS: Mercedes' new CLS55 AMG aims to spoil M5's party
AutoWeek
By GREG KABLE
Looking to spoil some of the new fourth-generation BMW M5’s glory, Mercedes-Benz has issued its first official photographs of its upcoming CLS55 AMG—before the base model has even hit the streets. The new super CLS is referred to by Mercedes as a coupe, but with conventional B-pillars it's more sedan.
Based around the same mechanical package as the E55, the CLS55 will be out to keep the new M5 honest with top shelf performance and features to match. Powering Stuttgart’s latest Bahnstormer is AMG’s supercharged 5.5-liter V8 delivering 476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes claims 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. The new car rides on a tuned version of Benz’s Airmatic DC air suspension and 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels shod with 255/40 ZR18 (front) and 285/35 ZR18 rubber. Further extending the standard CLS’s aggressive appearance is an AMG bodykit consisting of a deeper front apron with integrated fog lamps, unique grille insert with three silver elements, wider side sills and a reworked rear bumper with dual oval tailpipes.
The CLS55 is set to be unveiled at this September's Paris motor show and is scheduled to go on sale next January in Europe for about EURO81,000 (or about $100,000 at current exchange rates, before taxes). That's about the same time we expect to see the base-model CLS appear Stateside.
AutoWeek
By GREG KABLE
Looking to spoil some of the new fourth-generation BMW M5’s glory, Mercedes-Benz has issued its first official photographs of its upcoming CLS55 AMG—before the base model has even hit the streets. The new super CLS is referred to by Mercedes as a coupe, but with conventional B-pillars it's more sedan.
Based around the same mechanical package as the E55, the CLS55 will be out to keep the new M5 honest with top shelf performance and features to match. Powering Stuttgart’s latest Bahnstormer is AMG’s supercharged 5.5-liter V8 delivering 476 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque.
Mercedes claims 0-62 mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 155 mph. The new car rides on a tuned version of Benz’s Airmatic DC air suspension and 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels shod with 255/40 ZR18 (front) and 285/35 ZR18 rubber. Further extending the standard CLS’s aggressive appearance is an AMG bodykit consisting of a deeper front apron with integrated fog lamps, unique grille insert with three silver elements, wider side sills and a reworked rear bumper with dual oval tailpipes.
The CLS55 is set to be unveiled at this September's Paris motor show and is scheduled to go on sale next January in Europe for about EURO81,000 (or about $100,000 at current exchange rates, before taxes). That's about the same time we expect to see the base-model CLS appear Stateside.
