Mercedes CLS AMG: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mercedes CLS AMG catalogue covers six generation and restyling entries, all with a Sedan body. The choice ranges from the 2005–2008 CLS55 5.4 AT and CLS63 6.2 AT to the CLS53 3.0 AT introduced in 2018 and the restyled CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic introduced in April 2021.
The Mercedes CLS AMG catalogue covers six generation and restyling entries, all with a Sedan body. The choice ranges from the 2005–2008 CLS55 5.4 AT and CLS63 6.2 AT to the CLS53 3.0 AT introduced in 2018 and the restyled CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic introduced in April 2021. The clearest dividing line is between the earlier V-shaped 8-cylinder cars and the later Inline 6-cylinder CLS53: the former offer up to 585 hp and 800 Nm, while the latter combine 435 hp and 520 Nm with a 9-speed Automatic transmission and AWD. Buyers prioritizing acceleration should examine the 585 hp CLS63 and CLS63S records; those prioritizing lower catalogue fuel consumption should start with the CLS53 3.0 AT.
Mercedes CLS AMG generations: what changed?
The first generation ran from 2005 through 2008 as a Sedan with two versions. The CLS55 5.4 AT used a 5,439 cc Gasoline, V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with a Compressor, producing 476 hp and 700 Nm. The CLS63 6.2 AT replaced that formula with a 6,208 cc, naturally aspirated Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine producing 514 hp and 630 Nm. It gained 38 hp but lost 70 Nm, while the transmission changed from 5-speed Automatic to 7-speed Automatic.
The first-generation restyling ran from 2008 through 2010 and retained the Sedan body. Its single CLS63 6.2 AT kept the 6,208 cc Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine, 514 hp, 630 Nm, 7-speed Automatic transmission and RWD. Compared with the earlier CLS63 6.2 AT, its listed kerb weight decreased by 5 kg and city consumption decreased by 0.3 l/100 km.
The second generation ran from 2011 through 2014 as a Sedan, with nine catalogue records. Its CLS63 5.5 AT versions used a 5,461 cc turbocharged Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine and produced 525 or 557 hp. Torque ranged from 700 to 800 Nm, and buyers could find RWD or AWD. The CLS63S 5.5 AT raised output to 585 hp and 800 Nm with AWD. Every listed second-generation version used a 7-speed Automatic transmission.
The second-generation restyling ran from 2014 through 2018 and contained five Sedan records, all named CLS63 5.5 AT. Outputs were 557 or 585 hp, with 720 or 800 Nm. One 557 hp version used RWD; the remaining records used AWD. All retained the 5,461 cc turbocharged Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine and 7-speed Automatic transmission.
The third generation began in 2018 as a Sedan with one CLS53 3.0 AT. It changed to a 2,999 cc turbocharged Gasoline Inline 6-cylinder engine rated at 435 hp and 520 Nm, paired with a 9-speed Automatic transmission and AWD.
The third-generation restyling began in April 2021 as a Sedan with one CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic. It retained the 2,999 cc turbocharged Gasoline Inline 6-cylinder format, 435 hp, 520 Nm, 9-speed Automatic transmission and AWD. Relative to the earlier CLS53 record, combined consumption increased by 0.9 l/100 km and tank capacity increased by 14 litres; the suspension listing also changed from pneumatic at both ends to spring at both ends.
Mercedes CLS AMG engine specs
Repeated names below are separated by generation, output, torque, drive or other catalogue figures so that each exact database version name remains intact.
| Generation and version | Engine | Output | Fuel and induction | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2008 CLS55 5.4 AT | 5,439 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 476 hp, 700 Nm | Gasoline, Compressor | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2005–2008 CLS63 6.2 AT | 6,208 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 514 hp, 630 Nm | Gasoline, No boost | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2008–2010 CLS63 6.2 AT | 6,208 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 514 hp, 630 Nm | Gasoline, No boost | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63S 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 585 hp, 800 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 525 hp, 700 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 525 hp, 700 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 800 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 525 hp, 700 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63S 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 585 hp, 800 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2011–2014 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2014–2018 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2014–2018 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2014–2018 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 585 hp, 800 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2014–2018 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 557 hp, 720 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2014–2018 CLS63 5.5 AT | 5,461 cc, 8-cylinder, V-shaped | 585 hp, 800 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 7-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2018–present CLS53 3.0 AT | 2,999 cc, 6-cylinder, Inline | 435 hp, 520 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
| 2021–present CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic | 2,999 cc, 6-cylinder, Inline | 435 hp, 520 Nm | Gasoline, Turbo | 9-speed Automatic | AWD |
Displacement-adjusted output makes the generational change especially clear. The CLS55 5.4 AT produces about 87.5 hp per litre, while the naturally aspirated CLS63 6.2 AT produces about 82.8 hp per litre. The 5,461 cc turbo CLS63 develops about 96.1 hp per litre at 525 hp, 102.0 hp per litre at 557 hp and 107.1 hp per litre at 585 hp. Both 2,999 cc CLS53 versions reach about 145.0 hp per litre, the highest calculated figure in the supplied data.
Mercedes CLS AMG performance and mpg
All listed versions have a top speed of 250 km/h, so acceleration and consumption provide the more useful comparison. The database supplies 0–100 km/h figures rather than 0–60 mph figures.
The quickest catalogue time is 3.6 seconds. It belongs to the 585 hp, 800 Nm AWD CLS63S 5.5 AT from 2011–2014 and the 585 hp, 800 Nm AWD CLS63 5.5 AT from 2014–2018. Other 585 hp versions require 3.7 seconds. The 557 hp CLS63 5.5 AT records range from 3.7 to 4.3 seconds, depending on the specific record and drivetrain. The 525 hp CLS63 5.5 AT takes 4.3 or 4.4 seconds.
