09 CLS63 Test Drive
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,351
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From: SoCal
C63S coupe, X5M
09 CLS63 Test Drive
So I went to fletchwhore jones to take one of the 09 CLS63's for a spin. I wanted to check out the facelift, new navigation and throttle blips people weren't sure it had (it does!).
It was diamond white on black with dark brown wood trim. The guy didn't want me to redline it too much since it only had a few miles on it so I didn't push it too hard. It was strong, felt the same as Tan's 63 I drove for a while last year.
The new command system was ok, it looked clean (the interface) and the iPod hookup was right there in the dashboard. I have to say I much prefer the control wheel found in the 09 C-class and BMW models, having to reach over and press a bunch of buttons seems archaic now.
The brake and steering feel felt really good. I criticized the steering wheel at first but I like the new shape now and it feels good in hand. The facelift is not that noticeable, the mirrors are much worse then the old style. The rear lights look different but it was hard to see them lit up in the bright sun. They looked kinda weird :hmm: The exhaust note was definitely louder then the pre-09's, hearing the crackling pops on the rev matching throttle blips was awesome.
Great car, just not sure if it's right for me. Here are some pics...
Old mirrors compared to new, the old ones are so much better looking...
It was diamond white on black with dark brown wood trim. The guy didn't want me to redline it too much since it only had a few miles on it so I didn't push it too hard. It was strong, felt the same as Tan's 63 I drove for a while last year.
The new command system was ok, it looked clean (the interface) and the iPod hookup was right there in the dashboard. I have to say I much prefer the control wheel found in the 09 C-class and BMW models, having to reach over and press a bunch of buttons seems archaic now.
The brake and steering feel felt really good. I criticized the steering wheel at first but I like the new shape now and it feels good in hand. The facelift is not that noticeable, the mirrors are much worse then the old style. The rear lights look different but it was hard to see them lit up in the bright sun. They looked kinda weird :hmm: The exhaust note was definitely louder then the pre-09's, hearing the crackling pops on the rev matching throttle blips was awesome.
Great car, just not sure if it's right for me. Here are some pics...
Old mirrors compared to new, the old ones are so much better looking...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
Thanks for the review-nice pics
Don't like the steering wheel especially compared to the 030 alcantara wrap.
-1 on the mirrors.
Diamond white +1
Wonder if the command center nav unit can be installed in a pre 09? That may be worth a couple of k.
Don't like the steering wheel especially compared to the 030 alcantara wrap.
-1 on the mirrors.
Diamond white +1
Wonder if the command center nav unit can be installed in a pre 09? That may be worth a couple of k.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
a car that gets very poor gas mileage.
Definitely do not like those newer side view mirrors.
Front grill is better with two slats.
Still unsure about the rear LED lights. Would need to see them at night.
The 3 spoke steering wheel has a sportier look. I've seen better implementations than this one, but none of them have airbags. Anyway, my favorite is still the CLK63 BS steering wheel.
Anyone want to sell me one?
Thanks for sharing the pics.
Front grill is better with two slats.
Still unsure about the rear LED lights. Would need to see them at night.
The 3 spoke steering wheel has a sportier look. I've seen better implementations than this one, but none of them have airbags. Anyway, my favorite is still the CLK63 BS steering wheel.
Anyone want to sell me one?
Thanks for sharing the pics.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
2006 CLS55 AMG; 2006 Infiniti FX45;
Definitely love my 06 CLS55 so much more! Don't care for the minow facelift, steering wheel and interior. Would love to hear the exhaust note though. Wish you had recorded it. Thanks for the review of your test drive.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
2006 CLS55 AMG; 2006 Infiniti FX45;
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,137
Likes: 5
From: Sherman Oaks, CA
06 CLS55 w/ P030, 05 Jag S Type R, 05 TBird-68 Dodge Charger R/T-440 w/4speed I'm original owner
Definitely do not like those newer side view mirrors.
Front grill is better with two slats.
Still unsure about the rear LED lights. Would need to see them at night.
The 3 spoke steering wheel has a sportier look. I've seen better implementations than this one, but none of them have airbags. Anyway, my favorite is still the CLK63 BS steering wheel.
Anyone want to sell me one?
Thanks for sharing the pics.
Front grill is better with two slats.
Still unsure about the rear LED lights. Would need to see them at night.
The 3 spoke steering wheel has a sportier look. I've seen better implementations than this one, but none of them have airbags. Anyway, my favorite is still the CLK63 BS steering wheel.
Anyone want to sell me one?
Thanks for sharing the pics.
http://www.performanceproducts4benz.com/
They had a clk63 bs look alike steering wheel there a while back ago.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
CLS 500
Thanks for the pics. The mirrors are in fact incongruous with the design of the car. The original mirrors were designed for the CLS and they suit its curves perfectly. MB then installed them on the new S and CL classes.
They designed the new mirrors for more rear visibility. With the existing smaller mirrors, front-left corner visibility from the acutely tapered driver side window is poor. Now it's gonna be worse.
They designed the new mirrors for more rear visibility. With the existing smaller mirrors, front-left corner visibility from the acutely tapered driver side window is poor. Now it's gonna be worse.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 264
Likes: 1
From: CA
2007 CLS 550 and some other MBZ
The new side mirrors are simply ugly on the CLS. To improve rear visibility they should just add a back up camera in my opinion. Some Japanese cars already have 360 degree cameras all around and a high end car like the CLS doesn't even have a back up cam.! 
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 407
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles / Orange County CA
2006 CLS55 AMG
Thanks for the review, I really dont like the mirrors and the new steering wheel. Also I would like to see those new LED tails at night. Does anyone know if they would work on previous models?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
09 CLS63 AMG(Designo Platinum Blk,030), 09 C63 AMG, 2010 Maserati QP Sport GTS, 2010 Maserati GTS MC
Although I have just put an order for the 2009 cls63, I would have to agree that the previous mirrors look better. However, the steering wheel for the 030 performance package that I ordered in the 09 is really nice. Here is an image. You really can't see clear in the picture but I was told that the steering wheel would have alcantara inserts as well. oh, and is it true that the 030 package steering wheel only comes in black? I wasn't sure and even my dealer wasn't able to find out. About the exhaust note, my dealer was saying that it might sound similar to the c63 amg which sounded brutal. It may have a louder growl to it from what I hear. I cant't wait to hear what it is like! Anyways, thanks for the review and post clips of the sound as well if you have it. 
I cant't wait to hear what it is like! Anyways, thanks for the review and post clips of the sound as well if you have it.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
09 CLS63 AMG(Designo Platinum Blk,030), 09 C63 AMG, 2010 Maserati QP Sport GTS, 2010 Maserati GTS MC
Sorry, the image loader does not seem to wrok. Here is a link.
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/index2.html
http://www.mercedes-amg.com/index2.html
