2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG review from North America

A testament to Mercedes' wonderful reliability, the electric seats have been rather problematic. The car has been into the dealer three times for this, but the this time I do believe they fixed it.

As an owner of fine automobiles, I must say that this is by far the most fulfilling vehicle to drive and own.

My CLS 63 isn't standard. It was supercharged by AMG, and this required the fitting of six speed transmission in place of the standard seven speed transmission.

Driving :) To drive, it's a masterpiece, perfectly balanced and so controllable. The steering is spot-on, and there is very minimal understeer. It in no way, shape or form, drives and acts like a large saloon, more a little sports car. I love the way the Supercharged AMG powerplant growls at you if drive it sensibly, but then snarls when you push it to the limit. Oh, I get so excited just writing this! Every aspect of this car, I love it. Except for one thing, the traction control. I hate it. Yes, it can be turned off, but the car is constantly applying the brakes to controll wheel spin and sliding. I mean, come on, what's the point of turning the system off if it doesn't really turn off? I've taken it on the track, and I can't say this is healthy for it, being that the brakes overheated, glowing red, and therefore the car limited my driving. I was not very pleased. There is one gear that is somewhat distasteful when changing in and out of, and when it does so, the RPM's don't feel right and it's not as smooth as the rest. Another factor that adds to the experience of driving it, is that it actually gets decent gas mileage, 20 mpg average I believe. For an engine of this caliber, that's rather suprising.

Inside: Black with dark burl wood trim, magnificant. The interior is so robust and complete, I might as well be driving in a Maybach. The seats are infinitely supportive, even in the rear. I was quite surprised that I could actually sit in the rear of this car, and have plenty of room to be comfortable. And I'm not short, 5'9". I think this has something to do with the way Mercedes made it so that you sit "into" the car, like really sink in deep and low. The bells and whistles that come with this car are completely mind boggling, there's just so many! However, Mercedes does need to work on their voice command feature. It often gets things mixed up, and on occasion, does the EXACT opposite of what I want it to do.

Exterior: I LOVE IT! I especially like the way everything flows to the rear, over the tail lights and down to the bumper and trunk lid. This makes it look almost like a 2 door coupe, which is another reason I'm suprised that I can fit in back. Mine is black, with chrome alloy AMG wheels that look sharp. Now, I will admit that I am not normally fond of newer Mercedes designs, but this one really does it for me. This is one of those few cars that inspires a sense of elegance and power within me. It is truley stunning to say the least.

If there was one thing that I could change about this car, is the traction control. If I want to get the most out of this car every time I take it to the track, overheating the brakes is definitely not the way to do it!

If I could, I would buy this piece of artwork again and again, just so it has that "new" feel.