The 514 hp CLS63 6.2 AT reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while the 476 hp CLS55 5.4 AT takes 4.7 seconds. Both 435 hp CLS53 versions record 4.5 seconds, matching the CLS63 6.2 AT despite producing 79 hp less.
The lowest listed combined consumption is 8.7 l/100 km for the CLS53 3.0 AT, with 11.5 l/100 km in the city and 7.1 l/100 km on the highway. The CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic records 9.6 l/100 km combined; its city and highway figures are not measured.
Among the 5,461 cc cars, combined consumption ranges from 9.9 to 10.6 l/100 km. The 9.9 l/100 km records list 13.9 l/100 km city and 7.6 l/100 km highway. Other records show 10.1, 10.4 or 10.6 l/100 km combined.
The CLS55 5.4 AT records 20.1 l/100 km city, 9.8 l/100 km highway and 13.6 l/100 km combined. The two CLS63 6.2 AT records list 22.9 or 22.6 l/100 km city, 9.9 l/100 km highway and 14.5 l/100 km combined. Consequently, the CLS53 3.0 AT uses 5.8 l/100 km less combined fuel than either CLS63 6.2 AT record.
Mercedes CLS AMG dimensions, weight and capacity
External dimensions are not measured in the supplied data. Kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity and selected wheel sizes are available.
The CLS55 5.4 AT has a 1,920 kg kerb weight, 2,410 kg gross weight, 110 mm ground clearance, an 80-litre tank and 255/35 R19 front with 285/30 R19 rear wheels. Its weight-to-power figure is about 4.03 kg per hp.
The original CLS63 6.2 AT weighs 1,835 kg kerb and 2,370 kg gross, with 110 mm clearance, an 80-litre tank and 255/40 R18 front with 285/35 R18 rear wheels. The restyled CLS63 6.2 AT weighs 1,830 kg kerb and 2,370 kg gross; ground clearance is not measured, and its wheel listing is 225/40 R18 front with 285/35 R18 rear. Both are about 3.56–3.57 kg per hp.
Second-generation kerb weights range from 1,870 to 1,955 kg, while gross weights range from 2,415 to 2,560 kg. Ground clearance is 105 mm, 120 mm or not measured, depending on the record. Every listed second-generation tank holds 66 litres. Where wheel data are measured, the specification is 255/35 R19 front and 285/30 R19 rear.
The second-generation restyling weighs between 1,870 and 2,025 kg kerb, with gross weights from 2,390 to 2,560 kg. Every record has 120 mm ground clearance, a 66-litre tank, 255/35 R19 front wheels and 285/30 R19 rear wheels.
The 585 hp, 1,870 kg CLS63S 5.5 AT delivers about 3.20 kg per hp, the strongest calculated weight-to-power result in the catalogue. A 585 hp, 2,025 kg restyled CLS63 5.5 AT produces about 3.46 kg per hp. That 155 kg difference helps explain why two cars with the same output can have different acceleration records.
Both CLS53 versions weigh 1,980 kg kerb and 2,550 kg gross, giving about 4.55 kg per hp. Ground clearance is not measured for either. The CLS53 3.0 AT has a 66-litre tank and 245/40 R19 front with 275/35 R19 rear wheels. The CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic has an 80-litre tank, while its wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Mercedes CLS AMG version should you buy?
Choose the CLS63S 5.5 AT with 585 hp, 800 Nm, AWD and a 1,870 kg kerb weight if the supplied figures make acceleration the priority. Its 3.6-second 0–100 km/h time is the joint-best result, while its calculated 3.20 kg per hp is the best weight-to-power ratio among the listed records.
Choose a 557 hp CLS63 5.5 AT carefully because the exact database record matters. Its listed 0–100 km/h times span 3.7–4.3 seconds, kerb weights span 1,870–2,025 kg, and combined consumption spans 10.1–10.6 l/100 km. The name alone does not identify one uniform specification; drive, weight, torque and generation must also be checked.
Choose the CLS55 5.4 AT if the specific combination of a Compressor, 476 hp, 700 Nm, RWD and a 5-speed Automatic transmission is the deciding factor. Against the first-generation CLS63 6.2 AT, it has 70 Nm more torque but 38 hp less, takes 0.2 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h and uses 0.9 l/100 km less fuel combined.
Choose the CLS63 6.2 AT if a 6,208 cc Gasoline V-shaped 8-cylinder engine with no boost is more important than the later turbo cars’ acceleration and consumption. It offers 514 hp and 630 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and consumes 14.5 l/100 km combined.
Choose the CLS53 3.0 AT when the comparison centers on fuel use and output per litre. Its 435 hp equals about 145.0 hp per litre, and its 8.7 l/100 km combined figure is the catalogue minimum. Its 4.5-second acceleration also equals the 514 hp CLS63 6.2 AT result.
Choose the CLS53 3.0 AT 4Matic if the larger tank matters more than the earlier CLS53’s lower listed consumption. It adds 14 litres of tank capacity while retaining 435 hp, 520 Nm, AWD, a 9-speed Automatic transmission, a 1,980 kg kerb weight and a 4.5-second 0–100 km/h time. Its combined consumption is 0.9 l/100 km higher, however.
No price, MSRP, sale listing, market-specific price, reliability record or problem data are included, so none of those factors can be used to rank these versions. On the supplied evidence alone, the 585 hp CLS63S 5.5 AT is the performance choice, the CLS53 3.0 AT is the consumption choice, and the CLS63 6.2 AT is the naturally aspirated choice.