Mercedes CLS63 AMG (2010) first photos

This is the new Mercedes CLS63 AMG, the hotrod version of Mercedes’ sleek ‘four-door coupe’. And unlike its E63 AMG sibling, it uses a new twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V8, good for a total of 550bhp and 590lb ft.

That’s right. The E63 AMG is powered by Mercedes’ naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, but the CLS63 AMG utilises the new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 that was recently unveiled in the S63 and CL63. 

In the CLS63 AMG in base trim it produces 518bhp, the same as the E63, but at a much lower 5250rpm. And rather than the E’s 464lb ft, this hottest CLS manages 516lb ft all the way from 1750 to 5000rpm. That's Boeing thrust, that is.

It’s enough to hurl the CLS63 to 62mph in 4.4 seconds, but direct injection, stop/start and a seven-speed gearbox also mean this CLS will return 28.5mpg and puff out just 231g/km. Pretty darn impressive.

Not enough? Then an AMG Performance Pack option will lift the engine’s outputs to 550bhp and 590lb ft, thanks to a boost in turbo pressure from 1.0 to 1.3 bar, taking your benchmark time down to 4.3 seconds.

The AMG PP upgrade also includes a carbonfibre engine cover, a carbonfibre lip spoiler on the boot lid, red brake calipers and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel. Other options a proper rear diff, ceramic front brakes, lots of interior and exterior carbon trim, and electronically controlled dampers.

UK sales begin in early 2011, with prices expected to start at around £80,000.

By Ben Pulman