2012 CTS-V or an AMG?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,630
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
2012 CTS-V or an AMG?
Ok, just saw this recently, and I wanted some opinions in case I'm not thinking straight. For 2012, Caddy is offering a nifty edition of the CTS-V that looks awesome to me. I'd go with the automatic trans, since the manual sports car I have now is awesome, but it's harder than sin to eat a burger while driving. Couple questions -
1) Anyone have experience with newer Cadillac tech? How's the GPS compared to Command / Sync?
2) Is it sacrilege to get an automatic in a car with +550 hp?
3) Any other comments?
TIA.
1) Anyone have experience with newer Cadillac tech? How's the GPS compared to Command / Sync?
2) Is it sacrilege to get an automatic in a car with +550 hp?
3) Any other comments?
TIA.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,380
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From: Toronto
CLS63 PP
The electronics are great. Nav is easy to use, and hdd based so very quick. Also has a neat feature that lets you record fm or sat radio. Fast stock and east to mod for sure..
..However, if the choice is between the CTS-V and 2012 CLS63, not a doubt in my mind the CLS. Its a different league from quality and class. Period. Plus the turbo motor has it trapping in the 120's stock. There are some big things afoot with tuning too.
..However, if the choice is between the CTS-V and 2012 CLS63, not a doubt in my mind the CLS. Its a different league from quality and class. Period. Plus the turbo motor has it trapping in the 120's stock. There are some big things afoot with tuning too.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,681
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From: San Diego
E55
CTS-V is nice. The engine from the zr1 is a monster! I would own it. Not over the new TT 63 in any form though. If given the choice I would choose the new cls63 or e63. The price difference is huge. If the comparison was between 2 cars in the similar price range I would be heavily leaning towards the CTS-V.
BTW you have a raptor svt. That's awesome... That's like an AMG or a V series off road.
I love that truck! 
BTW you have a raptor svt. That's awesome... That's like an AMG or a V series off road.
I love that truck!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,630
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
Thanks for all the comments so far
No, the new ones do have paddle shifters
Haha - thanks - I love the Raptor. Definitely my beat-on-it toy
No, the new ones do have paddle shifters
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 7
From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 315
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From: Los Angeles
CLS
First thing you would need to do is drive both of them back to back.
Like the guys said, if you are talking new for new, the newly designed CLS63 is going to be a LOT difference in price. If you are thinking used for used, again drive both examples back to back. If the cost is no object, I'd always lean towards the Merc.
As a new Escalade owner I can tell you Cadillac has come a long way. User controls and ease of everything is superior to the Merc. (Just my opinion) flame suite on. It's a great product. Put together well but not a Mercedes. I like my NAV screen and features a lot more than my CLS.
I'm sure performance will be pretty similar with the two. (TT) The new CTS-V is a monster in the manual. I'd prefer an auto as well. I can't imagine wanting to shift my CLS.
As owners of both products, what I can tell you is the Mercedes always feels like money. It's assembled better and more solid. Close the door on the CLS in an underground parking garage and it sounds like a vault door closing. Can't say that for any Caddy.
I'm sure if you go through a car in a couple of years the Caddy will hold up that long. After that, I'd have to vote for the Panzer tank MBZ.
Let us know what you end up with.
Like the guys said, if you are talking new for new, the newly designed CLS63 is going to be a LOT difference in price. If you are thinking used for used, again drive both examples back to back. If the cost is no object, I'd always lean towards the Merc.
As a new Escalade owner I can tell you Cadillac has come a long way. User controls and ease of everything is superior to the Merc. (Just my opinion) flame suite on. It's a great product. Put together well but not a Mercedes. I like my NAV screen and features a lot more than my CLS.
I'm sure performance will be pretty similar with the two. (TT) The new CTS-V is a monster in the manual. I'd prefer an auto as well. I can't imagine wanting to shift my CLS.
As owners of both products, what I can tell you is the Mercedes always feels like money. It's assembled better and more solid. Close the door on the CLS in an underground parking garage and it sounds like a vault door closing. Can't say that for any Caddy.
I'm sure if you go through a car in a couple of years the Caddy will hold up that long. After that, I'd have to vote for the Panzer tank MBZ.
Let us know what you end up with.
Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 226
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From: PA
03 CL500 amg package/08 Audi S6/07 Range Rover Sport/06 cls55/09 c63
1. Had an 08 Escalade for a few months and they have come along way from what they used to be def blowing Lincoln out of the water with the lux suv. The touch screen was nice and the navi worked well and had no issues.
2. I prefer auto b/c iam always on the phone and its a pain shifting in traffic.
3. Also like the Raptor and my brother does as well...havent driven one yet- hoping to soon. i personally love the new cts-v coupe, and will probably get one once they come down in price and i can grab one turned in on lease at a caddy smart auction .... it looks great has great lines and wants to go fast.
