papashango

I know this is a C63 forums so the answers might be a little biased but I would ask that you guys be as objective as possible. Which one would you pick between a 2011 C63AMG and 2013 CLS550 4Matic. Do you think you would miss or suffer from a lot of performance loss between the two? Do you think one is more prestigious than the other (bearing the AMG acronym etc). Would you switch the C63 for the CLS550?

Please share first hand experiences if any. Also, what's the mod potential for the CLS with a simple tune? Since it has Turbo's, I'd assume it's quite responsive to them? Just to make it interesting, I'll make it into a little poll.

Discuss....

zcct04

It is tuneable: HP numbers are similar to a tuned C63 but torque from the turbo setup is higher. https://mbworld.org/forums/cls-coupe...-ails-you.html

But it's not a comparable car. Big, heavy comfy, lethargic. Road & Track: "the CLS550 is an excellent machine that goes down the road with the aloof authority that has always made Mercedes automobiles tremendous high-speed cruisers." http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars...cls550-4matic/

rentzington

Yes the cls is really big and long no real comparison there.
If awd is a need and you want c63 performance to me the option is clearly e63s

rediesel

Get both! In addition to my C63 coupe I have a 2012 E550 4matic which is similar (M278 engine) to a CLS550 4M, (and I test drove a 2013 CLS550 4M as well).

The C63 is raw. The CLS/E are composed right up to the limit. It's nearly impossible to break traction. I have no doubt my E will outrun my C on a wet road, rain, or snow (it's impressive in snow), but you wouldn't necessarily know it. The speed often is imperceptible.

I planned on tuning the 550 when I got it, but all reputable tunes require sending the ECU for bench top tuning (cost more time and money than C63 tune). I was hoping for some exhaust mods as well (exhaust is shared with M177 E63), but there are few available (M278 downpipes and mids cost more than M156 headers+mids!!). Bottom line the platform is more expensive to mod than a C63.

A pic of my C63 and E550 together and an interior shot of the E.

msheredy

This I cannot believe How are simple downpipes more expensive than a set of long tube freakin' headers??? They're hand made too! I'm not arguing your point, I know you're right, but this pricing is just plain insane.

AMG6.3

Totally different rides. Are u after power and handling, or comfort and speed? You mention awd drive as well. You have to drive them both on highway and back roads to see.what u are after.

rage2

I own both. Completely different cars so tough to compare. The CLS is no slouch, at my elevation it's dead even with my C63 BS in a straight line. In the summers I slapped on some PSS's on the CLS and it actually handles pretty decent, but at the end of the day it's still a heavy pig. As a DD the CLS is uber comfy and is preferred when I have passengers. I also prefer the CLS on road trips over 6 hrs. It makes the drive feel like 1/2 the time and the trunk is surprisingly spacious.

You will miss the performance if you like to throw your C63 in corners. My CLS is primarily my winter beater, and in the spring when I get back into the C63 I'm grinning ear to ear for a month. If all you care about is straight line or on ramp performance, throw in a chip in the CLS and you're good to go with 500hp. Honestly the 2 cars really complement each other, it's been my best summer/winter combo that I've owned.

YMMV.

Case1906

If it is a DD I would go with CLS. If it is fun/performance/weekend ride, C63 is the one.