Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL 63 AMG in Candian market MSRP is $42,995

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In the realm of high-performance luxury coupes, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL 63 AMG stands as a testament to German engineering prowess. This article delves into the history, specifications, and impact of this remarkable vehicle in the Canadian automotive landscape.

Introduction to the CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, a series of grand tourers, has long been synonymous with opulence and performance. The CL acronym, standing for Coupé Leicht (Coupé Light), belies the substantial presence of these vehicles.

In Canada, where luxury vehicles hold a special place in the automotive market, the CL-Class, particularly the AMG variants, has carved out a niche for discerning enthusiasts.

The CL 63 AMG: A Closer Look

At the heart of the CL 63 AMG lies a marvel of engineering. The last generation, produced from 2007 to 2014, featured a range of potent powerplants:

  • Initially, a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
  • Post-2010 facelift models received a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, delivering:
    • Standard output: 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque
    • With AMG Performance Package: 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque

These engines propelled the CL 63 AMG from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds, a remarkable feat for a vehicle of its size and luxury appointments.

Transmission and Drivetrain

The CL 63 AMG utilized Mercedes’ advanced transmission systems:

  • Early models featured the 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.
  • Later models adopted the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, offering lightning-fast gear changes and multiple driving modes.

While some markets offered 4MATIC all-wheel drive for certain CL-Class models, the CL 63 AMG remained rear-wheel drive, preserving its dynamic handling characteristics.

Suspension and Handling

The CL 63 AMG wasn’t just about straight-line speed. It featured:

  • AMG-tuned Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, providing a balance between comfort and sporty handling.
  • Massive brakes, with 15.4-inch front and 14.4-inch rear discs, ensuring stopping power matched the vehicle’s performance capabilities.

Luxury and Technology

True to Mercedes-Benz’s reputation, the CL 63 AMG was a showcase of luxury and cutting-edge technology:

  • Handcrafted interior with premium leather and wood trim
  • COMAND infotainment system with navigation
  • Harman Kardon surround sound system
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Night View Assist for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions

The Canadian Context

In Canada, the CL 63 AMG was positioned as an exclusive offering:

  • Limited availability, with most dealerships receiving only a handful of units per year.
  • Pricing started around $170,000 CAD, with fully optioned models easily exceeding $200,000 CAD.

This exclusivity made the CL 63 AMG a rare sight on Canadian roads, enhancing its allure among luxury car enthusiasts.

Canadian Market Reception

The CL 63 AMG found a receptive audience in Canada, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Its appeal lay in:

  • All-weather capability, important in Canada’s diverse climate
  • Understated luxury, aligning with Canadian preferences for less ostentatious displays of wealth
  • High-performance capabilities, appreciated by enthusiasts and collectors

Competing in the Canadian Luxury Market

In Canada, the CL 63 AMG competed with other high-end performance coupes:

  • BMW M6
  • Aston Martin DB9
  • Bentley Continental GT

The CL 63 AMG distinguished itself through its combination of performance, luxury, and the prestige of the Mercedes-AMG brand.

Ownership Experience in Canada

Owning a CL 63 AMG in Canada required a commitment to proper maintenance:

  • Specialized service needs, often only available at select Mercedes-Benz dealerships
  • Higher maintenance costs compared to standard luxury vehicles
  • Importance of winter preparation, including appropriate tire changes and undercarriage protection

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations

Despite its performance orientation, later models of the CL 63 AMG showed improvements in fuel efficiency:

  • City fuel consumption: approximately 16 L/100 km
  • Highway fuel consumption: approximately 10 L/100 km

While not frugal by mainstream standards, these figures represented an improvement over earlier V12 models in the CL-Class lineup.

Legacy and Impact

The CL 63 AMG left an indelible mark on the Canadian automotive landscape:

  • Influenced the design and performance benchmarks for luxury performance coupes
  • Helped establish AMG as a household name among Canadian car enthusiasts
  • Paved the way for future Mercedes-AMG models in the Canadian market

Collectibility and Future Outlook

As production of the CL-Class ended, replaced by the S-Class Coupe, the CL 63 AMG has begun to attract attention as a potential future classic:

  • Limited production numbers enhance exclusivity
  • Represents the pinnacle of naturally aspirated AMG V8 engines (pre-2010 models)
  • Combines modern usability with classic grand tourer aesthetics

Canadian collectors and enthusiasts are increasingly recognizing the value of well-maintained CL 63 AMG models.

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL 63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL 63 AMG in Canada represents more than just a high-performance luxury coupe. It embodies the pinnacle of automotive engineering, luxury, and exclusivity.

In the Canadian context, where discerning buyers seek vehicles that can handle diverse driving conditions while making a subtle yet powerful statement, the CL 63 AMG found its niche.

As we look to the future of automotive technology, with increasing emphasis on electrification and autonomous driving, vehicles like the CL 63 AMG stand as benchmarks of a bygone era.

They remind us of a time when the harmony of a finely-tuned V8 engine, the craftsmanship of a bespoke interior, and the thrill of piloting a grand tourer were the ultimate expressions of automotive excellence.

For Canadian enthusiasts and collectors, the CL 63 AMG isn’t just a car; it’s a piece of automotive history, a symbol of achievement, and a continual source of driving pleasure.

As these magnificent machines become rarer on Canadian roads, their legend only grows, ensuring their place in the pantheon of automotive greats for generations to come.

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