2. I prefer auto b/c iam always on the phone and its a pain shifting in traffic.
3. Also like the Raptor and my brother does as well...havent driven one yet- hoping to soon. i personally love the new cts-v coupe, and will probably get one once they come down in price and i can grab one turned in on lease at a caddy smart auction .... it looks great has great lines and wants to go fast.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 405
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From: California
CLS55
in the quality and material department, the AMG is much more superior, although the Caddys are getting there. That new coupe does look pretty nice. Get the Caddy so that there are less AMG's out there and keep us more exclusive!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,293
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From: So Cal
2018 E63S Wagon
If you're digging the leopard print wood trim and super-absorbent shammy seat inserts, the V is a no brainer. Only in Detroit would designers think this tacky interior looks classy, maybe it's just me. Could you imagine an AMG w/these trim colors?
I'd wait for the 5.5TT CLS or E-Class. Though you do seem to flip cars faster than most...go for the V now and sell it for a 5.5TT AMG this fall!
Last edited by VCA_AMG; Feb 11, 2011 at 03:41 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 16
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From: VANCOUVER BC
06 CLS55selling/05 FX35sold/05 CBR1000RRsold
Keep in mine that I am an AMG owner, I go with the AMG for sure over the CTS-V. They are both nice rides but as many people say, 2 top rides in 2 different class. Can't decide, buy them both....
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 373
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From: Long Island, NY
06 CLS55 AMG
The only thing that really gets to me with the Caddy is the continuous use of cheap painted plastic interior components. Over time, these components degrade, loosen, peel and begin to feel on par to something you would expect to find in a KIA. For what it costs, the last thing I want to feel when I open my door is a cheap plastic handle...
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 259
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From: Ann Arbor, Mi
2019 E 450 4 matic wagon, cadilliac CTS AWD performance ,2018 VW Tiguan SUV 2006 CLS55 030pkg modded
CTS-V or AMG
I totally agree with this AMG member opinion , My Dad has CTS-4 performance top of line under the V's . It has the same interior as the V minus steering wheel and extra option Recaro's for 60 to 70 thousand + compared to a low milage used AMG no way unless You just want to buy American . I drove the V it is fast and handles very well. Also u can make any car faster so that's not a issue . The cheap *** interior just turned me off for the Money,,and all cars have some quality issues even Benz's .. It a matter of personal choice .. Badm
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,208
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From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
If you're digging the leopard print wood trim and super-absorbent shammy seat inserts, the V is a no brainer. Only in Detroit would designers think this tacky interior looks classy, maybe it's just me. Could you imagine an AMG w/these trim colors?
I'd wait for the 5.5TT CLS or E-Class. Though you do seem to flip cars faster than most...go for the V now and sell it for a 5.5TT AMG this fall!
I'd wait for the 5.5TT CLS or E-Class. Though you do seem to flip cars faster than most...go for the V now and sell it for a 5.5TT AMG this fall!
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
I was invited to a CTS-V driving event and the Vs felt similar around a track to an E55 in performance and handling.
The “nifty” edition can be optioned through the normal ordering process and the black grille and black wheels can be ordered through the parts counter, so don’t get stuck with something like the two-tone interior if you aren’t sure about it. There is a vendor that sells a complete interior carbon kit for around $1500. If a Benz slush box works for you then the CTS-V will be fine. MB should adopt the Caddie’s magnetic shocks.
Power upgrades can be taken from the Vette and it doesn't cost much to get over 600 to 700 hp to the wheels.
Besides being 30k less than a CLS63 it has a better residual.
If you like it, go for it.
The “nifty” edition can be optioned through the normal ordering process and the black grille and black wheels can be ordered through the parts counter, so don’t get stuck with something like the two-tone interior if you aren’t sure about it. There is a vendor that sells a complete interior carbon kit for around $1500. If a Benz slush box works for you then the CTS-V will be fine. MB should adopt the Caddie’s magnetic shocks.
Power upgrades can be taken from the Vette and it doesn't cost much to get over 600 to 700 hp to the wheels.
Besides being 30k less than a CLS63 it has a better residual.
If you like it, go for it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,208
Likes: 22
From: Westmont, IL
2014 C63 Sedan
Went to the Chicago auto show Sunday and I got in a CTSV for my first time and i gotta say i felt claustrophobic in there. It felt smaller than the C63. The seats were too uncomfortable and that yellow i couldn't stand. But what bugged me the most was the seat buttons, really Cadi such a impressive car but whats with the buttons?! That's why i love Merc because they pay attention to every little detail!!
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
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My brother just got the new CTS-V Coupe, I have a SL55. We did a few pulls on the highway and we were neck and and neck each time. As for comfort, the cars actually pretty comfortable and roomier than you might think. Would I give up my AMG for it? Hell naw...
