2008 New York Auto Show: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS – Under the Hood

The CLS550 is powered by a 5.5-liter, V-8 that produces 382 horsepower and 391 lb.-ft. of torque, while the 6.2-liter, AMG V-8 powers the CLS63 with 507 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque.

Both models transfer power to the rear wheels using a seven-speed automatic transmission. For the CLS550, the transmission has M-B’s Touch Shift. AMG Speedshift enhances the AMG model’s gearbox by not making any automatic shifts when in manual mode. Shifts can made via either stick or paddle shifters.

The 550 has four-wheel independent, a four-link setup in front and a five-arm multilink in back. Large disc brakes and multi-piston calipers at all four corners handle stopping duties. The AMG has the same basic setup, but tuned for more aggressive driving. In keeping with that, brakes are bigger, while the stability control can apply the brakes to just one wheel, transferring to torque to the wheel with better traction. It’s not a limited-slip differential, but has a similar effect. The 2008 CLS550 is EPA-rated at 14 city and 21 mpg highway, while the CLS63 comes in at 12 in town and 18 on the open road.