2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG Preview

"Buyers are hungry for high performance," asserts Rob Allan, AMG Product Manager. Luckily, performance is the name of the game at AMG, the engineering firm owned by Mercedes-Benz. To meet what the company perceives to be insatiable desire for more, more, more, nearly every model in the German luxury automaker's lineup gets a massage by AMG that adds greater power and torque, better brakes, a tighter suspension, and special trim inside and out. The upcoming 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 is no exception to the rule. In fact, with its four-door coupe configuration and rakishly elegant bodywork, it's a prime candidate for the AMG hot-rod treatment. Under the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG's shapely hood resides a supercharged and intercooled 5.5-liter V8 engine belting out 469 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is routed to the massive rear wheels through an AMG Speedshift five-speed transmission equipped with shift paddles that are mounted to the steering wheel, Formula 1-style. Acceleration to 60 mph takes about 4.5 seconds. With five forward speeds, the transmission operates in fully automatic mode or as a clutchless sequential manual gearbox that allows the driver to cycle through gears via the paddles or by toggling the gearshift lever. Speedshift doesn't automatically shift when placed in manual mode, giving the driver complete control of gear selection at all times. Active braking downshift technology helps to select the right gear for exiting curves when the transmission is in full automatic mode, and software mapping that Mercedes calls "optimal gear function" delivers gear changes up to 35 percent faster than normal.

Performance

Performance upgrades to the Airmatic semi-active air suspension include stiffer adaptive damping springs and shocks, a ride height dropped by 10mm, and larger stabilizer bars. To tailor the suspension to specific conditions, the driver can choose between comfort and sport modes, or one in between that combines characteristics of the two. Automatic load leveling keeps the 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG on an even keel no matter how many people are along for the ride. Sensotronic Brake Control, an electro-hydraulic brake-by-wire system that has been troublesome for Mercedes on other models, is standard on the 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG. In this application of the technology, the system is upgraded for performance driving with silver-painted calipers (eight-piston front and four-piston rear) that clamp down on internally ventilated and perforated antilock disc brakes measuring 360x36mm up front and 330x26mm in back. Interestingly, the standard stability control system can brake specific inside wheels on corners without reducing engine power, creating the effect of a mechanical limited slip differential. Calibrated to automatically increase assist levels at speeds under 60 mph and provide greater effort at speeds over 60 mph, the 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG's power speed-sensitive steering is able to supply easier parking and in-town maneuverability while also optimizing road feel and control. Five-spoke AMG wheels measure 19 inches in diameter and wear 255/35 rubber up front with 285/30 rear tires. Standard equipment includes a tire pressure monitoring system.

Design

Of course, no AMG model is complete without the subtle styling kit that gives a highest-performing Benz its unique appearance. The real difference, however, is inside, where the 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG features a sport steering wheel and special sport seats upholstered in exclusive leather. Embossed with the AMG logo and heated for chilly days, the seats have substantial side bolsters to help hold occupants in place during high speed cornering. AMG instruments feature white dials with red needles, the doorsills are trimmed in chrome with the AMG logo, and the pedals are polished stainless steel with rubber studs. Standard equipment on the 2006 Mercedes CLS 55 AMG includes matte silk burr walnut interior trim, automatic climate control, and bi-xenon headlights with an Active Light System that illuminates around turns. Adaptive front airbags, side-impact and side-curtain airbags, and front seat pretensioners with force limiters come standard to keep the 2006 Mercedes CLS 55 AMG's occupants safe. Side airbags are an option for the rear seats - optional mainly so that buyers with small children don't put them at risk. Mercedes-Benz Pre-Safe technology is also optional. Using software that monitors vehicle behavior, Pre-Safe determines when an accident could occur and pretensions the seatbelts, positions the front seats for optimal crash protection, and closes the sunroof and side windows for added safety. With both high style and high performance, look for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG to swamp swanky enclaves from Newport, RI, to Newport Beach, CA, at the rate of 1,500 annually.

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz North America