Firstly, I'm not much of a gearhead so these notes are more prosaic than technical. Secondly, I've owned every iteration of this car since I bought a gray market 500 SEC in '84. This latest version doesn't disappoint and continues to explain why I keep buying these coupes.

Picked up this Magnetite Black car right before Thanksgiving 2010. (A huge downside -- apparently the Driving Academy two day freebie offered to new AMG owners only applied to vehicles p'ed/u after the turn of the year. The AMG people offered zero wiggle room. Bummer for me). Pretty much did the 1000 mile break-in thing though I must admit I occasionally couldn't resist putting my two-tones to the floorboard. This car is a beast. Amazing pick up and torque and a rewarding growly rumble that sounds as good as your favorite song on the excellent (though not audiophile quality) sound system. If I take a corner from a stop and punch it just a little it's REALLY easy to lose the back end. Never owned any kind of turbo before and have heard of "turbo lag". Don't notice it. This car handles better than something of it's (excessive) weight should. Nice flat cornering and smooth as silk power-steering that's responsive and accurate. Mileage is better than the last model. Can get 16 or so around town. No road trip yet but based on watching MPG average counter I bet it'd be low 20's easy. Used a couple of quarts of Mobil 1 0W-40 during the first 2K miles but I'm mid 5K now and haven't seen any dash notification of needing more yet. Haven't gotten to "A" service.

Interior has barely changed and by that I mean basically nothing is different from the 2007 CL 550 I owned immediately prior to this car. There are some minor UI adjustments and system/nav system tweeks plus some other trick updates that keep the car in geek-step with the competition. I could use a little less plastic inside given the price tag but the interior appointments are otherwise top drawer. My two big mods -- tinted the windows and I installed a matching burlwood keyboard cover a la the CL65's. A regular George Barris!

Exterior-wise, the side mirrors seem a little smaller (don't like that), the back-up lights have moved from tail-light adjacent to the back of the trunk lid (also don't like as much). LOVE the updated AMG styling. Exhaust pipes look especially great. Wish the daytime LED running lights had more of a shape to them like the Audi's.

This is my daily driver and not one day goes by where I'm not excited to get behind the wheel of this world class automobile. I'm glad I sprung for the AMG version -- it really makes a huge difference performance-wise and the distinctive exterior styling makes looking at this car like looking at a beautiful woman. If I'm waxing a little too bull**** poetic I apologize but this is an emotion provoking automobile. All things considered it's hands down the best car I've ever owned. Loved my 2009 9114S (sold) but that's an apple and oranges comparison. You want performance, comfort and style, this is the one to jump for.

 

Thanks for sharing...I'm now considering trading up to a 2012 CL 63 AMG with my 2011 E550 Coupe.

Any major changes for 2012 models that you're aware of? I'm going to the dealership today to custom build my CL63 so I'll let you know if there are any major/minor differences in the 2012 models.

 

Not sure but if history is any lesson I don't think there will be significant changes to the CL until 2014. Seven years seems to be the life cycle for a model before a major revamp happens. Also, there are rumblings of a name change with the next version.
The car companies are a lot like Apple -- they dole out a little info, spies uncover things and then rumors take over.
Have fun building at the dealer!!

 

I drive 2008 CL63 and want to hear the oppinion if there any point to swap it by 2011 model? Or to wait for the next w217

By the way wrongcoast,i agree with you,this is the best car i have ever driven!

 

Just got back from the dealer.

Found out that in 2013 there will be a big changes for the S and CL classes (looks and engine). It's all really unknown at this time, but they know that in 2013 models things will change

There are essentially NO differences from 2011 to 2012 CL63s

 

Reasons to upgrade to a 2011 CL63 in the near future:

1) discounts - 2012 are coming out, you'll get better prices for 2011 cars. When I was at the dealership today, my sales rep checked to see how many new 2011 CL63s are out there at the dealerships. There are currently 21 CL63 out at the dealerships in the US (6 are marked as sold so only 15 brand new CL63s sitting around, mainly in CA and TX)

2) More power - 2011 CL63 engines are more powerful than your 2008

If you wait, then 2013 is when major changes will come for the CL class. Of course the standard cars will announce first, then the the AMG variant.

 

car looks great!