2012-2013 RWD CLS63 vs 2014+ 4Matic CLS63
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
2012-2013 RWD CLS63 vs 2014+ 4Matic CLS63
What are your thoughts on the pros/cons of the 2012-2013 RWD CLS63 vs the 2014+ 4Matic CLS63?
I'm looking to pick up a 2012 RWD CLS63 due to the price difference of the 2014 4Matic CLS63, but living in the Midwest AWD is useful.
I am reading though RWD is more of a true sports car feel, less drivetrain loss of hp/torque, less parts to break/maintain. For the price difference, I could easily buy a full set of winter wheels/tire set - which should be on par with an AWD model with All-seasons, but the AWD + winter tires would clearly dominate.
For those of you that have experienced RWD and 4Matic's - would love your opinions if it's worth getting the 2014 CLS63. I don't think there were many changes besides the drivetrain.
I'm looking to pick up a 2012 RWD CLS63 due to the price difference of the 2014 4Matic CLS63, but living in the Midwest AWD is useful.
I am reading though RWD is more of a true sports car feel, less drivetrain loss of hp/torque, less parts to break/maintain. For the price difference, I could easily buy a full set of winter wheels/tire set - which should be on par with an AWD model with All-seasons, but the AWD + winter tires would clearly dominate.
For those of you that have experienced RWD and 4Matic's - would love your opinions if it's worth getting the 2014 CLS63. I don't think there were many changes besides the drivetrain.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 582
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From: Toronto
AMG GTR
What are your thoughts on the pros/cons of the 2012-2013 RWD CLS63 vs the 2014+ 4Matic CLS63?
I'm looking to pick up a 2012 RWD CLS63 due to the price difference of the 2014 4Matic CLS63, but living in the Midwest AWD is useful.
I am reading though RWD is more of a true sports car feel, less drivetrain loss of hp/torque, less parts to break/maintain. For the price difference, I could easily buy a full set of winter wheels/tire set - which should be on par with an AWD model with All-seasons, but the AWD + winter tires would clearly dominate.
For those of you that have experienced RWD and 4Matic's - would love your opinions if it's worth getting the 2014 CLS63. I don't think there were many changes besides the drivetrain.
I'm looking to pick up a 2012 RWD CLS63 due to the price difference of the 2014 4Matic CLS63, but living in the Midwest AWD is useful.
I am reading though RWD is more of a true sports car feel, less drivetrain loss of hp/torque, less parts to break/maintain. For the price difference, I could easily buy a full set of winter wheels/tire set - which should be on par with an AWD model with All-seasons, but the AWD + winter tires would clearly dominate.
For those of you that have experienced RWD and 4Matic's - would love your opinions if it's worth getting the 2014 CLS63. I don't think there were many changes besides the drivetrain.
And I'm excited about having this much power, and finally having AWD.
I don't miss the RWD too much.
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
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From: Naples FL
2021 Porsche TTS
I just sold my 2013 RWD and still under warranty.
Unless you really need that hard launch at a light, I preferred the RWD as it was more fun to drive and required some skills if you turned traction control off.
The car is already heavy enough that another 300 pounds is not going in the right direction.
I drove the AWD E and CLS and it is incredible the traction you get so you can't go wrong with it either.
Since you are in Maryland, I would recommend the AWD as well.
Unless you really need that hard launch at a light, I preferred the RWD as it was more fun to drive and required some skills if you turned traction control off.
The car is already heavy enough that another 300 pounds is not going in the right direction.
I drove the AWD E and CLS and it is incredible the traction you get so you can't go wrong with it either.
Since you are in Maryland, I would recommend the AWD as well.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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2014 CLS63 AMG S
I live in the midwest and the AWD was a must-have. Sure, you CAN make it work in RWD+winter tires, but why potentially put yourself through that? If it's your DD, do it right so you aren't kicking yourself later. Not to mention the newer cars have more warranty (if CPO), more resale value, etc. I had no idea the interior was different until reading above poster but that's another great reason to go 14+.
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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Chicago
GLS450
I have a 2012 CLS63 RWD and live in Chicago. With Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires on the car, I had ZERO issues over the winter. Traction and handling were great. Previously, I've had Saabs with snow tires and the CLS63 worked just as well.
I was majorly concerned about high horse power and RWD and it's not an issue at all. I imagine the RWD is a bit more fun in the summer as it's possible to break the rear end loose and throttle steer a bit. While more AWD traction is technically better and safer, it may not be more fun and might steal a little bit of soul from the vehicle.
Honestly though, how could you be unhappy with either car?
I was majorly concerned about high horse power and RWD and it's not an issue at all. I imagine the RWD is a bit more fun in the summer as it's possible to break the rear end loose and throttle steer a bit. While more AWD traction is technically better and safer, it may not be more fun and might steal a little bit of soul from the vehicle.
Honestly though, how could you be unhappy with either car?
