m_berman

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG


Alot of chatter about the 08 CL63. I'm anxiously awaiting the 08 CL65. Nothing comes close to the Bi Turbo. Check it out at:

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...9/Introduction

WSH

Have a CL63 now; will get CL65 upon US launch.

But just heard 65 feedback from a pal in EU who owns both CL63 and 599 (and who has owned many new 65/55/600 in past)....he recently test-drove CL65 and cancelled his order....

His observations: better traction than prior 65s, but nose-heavy motor's negative impact on steering/handling/braking vs 63 was sufficient to offset 65's obviously superior tq.....

Net, net, he's keeping CL63 until AMG launches a high-tech, lighter, NA 12 to replace the ancient, 250lb-heavier 65 motor...hopefully new 12 is NA; the 63 and 599 motors make one realize how much more interesting linear, NA throttle response and exhaust note are vs the inelegant turbo solution to hp/tq and the muffled turbo exhaust note....

Too bad US is stuck w/the CL63 w/ugly 550-like, plasticky leather (w/no optional leather upgrade available, unlike EU).....perhaps AMG US will consider a profitably-priced leather upgrade option for CL63???

m_berman

If I'm understanding your friend's comments concerning a CL65 vs CL63 did he drive an 08 CL65? If he did, he must be dreaming or work on the MB CL 65 team in Germany. They are not yet at the dealers.

Further, no one in the right mind could ever arrive at the conclusion of the 63 being superior in any way to the 65-linear vs non linear is bull. The rush when those bi turbos kick in and the jolt of the body against the seat backs is what power is all about-nothing less. If your pal had a 55, he would feel right a home in the 65s. Similar type of accelerations but a lot quicker in the 65. Most driver's reactions are the 65s never runs out of throttle. What a shame if your friend settles for a 63, unless he's shy about the cost.

The 65s are fully optioned as a base price. The leather should not be an issued.

whoover

The bulk of the original criticism -- the heavy 65 engine impacts steering, handling and braking -- is valid for some. Since I went from an S55 to an S65 (and have no longing to return), I recognize that there is a bit more plow. But these are not sports cars and, for me, the thrust is well worth the slightly degraded dynamics in a freeway cruiser.

But I agree that calling the 63 a more "linear" engine is absurd. It has a higher redline, for sure, and that's admirable. The torque is reasonably flat over a wide band, I agree. But the 65 torque curve is insanely flat -- it looks like a square wave. Not only is 738 ft-lb there from 2,000 to 4,000 RPM, there is greater than 500 ft-lb available from 1,500 to redline. Linear response is another way of saying flat torque curve. To ding the 65 in this area is silly.

david_101

the new CL65 was all ready when we were at hockenheim last november. we were given the key so we could fiddle with everything. we were not allowed to drive it. however, it was there and totally functional. (the SLR722 was there, too.) i must believe that there are several samples of the new CL65 that have been test driven since then, be they in the states or elsewhere.

awiner

There have been several seen tests of the upcoming W216 CL65. Look in this weeks Autoweek. Autoweek had one that they drove out here in California over the past month.

Doctodd33

it might be in next week's "Entourage" episode....lol

T