NY_SG

I am thinking about either a CL600 with full brabus bodykit Ecu upgrade or CL63 bone stock?

I am leaning towards CL600 full brabus bodykit with ecu upgrade. I drove my friend's CL65 I don't think i am a fan of the 65 engine, it is kinda heavy.

Sir Charles

Are you talking about the new generation (216) CL600 versus a new (216) CL63? Or a prospective (216) CL65? [You mentioned you drove a CL65 which must be a 215 model]

Let's be clear on what's what:

CL65 = V12 (AMG Tuned - not official for this generation yet)
CL600 = V12

CL63 = V8 (AMG Tuned)
CL550= V8


If you're debating between the CL600 and the CL63, which I think you are, then here's what I think.

The CL600 I believe costs a bit more than the CL63. (You can bet that a CL65 will be more than the CL600.)

Both the CL600 and CL63 have roughly the same 0-60 speeds. The CL600 has more torque. The CL63 is more "race" inspired, though, with a higher top speed.

The CL600 will be more comfortable, especially with its state-of-the-art seats. The AMG has "normal" AMG seats.

The AMG has better, more aggressive styling though, unless, perhaps, you get the Brabus package, or the AMG package.

Overall, you have to ask yourself, do you want something fast and luxurious, more refined? Or something that's equally fast, but more raw and screams louder? Both these cars will get you from your mansion to the country club in the same time, just different manners. The CL65? Well, that's something else.

Just so you know, we ordered the CL600 AMG package as we opted for the more refined journey - that's if you can call over 600 ft. lbs. torque "refined."

Anyone care to add anything?

whoover

I wouldn't expect the 600 to feel any better in this area. The engine should weigh about the same (both twin turbo V-12s), but the AMG suspension tuning improves the handling considerably.

Ted Baldwin

.........the 65 is considerably more expensive than the 600, for a performance gain that for some is not worth the extra expense. Your choice of the 600 is makes sense, but saying you deslike the 65 because its engine is heavier than that of the 600 makes you sound insincere. Both have twin turbo V12 engines. It like the owner of a CLK 430 saying they hate the CLK55 because the 55's engine weighs more. Many will read between the lines.

Ted

StealthAuto

I say go for the CL600.. V12TT over V8 anyday.. Just my $0.02

SL65amg

go with the CL 600 and let renntech put it over 650 HP and 800 torque!! No 63 motor is capable of that! Atleast not for the next year or two!!

Drop a brake upgrade also and Kleemann LSD, and you'll be good to go!! it'll smoke any 63 or 55

jimand7

I just took delivery of my 07cl600 and I really like it. There is no AMG sport option available, on any 600 model that is out right now with exception of the SL. You may see one on ebay or something but it is not a factory option and it will not me for this year.
the 600 is faster and more refined than the 63 although the 63 looks and sounds faster it is not. the CL's weigh a SH#tload! and torque is what moves heavy cars. the 600 is a FASTER car regardless of what the factory claims.

why is there even a 63 engine in the CL lineup. should go 550,600,65. the 63 engine is a waste of time in cars that can have a v12 in them.
my .02

StealthAuto

Congrats on your purchase!!! How do you like her so far?

jimand7

sloppy crappy weather in Chicago have not taken her out cruisin... in the escalade instead. I is actually still at the dealership I have not taken it home hahaha. it is supposedly "the only black with savanah" that there is in the country right now.

lanvin

If you like the CL600, I don't understand how you'd not like the CL65.

I'd wait for the CL65, or just get a CL600 and add the AMG body kit.

Kar don

I personally would get the 63, that engine just sounds amazing. You still get the full leather interior (dash etc) and AMG tuning. Lets be honest though, all AMGs still ride pretty damn smooth (except G55). I don't think a CL600 will ride much smoother than a 63... afterall it is the same components, prob just different ABC programming.

AdamG@NorCal

The original 6.3 motor was designed to have a twin turbo but AMG decided to scrapped the project due to its excessive cost. Most likely the V8 engines will be twin turbo-ed.

jimand7

I do like the 65's but too much dinero!

there is not going to be any 65 for model year 08
the 63's eventually being turbo'd I would doubt.
there are some crazy euro emmision laws that are limiting anything that is not normally aspirated. hence no more 55 engine.

MBZFAN55

Well said. 600 vs 63 isn't only about speed, and in some ways is almost as subjective as color.

