CLS 63 or BMW F10 M5 ?

[c63edition1]

as the title says, thinking of switching .. obviously will want to tune in some time. Input please

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[shauni]

I agree a very hard one to choose, the amg is a lot of fun as you would know with yours.. but i really think the M5 is amazing, must test them both.. i think the M5 is a bit more technical..

[I am Jeff]

According the the reviews, the F10 M5 isn't all that great. The TTe63 beat it out in a recent Car and Driver comparison. So I would go CLS63

[natman316]

I wouldnt get the F10 just because it has synthesized exhaust sounds in the stereo LOL. I cant live with a car like that. I like my naturally aspirated and naturally loud v8s.

I like the CLS more than the M5 styling wise also. but now E63 is really growing on me. I'd think I'd go E63 over CLS 63

[LuisC55AMG]

Originally Posted by I am Jeff

According the the reviews, the F10 M5 isn't all that great. The TTe63 beat it out in a recent Car and Driver comparison. So I would go CLS63

That's right, the E63 kicked the M5's butt on the Chassis and Engine categories. Amazing how things have changed on the latest 5 years. BMW M was always the brand that emphasize the lateral agility and the "fun to drive" factor. AMG's were designed only for straights (no offense, but this was the truth). Now we have an M5 so soft that BMW had to mimic the exhaust sound via speakers and the AMG's are more fun to drive than ever before...

[natman316]

Originally Posted by LuisC55AMG

That's right, the E63 kicked the M5's butt on the Chassis and Engine categories. Amazing how things have changed on the latest 5 years. BMW M was always the brand that emphasize the lateral agility and the "fun to drive" factor. AMG's were designed only for straights (no offense, but this was the truth). Now we have an M5 so soft that BMW had to mimic the exhaust sound via speakers and the AMG's are more fun to drive than ever before...

yeah i remember reading a review of M6 vs SL63 and the M6 was winning in style and interior while the SL was winning in handling dynamics and fun...wtf!

[dbasons55]

CLS63 is the way to go especially if you are going to tune your ride, it's more tuner friendly and pays off more performance than an M5 would. A friend of mine sold his M5 F10 and bought a CLS 63 after he test drove my car.

[Vic55]

You posted on a benz site so the responses will be biased. And most if not all posters here have not driven the F10 let alone owned one. Its not even available stateside- yet.

I have a CLS63TT with a tune and agree that the aftermarket mods available are more prevalent- especially your tuning options. The larger displacement engine along with a tune will help the 5.5 shine since it has about a 1 liter advantage over the F10. Stock vs Stock is a very close race based on many mags and some recent vids. I like the CLS looks better as its more aggressive whereas the F10 maintains a more subtle approach.

The exhaust note on the M157 is excellent and a resonator removal makes it even better sounding. But I still want to see how the F10 drives. I have had 6 AMGs and 4 M's and the driving experience for me has been more involving with the M cars. Generally the handling and steering along with throttle feel as always impressed me. But the M157 is an amazing engine and thats why I got the CLS and E63. Match that up with AMG dumping the airmatic up front and adding steel springs and you get a better driving experience with the Benz vs older models to the likes of the W211 E55. One arena where the F10 will beat the Benz without a doubt is the Tranny. The DCT aka PDK in Pcars is world class- so efficient and fast. It allows more power to the ground and the shift speeds truly allow a less hp car to make up ground. Im on my 3rd DCT car and would hope Benz would consider this in their M157's in the future.

Ill probably consider the F10... why? Because I already have the CLS and want to see what M brings to the table in regards to a TQ monster where they have always been behind. We know AMG has crossed the gap in handling so lets see if M has done it with TQ.

[c63edition1]

^ very nice an detailed .. i am a benz guy in the end, the M5 is cheaper though and probably has newer electronics, my dealership has a used 2012 for 95k, with 9900 miles and no performance package, i can negotiate the price ofcourse .. should i consider a used or will the 2013 be way different ?
as for sound, i don't expect any car to sound like my car right now :P
and btw
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You Tube

You Tube

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by c63edition1

^ very nice an detailed .. i am a benz guy in the end, the M5 is cheaper though and probably has newer electronics, my dealership has a used 2012 for 95k, with 9900 miles and no performance package, i can negotiate the price ofcourse .. should i consider a used or will the 2013 be way different ?
as for sound, i don't expect any car to sound like my car right now :P
and btw

95k is heavy for a non PP car or even for a PP car IMHO with 10k miles... you are talking CLS right?

A nicely appointed M5 on the buildsite is about 105k- a far cry from my CLS at 116k (sticker).

The 2013 CLS is not changed much- a few more color options and a B and O stereo add for some stupid amount of money (6k plus).

[_AMG_]

Originally Posted by Vic55

You posted on a benz site so the responses will be biased. And most if not all posters here have not driven the F10 let alone owned one. Its not even available stateside- yet.

+1
Ask the same question on M5Board and you will get the exact opposite answer.

[c63edition1]

LOOL

[otakki]

Definitely turned off by M5's synthetic engine sound. Indeed, the DCT is probably the only thing M5 has over the 63.

[shchow]

I am also considering the same 2 cars when my current lease is up.
I read the Car and Driver article as well and not sure how much weight to give it since it gave the S6 the win?!
The only thing that gives me pause about the M5 is the exhaust note as already mentioned.
I think price wise they will be pretty close.
One of my partners just ordered 2013 CLS63 loaded with PP/LSD/wheels with build date starting 7/2012 list for 110k, he got it for 98k.
I think the sheer fact that he already ordered the CLS would sway me towards the M5, so we don't show up with the same dress...

[TEKZILLA]

Originally Posted by natman316

I wouldnt get the F10 just because it has synthesized exhaust sounds in the stereo LOL. I cant live with a car like that. I like my naturally aspirated and naturally loud v8s.

