Tested: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4Matic

Lustworthy _

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4MATIC has that ‘je ne sais quoi,’ that ‘certain swagger’ if you will. Not because it has one of the longest names in the entire Benz line-up, or because it’s packing the powerful 5.5L AMG biturbo V8 with 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. Rather, it’s because this particular bad boy comes with standard 4MATIC full-time all-wheel drive, and because the S-Model squeezes more power and torque out of that hand-assembled AMG powerplant to the tune of 577 hp and 590 lb-ft.

It certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan

Besides the big horsepower and torque, the AMG V8 is an awesome engine! When you start it up, it’s got this growl to it that’s just like ‘Oh my gosh, run away! Run fast!’ And when you go to pass a car on the highway, this thing really, really takes off like a shot.

With an electronically-limited top speed of 300 km/h, Mercedes-Benz claims the seven-speed AMG automatic transmission is capable of swapping gears in less than 100 milliseconds, thus helping the 4MATIC S-Model go from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. The non- S-Model only nets 3.7-second runs. However, both have traction and stability control systems that can be turned off entirely (the Pre-Safe functions are turned off by holding the button for about five seconds) and stay that way even if you switch from one optimized driving mode to another.

There are four transmission modes, including “C” (controlled efficiency) for consumption-optimized driving, “S” (sport), “S+” (sport plus) and “M” (manual) for enhanced driving pleasure and dynamic flair. Additionally, there is the race start function and paddle shifters mounted directly on the steering wheel.

2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan
2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG | Shaun Keenan

Continue reading my experience with the 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S-Model 4Matic on the IGNITION MAGAZINE website!