emericr

Hey fellow members,
I know this is the C forum but it is the most active and I am looking for feedback.
Here's my conundrum.
I had ordered a 2013CLS PP and as soon as I heard the updates for 2014 with 4matic, I was able to get the dealer to accept my cancellation of the 2013 and wait for a 2014.
I live in FL so 4matic was not needed other than bragging rights for 0-60 and 1/4 times and the few times I will race. I do try to attend 1/2 mile or mile events but I will not track my car. This car will be my daily driver.
I am getting a great deal on the 2014 but my 2013 just came in and the manager called me and offered an unbelievable deal (a LOT less than invoice).
Taking into account the price increase of 2.5%, the 4matic option, and the price difference, I am approaching $15K difference between the 2 cars .
That is a lot of $$ that I could use for mods to make the car faster.
Some members have also stated that the awd will rob power up top. I plan to tune the car so I am wondering if the initial faster start will be offset by the extra weight and power loss of the awd.
I like the new 2014 wheels better and the night option on the E (blacking out of the chrome) but I could do this aftermarket for a lot less.
There is also supposed to be an updated Mbrace but not sure what it actually entails.
My head is spinning . What would you guys do? please help. all feedback welcome.

CarHopper

Personally, in FL I would go with the 2013 and save myself the 200lbs or whatever it comes out to be for awd as well as the power loss. Idk what the Merc awd systems end up robbing but I think it usually is about 15-20%. Not to mention the extra 15k.

Then, I'd take that 15k, throw on an exhaust and a tune and see what I had left for a set of fat wheels for the back and pair it up with a good set of rubber. However, in now way will 15k get you a full exhaust, tune, and proper set of wheels/tires so you'd have to come up with the difference.

However, I am in NY so I'd go with the awd.

Haha, hope that conflicting statement helps!

Even Money

Get the '13, savings toward the new upgraded turbo/exhaust from Weistec. Then you'll forget all about the AWD. Easy..

CoolBDPhenom03

Yes!

callmiro

I would go for the '13....$15k is huge

You put $3k into your '13 and you will blow away the '14 in pretty much every situation

Since the '14 is not a facelift, you would really only be sacrificing 4Matic.

Save your money and get the deal.

Chris Harris saw it like this....he tested both the RWD and 4Matic E63 in the clip below

TTA850

I know $15k is a significant difference between the two but personally think the 4matic is worth it, as much fun as rear wheel drive can be IMO its also annoying to be traction limited in many situations - and I think if you do any mods to the '13 to increase power you will quickly be wishing for 4matic, at least in the lower gears lol. Waiting for them to come in and take a ride because if they drive as well as I think they will I may be placing an order this fall - as long as the wife doesn't kill me cause if I trade the C63 it will be my third car in a row I've kept for less than a year lol

_timothy

if its not a facelift, get the 13 imo. you won't miss 4matic in FL

rory breaker

Cool video. That is going to persuade him to get the 13...it would probably work on me

emericr

All right guys. Thanks for the feedback and keep it coming. You made my decision easier. I think u sold me on the 2013.

CoolBDPhenom03

Brought to you by the folks who did my car...

justthebest

Might be too late, but I'd also support the 2013. AND you get it now - that helps the choice! Haha

emericr

Not too late. You are re affirming my thoughts and I am going to the dealer tonight to consume the deal

callmiro

Good luck! Chop that price down...you're in the position of power...they wanna move that '13

WillXu

I got a similar situation. My question is, what is the difference between 2013 and 2014? Can anybody give me a clue?

emericr

2WD versus 4WD.
Horsepower bump to 550 for standard model and 580ish for S model (S model is new name for performance package of 2012 with inclusion of LSD and illuminated sills).
Upgraded nav system with 360 view.
Addition and deletion of a few colors.
I think these are your major differences.

rage2

I'd get the AWD if I'm planning on modding it. Those turbo upgrades are pushing north of 800hp, traction is king. Unless you like daily driving with drag radials lol.

emericr

If you live stoplight to stoplight or live in a "not so friendly" weather state like Alberta, I agree that a tuned 4WD is the way to go but if you look at 1/4 miles numbers, the difference is down to a few tenths and I would tend to think that the 4wd will rob power up top.
And it is so much fun to turn the traction control off and easily go sideways once in a whille.

justthebest

4WD launches will give more than any top-end loss in the quarter mile. 580hp through the AMG skinny rears is a tough launch, while 4WD will put the power down much better / more consistently.

And there is already at least one video of multiple 4matic AMGs getting plenty sideways. It just takes a little more skill.

adv4nced53

^ Best point so far. Odds are $15k isn't that much money for you if you're buying a brand new CLS63. If you mod that car, you'll be making a ton of power that the rear wheels simply won't be able to manage. Yes, RWD is the better platform for racing but if you plan on having 800hp, that all goes out the window. I'd get the AWD.

emericr

i am not disagreeing with you. I have seen the videos and it takes a lot more skill to get it sideways and keep it that way. Not sure I have the ***** or skills yet to do it.
An E63S was already tested and as mentioned the 1/4 mile was a few tenths off the 2WD model. I know it is only one test and we have to wait for more but that would indicate the 2WD model is catching up the 4WD one as the 0-60 difference is 1/2 a second.

bmoney12

Where was it tested? I've only seen first drive/estimates.