Although we’re generally remarkably impressed with the inherent efficiency of modern forced-induction motor, why is it that we welcome the 5.5-litre, twin-turbocharged motor in the CLS63 AMG with a mild sense of trepidation?
Mainly because we’ve been so won over by the depth of character and performance of the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 it replaces. However, this engine not only has more grunt than the 6.2-litre V8 but is also 32 per cent more efficient.
And in no installation does it make more sense than in the CLS. We already know the four-dour coupé to be excellent luxury transport, and as a sort of high-end enthusiast’s limo it can justify having 549bhp (in the Performance Pack model tested here) better than most other Mercedes.
But there’s no point to having such extravagant outputs – or an equally extravagent price – if it’s not sensationally entertaining, as well as civilised executive transport. And that’s not an easily achieved compromise.
Mainly because we’ve been so won over by the depth of character and performance of the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 it replaces. However, this engine not only has more grunt than the 6.2-litre V8 but is also 32 per cent more efficient.
And in no installation does it make more sense than in the CLS. We already know the four-dour coupé to be excellent luxury transport, and as a sort of high-end enthusiast’s limo it can justify having 549bhp (in the Performance Pack model tested here) better than most other Mercedes.
But there’s no point to having such extravagant outputs – or an equally extravagent price – if it’s not sensationally entertaining, as well as civilised executive transport. And that’s not an easily achieved compromise.
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