nickia

Why doesn't Mercedes make a 4WD version of this car? I understand the potential loss of performance but I think it's an acceptable compromise for people who have to live with snow.

Panamera 4S is the only alternative but it's so fugly and pricey.

02Drunkenup

I don't think there's a demand for 4WD AMGs yet, but that can change for a few reasons.

1. BMW releases a AWD M5, its rumored and ranking officials at M have brought it up, I can imagine AMG following suit.
2. Horsepower wars are advancing at a substantial rate, 600 HP which is just around the corner wasn't viable in a 4 door sedan 5 years ago, eventually that that much power will become uncontrollable to the average driver and AWD will be implemented

Plus AMG is probably planning a AWD A-Class in the future, and Audi is bringing out the S7/RS7 eventually which opens up your choices a bit more.

justthebest

I think there would be a good market for 4WD AMGs, but I think it's a pragmatic limitation - MB does not have a workable 4WD system. By workable, I mean one that can handle that much power and still fit in a sedan. The ML63 is a 4WD system, so they have some sort of 4WD that can handle the power. But it has yet to appear on a smaller AMG. I personally think virtually all very high performance cars should be AWD - the GT-R is a great example of why: all the power makes it to the ground. And the benefits in snow / rain are obvious.

So let's make some noise and get some 4Matic AMGs.

VividRacing

I think that AWD takes away from the classic sports car image, but let's face it... Most AMG cars don't fit that mold anyway. AMG cars are too luxurious to be considered sports cars to me. Luxury sport, sure. They're excellent in that category; And in this category, AWD makes sense.

btw, this is what happens when you combine 600 HP and a heavy right foot in a 3300 lb car.

http://www.youtube.com/user/fostermi.../1/0chPBctxcyE

justthebest

Ditto, but 850 HP and AWD with 3,800 lbs.

http://youtu.be/hX3XsJFt9ac

I am a fan of AWD.

And great point about the luxury vs. sports car genres.

And if you like curves: http://youtu.be/YXFSVoVqhYw

Ali_E55

they also have G55 drivetrain.

but no high speed of course. and we know german carmakers make their cars based on german market demand. they like to drive very fast and they don't like AWD for that mission.

i think the best AWD german car is AUD RS6 V10TT 580hp stock and can be modded to 720hp what drivetrain can handle. however, they are not available in US or this car would be choice No.1 over AMGs and Ms.

personally, i don't like Audi

02Drunkenup

What I've read is that while the RS6 is easily tunable, its a absolute pig, just looking at the Fifth Gear (which tbh is a more honest review in contrast to Top Gear) RS6 vs W212 E63, they commented about how much heavier and less lively the RS6 felt. Also the gearing is stupidly wide.

Also back on topic, I would love to see a smaller AMG with AWD, but I don't want AMG to loose the certain tail happy image that distinguishes it from M and most definitely S/RS.

Ali_E55

it does feel slow

actually

my friends RS6 with a tune ( 100AWHP gained by the tune ) is slower than my CLS63TT with Performance package (stock).

Zod

how much slower....u are making me look into the new cls 63...ahhh is it really that fast?

i just do not like the styling of it that much yet...what do you think of the car...also how does it compare to the bmw v8TT?

Ali_E55

by half car length. but don't forget the Audi is tuned ( gained 100 on all wheel and on dyno mustang ) tune was by OE Tuning. the Audi was fast and side by side with my 500+rwhp E55.

and CLS is stock but with PP. imagine if other cars were stock !!!!

im telling you guys. it is for sure faster than 65s stock, well i know mine is.

cassard

I would love to get an AWD AMG, the RWD is the only reason why I don't take my C36 out for the winter, since I get 6 month of snow per year

AlCLK

Take me in my CLK, might make you think twice about your superiority. In all honesty, I'm more than jealous of your CLS.I guess i can always convince my Dad to get one....