Mercedes CLS Type 219 63 AMG - 2009

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG (C219, 2006–2010) was the wildest take on the first-ever “four‑door coupé.” The original CLS (Type 219) arrived in 2004 after the 2003 Vision CLS concept stunned audiences, and it effectively created a new segment by draping E‑Class hardware in a low, sensuous body with just four seats. AMG first offered the supercharged CLS 55, then upped the ante in 2006 with the naturally aspirated M156 6.2‑litre V8, badged “63” in homage to the classic 300 SEL 6.3. Officially it produced 514 PS (507 hp) and 630 Nm, paired to AMG’s SPEEDSHIFT 7G‑TRONIC and rear‑wheel drive.

Period road tests loved the engine’s thunder and reach to a 7,200 rpm redline, with 0–100 km/h claims of 4.5 s and independent figures often in the mid‑4s. The trade‑off for the swoopy roof was tight rear headroom and a strictly four‑seat cabin; critics also noted the 7‑speed auto wasn’t as razor‑sharp as dual‑clutch rivals that would appear later. Still, the AMG‑tuned AIRMATIC/ADS chassis, huge brakes and fat rear rubber made the CLS 63 a rapid, long‑legged GT that could monster an autobahn yet cruise with panache.

Competition was peculiar because the CLS had few like‑for‑like rivals at launch. Buyers cross‑shopped E60 BMW M5s and later C6 Audi RS6s, while Maserati’s Quattroporte appealed to the romantic set. Porsche’s Panamera (2009) and later BMW’s 6‑Series Gran Coupé ultimately validated Mercedes’ vision. The 2008 facelift brought LED daytime running lamps, a tidier bumper/grille treatment, a new steering wheel and infotainment updates, plus subtle chassis tweaks.

As a halo, the CLS shape spawned some of the era’s most outrageous tuner specials. The Brabus Rocket (W219‑based, using a twin‑turbo V12) set a saloon‑car top‑speed record at Nardò in 2006, underlining the platform’s high‑speed stability. AMG’s own Performance Studio offered larger 19‑inch wheels, beefier brakes, a mechanical limited‑slip differential in some markets, and tasteful carbon trim. Popular aftermarket paths included freer‑flowing exhausts/headers and ECU work (Renntech, Kleemann, Brabus B63 kits), brake and tyre upgrades, and a proper LSD to tame traction. Enthusiasts also note the early M156 engines had head‑bolt/camshaft updates during production—well‑maintained cars with documented remedial work are prized.

In media, the CLS became a design darling: Top Gear famously lauded the original CLS for its looks, many magazines calling it one of the best‑looking saloons of its time. Celeb garages and glossy adverts cemented its image as the stylish alternative to a traditional super‑saloon. By the time production ended in 2010 (before the C218 successor), the CLS 63 AMG had not only proven the “four‑door coupé” concept worked—it made it fast, loud and unforgettable.