I'm going to buy a CL this year--2007 or newer. I love the idea of an AMG in a super-premium coupe, but I also love the idea of a V12--definitely not going as far as a CL65, however.

My sense is that the 600 will offer a much more luxurious ride while the AMG will be, well, an AMG... on paper, the 600 seems a more robust challenger: 612 lb-ft torque AT 1800 RPM v AMG's 465 lb-ft @5200. All that torque at such a low rev is really attractive.

Then there's braking--my guess is that the 600 might win 0-100, but the AMG probably wins 100-0...

Interestingly, though the 600 is about $10K more new, the AMGs seem to be going for slightly more on the used/CPO market.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Thanks!

Had the same mind bender - decided to go with 600. AMG is extremely attractive - beautiful body kit, amazing brakes, exhaust, sound, badges - super premium coupe, as you've mentioned. One small difference for me was - v12. This is a monster. I installed an aftermarket kit and will add a RennTech tuning. For such a big car, v12 is a must. CL65 is ultimate. 600 is closer to it My 2 cents.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

The 63 comes with the MCT 7 speed tranny, whereas, the 600 is the 5 speed. The MCT 7 speed makes it a different beast. You may wish to test drive ea before making that decision.

Either, car in your garage is a winner.

The MCT didn't come until the 2011 facelift which also came with the 5.5 Biturbo. Earlier models came with the standard 7-speed autobox. It looks like the op is going CPO so I think he won't be seeing the MCT much

The 7 speed gear box is nice. But so is having enough torque that not only don't you need gears, but you can break the 7 speed gear box.

If you're looking to spend in that range, it might be worth going a year older and just getting a 65 for about the same price.

The 600 is the better choice in my opinion,because you can get the 600 tuned by renntech or speedriven and have an awesome ride.

Ah! We're definitely on the same wavelength here--the calculus for me is start with the raw V12 and build up from there. The low-end torque on that V12 is just mind-boggling--for a road car, anyway. Can you tell me what kind of tuning you're doing?

Thanks!

Yeah, the gearbox is definitely a consideration and thanks for bringing it up--the 63's extra cogs will certainly make it easier to stay on the power, but still, for me, it is hard to argue with the 600's torque figures. Of course I will test-drive them both--actually drove a CL63 already and found it a little sluggish off the line compared to an E63--no surprise there--which is what got me looking at the 600.

I guess it comes down to the pedigree of the AMG handbuilt engine and all the racing heritage or just the brute force of a massive V12.

I like the way you think.

That's a good consideration as well.

The 600 all the way. On the S and CL (even the ML) the 63 is all wrong. You don't want a big, nearly 5000 lb. car that lacks low RPM grunt. You can usually get the 600 for less, they have pretty much the same brakes, etc., and with a quick ECU tune you can leave any of the big 63s (tuned or stock) in the dust.

Looking at your website--looks like you can do quite a bit with that V12...

The ECU upgrade looks like a no-brainer. Can you tell me a little more about your bolt-on upgrades?

The 600 motors are handbuilt, as well.

That I did not know. Do you know if it's similar to AMG's "one man, one engine" philosophy? Do you know where the engines are made?

There made in Sindelfingen, Germany.

I have the V12TT and love the power, but I don't have the ECU tune so I can't speak. However, I do think the AMG shifting is much more to my liking for daily driving. From what I hear, the CL63 has plenty of power/torque and more ROAR from engine...so I think the OP has to test drive them both to decide what he prefers.
PL