dakrisht

It's not even out, but let's make sure we can still burn it, or will it burn us?

As far as the figures go, 510HP on the ML63 with the weight difference should make for an interesting drag... Any thoughts/opinions?

Also, I understand the 7-speed tranny can't handle all the torque of a possible turbo-charged V8, so why didn't they keep the 5-speed?

I have the 7-speed on my '05 CLK500 and quite honestly, I think the 5 drives better. The 7 "thinks" too much and jerks around quite a bit, especially when let go of the pedal after accelerating? Anyone experience any issues like this?

BoBcanada

ML63

0-60mph 4.8 sec

0-100km/h 5.0s
0-200 km/h 17s <- as fast as new RS4!!
0-1000m in 23 seconds

7 speed has better fuel consumption?

bfnnrgn

I had a CLS500 with the 7 speed before I traded after 9 months for an E55. To be honest I didn't like the 7 speed at all. It was jerky even after all the software updates to the transmission. In manual mode there were just too many gears to go through to make it enjoyable. I left it in auto all the time. The 5 speed on the E55 other hand is almost always in manual mode. Just one of my many complaints about the CLS.

That and I'm not sold on the new V8. It has slightly more HP but nothing that isn't easily overcome with a good cheap pulley. The thing I don't like about it is the lack of torque and thats not easily overcome. HP might be nice, but its the torque at low rpm when the light turns green that puts a smile on my face every time.

Tony007

And there's one VERY IMPORTANT thing to consider..

If the 55 Kompressor engines is pulling about 420-425rwhp, then factoring a 18% loss, that equates to roughly 506-512hp car. Something to consider.

AMGE

The weight difference and the drivetrain loss should put it at a disadvantage.