2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG

Program #2453

How much horsepower is too much? Well, if you’re a serious performance fan, there’s no such thing. And that’s certainly how the engineers at Mercedes’ in-house tuner AMG think This time they’ve whipped up a hot rod version of Mercedes’ big CL-Class coupe, the CL65 AMG. It has the kind of horsepower that AMG fans will love - 604 to be precise - and even more torque. Have the wrench wizards at AMG finally gone too far?

So how does the average driver control the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG, and its 604 wild Teutonic ponies, all straining to slip free of their bridles and run free? Well, first, you grab the wheel of this big coupe and hold on tight! After all, this herd of wild stallions bursts out of AMG’s award-winning 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine. Its 604 horsepower is backed up by a maximum torque rating of 738 pound-feet. That’s more torque than even the brawniest heavy-duty pickups, and it’s delivered at only 2,000 rpm. Still, even with conviction, having under hood the most powerful engine yet from AMG could still be a recipe for disaster for drivers that don’t have the training or skill to control it.

So, to help keep the CL 65 grounded, AMG has equipped it with the latest in electronic driver aids. The reworked 5-speed automatic transmission not only boasts Touch Shift manual controls plus SpeedShift programming, but it’s tied into Mercedes most sophisticated electronic stability system.Which doesn’t slow it down one bit, as the CL 65 rockets to 60 in only 4.0-seconds flat! The quarter mile roars by in 12.4 seconds at 115 miles-per-hour. This is one of the fastest cars that we’ve ever tested. Now, it takes a second for the turbos to spin up, but once they hit maximum boost, the CL 65’s acceleration pins you to the seat until you lift out of simple self preservation.

Whether you’re on the straights or in the corners, the amazing stability system neutralizes speed-robbing, and trouser-soiling, wheel-spin and keeps the CL 65 glued to the road. And better able to exploit the astounding handling delivered by its multi-link electro-hydraulic suspension, egged on by the suction of 19-inch ultra-low profile high performance tires, 245/40s in the front, and 275/35s in the rear.

All told, balance is close to perfect, and body roll nonexistent. It’s a remarkable display of automotive agility, especially for a 4,654 pound car. After the handling display, braking performance was a slight letdown. With lightweight two-piece cast iron/aluminum front hubs and rotors, complete with 8-piston calipers, and 4-piston calipers in the rear, certain stops were not an issue. But our average distance from 60 of 127 feet was not exceptionally short, and there was noticeable front end shimmy and very soft pedal feel.

No complaints, however, during daily driving, as the CL 65 displays impeccable road manners, and a firm but never choppy ride. All while the optional Distronic radar cruise control did an impressive job of adapting instantly to changing traffic conditions and kept us from running up on the car in front.

Impeccable also describes the CL 65’s style. To the CL’s already slick long-nose exterior AMG adds subtle enhancements including new front facia with larger cooling ducts, integrated fog lamps, sculpted side-skirts, bright “V12 Biturbo” badging, and a pair of twin pipe exhausts.

Inside is a posh but business-like cabin, with its usual combination of Mercedes luxury and efficiency plus sporty AMG upgrades. Safety, too, thanks to an airbag selection that includes head curtain and side impact airbags for all four occupants. The leather AMG sport seats feature 14-way power adjustments, heat, ventilation, and an active lumbar massage system, while the AMG leather-wrapped steering wheel has a power adjustable tilt and telescoping column, along with the manual shift controls.

Standard CL 65 amenities include a high power CD/Weatherband stereo, DVD navigation, and dual-zone automatic climate controls. The rear seat is big by coupe standards, though passengers over 6-feet in height will have to squeeze in. A power rear window sunshade helps maintain both temperature and privacy. And cargo space is a coupe-generous 12.3 cubic feet. Easily enough for a long weekend’s load of luggage.

While we doubt anyone who can afford the biturbo CL65 AMG will be concerned about economy, for the record EPA mileage ratings are 12 city/19 highway. We averaged an SUV-like 16 miles-per-gallon. The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG is an excessive car, and it comes with an excessive price: $179,820. Anyone who says horsepower is cheap has never driven an AMG.

Indeed the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG is all about excess, especially in the areas of power and performance. But like all AMG vehicles, the CL65 is also about reaching for that pinnacle of automotive engineering, taking already impressive road cars and stretching their abilities to the limits. Fortunately, even with the CL65 AMG those limits have not yet been reached, but we know they will keep on trying.