Is it better than a W211 E55 AMG? That’s debatable. But the C219 CLS63 AMG is a performance bargain.
Apparently, all the Mercedes AMG models from the mid 2000’s seem to remain a well kept secret. Despite the widely told tales of huge power numbers from E55’s, they stay relatively approachable. Despite being based on the 211, the C219 often gets a bit overlooked.
That’s weird to us, because they had the same drivetrain, including the legendary M113K. And like the E-class, the CLS adopted “63” AMG models powered by the M156. Essentially, their production was paralleled, being based on the same chassis. But the 219 is measurably longer, wider, and lower.
In this video, AMGmeister shows off his latest acquisition, a 2007 CLS 63 AMG. Everything there is to like about the E-class is found in the CLS, and then some. Interior appointments in the 219 are quite a bit different from the 211. A more sculpted dashboard is covered in leather and a wooden dash spans the entire width. Comparing the two, the 219 is less fussy, simpler, and cleaner. Much like the exterior of the car.
Keep in mind this chassis is now twenty years old. It’s amazing to think of how modern it looks. All of the Mercedes EQ models have somewhat adopted this sleek 4-door coupe shape. So it had merit from the start.
While some might scoff at the notion of a 4-door being called a coupe, just remember the “W” designation of the E-class chassis and the “C” designation for the CLS. Mercedes themselves consider it a coupe.
Curiously, these have stayed attainable. Production numbers of E55 are 12,993 worldwide from 2002 through 2006. The CLS55 had practically half that production, at 6,586. This is why you’re far more likely to see an E55 at the drag strip tearing it up. The “63” units had similar production numbers between the two, but both are just under 5,000.
So you’re more likely to come across an E55 AMG, but that makes the CLS 55 that much cooler. And both the E63 and CLS 63 are awesome in their own right. Especially now that AMG is no longer making engines like the M113K or M156.
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