Now if Benz has said no to CLS65.....then I guess no E63/65??
STUTTGART, GERMANY — Rumors and reports are circulating that Mercedes is working on a second AMG high-performance version of its new CLS-Class sedan: a CLS65 AMG, which would reportedly crank out over 600 horsepower. However, a Mercedes spokesperson said in a recent phone interview with Inside Line that the company is "definitely not" developing such a vehicle. Mercedes already offers the CLS55 AMG sedan.
Excluding the SLR McLaren supercar, the 65 AMG cars — the SL65 AMG convertible, CL65 AMG coupe and S65 AMG sedan — represent the pinnacle of Mercedes performance and exclusivity. Those models produce over 600 hp and base prices in the $170,000 to $180,000 range.
However, Mercedes is working on a new engine for its 55 AMG cars. The spokesperson said the arrival of the new power plant is more than a year away. When asked if Mercedes is planning an AMG version of its forthcoming R-Class SUV, she said "it wouldn't be a stretch" to assume Mercedes would make such a model.
When the R-Class goes on sale this fall, it will have two trim levels: the 268-hp R350 and the 302-hp R500. Down the road, more engine options will arrive, but not within the model's first year on the market. The spokesperson did not have information about other engine options that might become available in the future.
What this means to you: AMG is a winner with performance enthusiasts and with DaimlerChrysler shareholders. It looks like no over-the-top 65 AMG cars are in the works, but a new engine for the 55 AMG cars is an exciting development.