//AMG55lover

Question is difficult, but I think that I like the AMG body kid more!

NY_SG

Currently still very confused. Still driving my parent's cls55. Just might end up leasing the cls55 from them. Getting annoyed mercedes benz has to many models they should keep it 550, 600 65 done.

Who needs an inbetween 63? I do notice though there are alot of amg cars compared to M cars.

We shall see what happens. I drove my friend's E63 and I am very impress.

Vadim @ FD

NY_SG:

CL63 will be just under CL600 in terms of price.

In the end it will come down to the styling preference standard CL550/600 vs AMG Sport/CL63.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks,

Ferri

To me, a v12 is mandatory for a CL car. I would also venture to say that the AMG v12 is the way to go, although it is a $35K upgrade. If you have an S Class or another luxury sedan in your stall, as is the case with many CL owners, I don't see the appeal that a regular, non-AMG CL would have to you. On the other hand, if the CL will be the only car you will drive (perhaps you live in a downtown area somewhere) then the CL 600 is not a shabby way to go. It is still faster than almost anything out there, and definitely more luxurious. Looks do not lack either.

Personally however, with the availability of both the S and SL, I do not see the appeal of the CL. S600 and SL65 is a perfect combo for me.

johnsamonas

I had the same dilemma over the 600 vs 63. To me, i prefer my mercs with v8s. The V12 in the merc isnt as exciting as lets say the v12 in my DB9. (sure its more powerful,but has no soundtrack)

Also, other factors i considered were : 7 speed box in 63 / 5 speed box in 600
63 bodykit is AMG specific and is different from AMG styling pack available for the 600. I prefer the 63 seats with the horizontal strips, as opposed to the 600 seats that have that same old vertical 'fluting' design as my 2002 SL55.

I also preferred the 63 engine as it was an 'all new' design, not the same old engine thrown into a new model car. And, as i have several 'blown' cars in my garage, I wanted a normally aspirated big bore V8 which redlines at 7,400RPM.

Just my personal thoughts,Im sure they are both amazing cars.

John

Khouri

Personally, I don’t see any differences in performance in both cars since I drove the both. However, once you drive the CL63 with manual puddle shift (this car turns up to be a very sporty car). I like the CL600 interior especially the wood color, however, I find the AMG budget in each seats are more exciting to look at. The reasons that I chose CL63 over the CL600…
1- AMG Body kit (CL63)
2- Beautiful exhaust sound
3- Cheaper than the CL600

johnsamonas

I agree with your reasoning, except for the price factor, because here in england the 600 is just £3,000 more than the 63 BUT has a much bigger basic spec incl. dynamic multicontour seats, TV tuner, Rear roller blind, and exclusive leather colour 'cognac brown.' so you dont get a bad deal really.

But anyway, I think the CL63 will be fantastic.

kaze81

I will choose CL63 cos I personally like the MB 6.3L engine.

Sir Charles

There are lots of sport-tuned cars out there. Mercedes has lots of sport-tuned cars with all the AMG-tuned V8s in the different classes. My point is this: the V12 is rare. The 600 line of Mercedes' is rare. With the CL600 (don't forget to add the AMG package) you're getting something special, something esquisite, something which truly embodies what a Mercedes is. I think we can all agree that a BMW 760i V12 does not come close to to the CL600 V12. AMG versus an M? You can make a case for either. But ze CL600? Dat eez vat a Murcedes shood bee. Dat is reel German powar!

jimand7

your right the 600 does seem more rare. BUt where you wrong is you cannot get the AMG package on 600's. MB does not offer it. It is total . Marketing thing I guess.
I got the 600. It came down to do I want the one that looks faster or IS faster. (with more tuning capability down the road,probably)

Ferri

It has not offered it on the current generation of S/CL. Traditionally, it has been available. 600s are in my experience even rarer than 65 series. 65 i think became the new hot thing, and have been snapped up fast, whereas the 600 is more of a connoseur's taste. There is a significant age difference between the two driver demographics. Especially in my area, I have seen a ton of CL65s going around, being driven by folks in the mid 30s to mid forties. 600 have been rare--other than mine (220) and my neighbor's brand new S600 (221), I have yet to see 600 "litterig the streets". By comparison, Bentley GT and FSs, Aston DB9s, and Gallardos are in same or more numbers as the 65s (not to mention the 55 series--they are all over the place).