Differences Between the 2012 CL63 AMG and the 2012 CL65 AMG

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG are performance versions of the CL-Class series of two-door coupes introduced in 1998. The CL63 features a V-8 and the CL65 comes with the V-12. Buyers could also order the CL63 with a special performance option that significantly increases engine output. These vehicles often serve as test cars for Mercedes to develop new technology.

AMG

AMG is the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz. The automaker conceived Mercedes-AMG GmbH in 1967 to develop high-performance luxury cars. Mercedes styles its AMG models more aggressively and enhances the engines performance and suspension system for more power and better handling. The subsidiary has a strong presence in Formula 1 World Championship racing. AMGs were add-on packages until about 2001, when AMG began designing vehicles from scratch as performance cars. In 2010, AMG introduced its AMG P31 Development Package that increased the output of its V-8 engines. Among AMGs innovations were the Electronic Stability Program, or ESP, and Active Body Control for stability, ceramic disc brakes, infrared night-vision and Active Lane Keeping Assist, a lane-departure warning system.

CL63 AMG

The 2012 CL63 AMG comes equipped with a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that generates 536 horsepower with a 10-to-1 compression ratio. The optional AMG Performance Package boosts the output to 563 horsepower. The standard CL63 AMG also features a seven-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission that AMG designed to shift from gear to gear in 100 milliseconds. The performance also has a wet start-up clutch, start/stop system to save fuel and the Active Body Control, or ABC, active suspension system. In the cabin, the center console has a Sport-Controlled Efficiency-Manual button that changes the shift program, the suspensions shock absorber and spring settings, and an accelerator pedal response system to suit the needs of the driver.

CL63 AMG Performance and Price

The CL63s base 536-horsepower engine with 593 foot-pounds of torque helps the car reach zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, while the 563-horsepower version with 664 foot-pounds of torque can achieve the same distance in 4.3 seconds. Top speed is a factory-regulated 151 mph The AMG Performance Package allows the car to hit a top speed of 186 mph. The 2012 model sells for $151,500.

CL65 AMG

A 6-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 wielding 621 horsepower with a 9-to-1 compression ratio powers the CL65 AMG. Rather than employ the CL63s seven-speed Speed shift transmission, the CL65 uses a five-speed version with three driving modes of automatic, paddle-shift manual and sport. The sport mode significantly reduces shifting times. The V-12 packs some additional weight on the C65 AMG. Its curbside weight tips the scales at 4,939 lbs. compared to the CL63 AMGs 4,697-lb. curbside weight. Differences in the cabin of the CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG are minimal. New for the CL65 AMG is a spotlight function as part of its infrared night view system to identify pedestrians at night.

CL65 AMG Performance and Price

The 621-horsepower V-12 with its liquid-to-air intercooling system to boost torque to 738 foot-pounds gives the CL65 AMG an edge over its sibling with a zero-to-60-mph clocking of 4.2 seconds. Mercedes times the V-12 version in 4.4 seconds from zero to 62 mph. Its top speed is 155 mph. The 2012 model sells for $211,000.