I like the CLS more than the M5 styling wise also. but now E63 is really growing on me. I'd think I'd go E63 over CLS 63

Agree, this just seems like such a ****..

IMO M5 looks a lot better than CLS63 (don't hate me!!!)

[CoolBDPhenom03]

Originally Posted by c63edition1

^ very nice an detailed .. i am a benz guy in the end, the M5 is cheaper though and probably has newer electronics, my dealership has a used 2012 for 95k, with 9900 miles and no performance package, i can negotiate the price ofcourse .. should i consider a used or will the 2013 be way different ?
as for sound, i don't expect any car to sound like my car right now :P
and btw
\/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zsApdoO-IU

Wow, I was not expecting the Porsche to finish last.

[vmx128]

Here are my thoughts:

CLS63 Pros:

Better sound - Not quite as good as the 6.2L NA, but should be better than the M5
More torque with PP - 590lb-ft vs ~500
Potentially Faster than the M5 in a straight line, especially with PP

M5 Pros:

DCT Transmission - much better than the MCT!
Handling - An assumption, but I would expect nothing less from an M car
Interior - Cleaner, better LCD screen. But looks are subjective.
Exclusivity - At least for some time. Though the new M5 looks a bit too plain, so you will have a somewhat boring looking "exclusive" car.

Even though I love the CLS63 and I'm clearly an AMG fan, I would go for the M5 because it is an iconic and historically significant car, and it will be much more exclusive for a year or two.

In the end, drive both cars and pick the one your heart points at. You shouldn't buy such cars based on numbers, specs, comparisons and the opinions of others. Buy it based on the feelings it evokes when you sit in it and grab the steering wheel, fire up the engine, and take it for that first drive. Don't let us convince you one way or the other.

Good luck!

[hyperion667]

Originally Posted by otakki

Definitely turned off by M5's synthetic engine sound. Indeed, the DCT is probably the only thing M5 has over the 63.

what??

synthetic sound??? WTF bmw????

that would make my choice right there.......unless the bmw sprouted wings and flies!

[Vic55]

Originally Posted by otakki

Definitely turned off by M5's synthetic engine sound. Indeed, the DCT is probably the only thing M5 has over the 63.

Its fuse 250 on the board (or something close) pull it and bam the sound is gone. Im hearing/reading from actually owners across the pond that the sound is great from the engine itself (sucks that I had to just type that no??)

Ill reserve judgement when I drive one in 3 months.

[shauni]

i see everyone is knocking the sound on the m5, but! i actually heard the m5 floor it down the road, and yes it doesnt sound as great at the amg's but in person the sound isnt that bad!

[Bones]

Originally Posted by shauni

i see everyone is knocking the sound on the m5, but! i actually heard the m5 floor it down the road, and yes it doesnt sound as great at the amg's but in person the sound isnt that bad!

I agree. Had a encounter with the M6 veret on the freeway a couple of weks ago. He nailed at a roll from about 70 mph, made a nice roar. I was surprised considering all the poor reviews about the sound, but it sounded very good. Didnt even know the M6 verts were out yet.

[mainly]

Originally Posted by vmx128

Here are my thoughts:

CLS63 Pros:

Better sound - Not quite as good as the 6.2L NA, but should be better than the M5
More torque with PP - 590lb-ft vs ~500
Potentially Faster than the M5 in a straight line, especially with PP

M5 Pros:

DCT Transmission - much better than the MCT!
Handling - An assumption, but I would expect nothing less from an M car
Interior - Cleaner, better LCD screen. But looks are subjective.
Exclusivity - At least for some time. Though the new M5 looks a bit too plain, so you will have a somewhat boring looking "exclusive" car.

Even though I love the CLS63 and I'm clearly an AMG fan, I would go for the M5 because it is an iconic and historically significant car, and it will be much more exclusive for a year or two.

In the end, drive both cars and pick the one your heart points at. You shouldn't buy such cars based on numbers, specs, comparisons and the opinions of others. Buy it based on the feelings it evokes when you sit in it and grab the steering wheel, fire up the engine, and take it for that first drive. Don't let us convince you one way or the other.

Good luck!

i agree here.

amg has the advantage in exterior styling over the m5, its just a much much sexier looking car. and the exhaust note is maginficant.

interior however is less special. its almost like mercedes said, "well we got the exterior looking so amazing why kill ourselves on the interior?" - theres more to design than just slapping a bunch of carbon fiber and brushed aluminum all over the place, with no underlyng functionality backing it.

as well, its a little harder to enjoy the exterior styling from the inside and your DRIVING. and thats where the m5 manhandles the cls.

if your someone who lives for the driving experience, the m5 is designed for the driver. it just feels more special when you sit in the cabin. the feel, and placement of the controls, the steering wheel, the seats, the leather..., all on a different level than the cls.

example: in the m5 i can reach all the steering wheel controls while my hands are in the driving position, in the cls, i have to move my hand as i cant reach all of the buttons.

the BMW idrive humiliates teh mercedes comand system; its screen is almost twice the size, the graphics are animated, and has WAAAY more features, you can even read the owners manual from the idrive screen! search it by pictures, etc!!! its just completely nuts.!!!



i havent driven the f10 m5, but i owned an e60 m5, and even that car was more fun to drive than my cls. it just slingshoted your around corners and inspired confidence in a way the cls doesnt. where it really feels big and heavy and feels like its hanging on for dear life when you take a corner fast. (this could partially be due to the not so grippy stock tires)

but if you mainly care about great exhaust note, driving really fast in a straight line and looking like a BOSS when your on the road, than go for the cls63.

[Serge944]

Pointless discussion until you spend time driving both.