If you are looking for a luxurious but still sporty sedan that is both sleek and quick, that holds its value well, and was originally over $100K MSRP brand new, then I have the car for you.
The Mercedes CLS63 AMG is an underappreciated sedan in the hacking game. A sedan that is able to fit the whole family comfortably along with golf clubs and groceries in the back.
The CLS63 AMG was brought to life in 2011 here in the United States and has made its run up until 2017-2018. Giving us a good long run of this German sedan state-wide. Boasting a 5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine able to make 550 horsepower and 531 pounds of torque, there is still plenty of power in this daily driver. But is it the daily driver for you? Let’s keep reading to find out.
Driving Experience
Driving a Mercedes AMG model is something I think everyone should get to experience. Yes, they are more accessible than maybe your average Ferrari or Lamborghini, however, that doesn’t mean they aren’t fun or engaging because, in reality, they are.
The entire car on the inside is tailored for the comfort and convenience of the driver and passengers, showing the usability from the open cabin and simple to use entertainment system.
While under the hood, the throaty power of the V8 twin-turbo engine can get you to and from where you need to go, and quickly.
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Common Problems
Mercedes-Benz’s are actually quite reliable in nature. Just ensure that all necessary service is done to your Benz in a timely fashion to ensure it remains reliable. Perhaps some of the most common problems that plague the CLS63 are problems that hit all Mercedes models, tie-rods, suspension, shocks, struts, brake, and tire usage.
But a good way to ensure that these issues are present in your CLS63 at the time of your purchase is to get a Pre-Purchase Inspection done at a trusted local third-party shop and be sure to ask for a detailed report about the aforementioned issues above.
There are some further issues that are present in the CLS models, but recalls have indeed been issued for them all. Be sure when you are looking to buy your CLS63 the owner/dealer has all information and records of completed recalls on your specific model. A list of all active recalls for the CLS 63 AMG are here for you to review:
https://www.cars.com/research/mercedes_benz-cls_class/recalls/
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Cost of Ownership/Maintenance
Please note (written in Feb of 2022), as it stands right now, the CLS63 AMG as a whole series is almost completely out of warranty as the final year of production was 2018 in the United States, and Mercedes boasts a 4 year/50,000 mile warranty on these models.
Mercedes-Benz often gets a bad rap for being incredibly expensive to fix when out of warranty, however, if you have a strong independent third party shop in your area, this isn’t a reality for you.
Where you get taken for a ride while owning an out-of-warranty Mercedes is when you constantly take it to the dealer for any maintenance or repairs. For example, rear brakes and rotors at a Mercedes dealer for the CLS-Series could run you $1,200+ but with a third-party shop the work could be done for nearly half.
Oil changes at the dealer could be $400 or higher whereas at a trusted third party shop again could cost you nearly 50% that, while also giving you the chance to build your relationship with the shop and set the groundwork for a friendship with them throughout your hacking journey.
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Year Changes
2011-2013- The original CLS63 AMG was released
2014-2018- Facelift that included the following upgrades to the CLS line:
- Re-designed front face with a diamond-patterned radiator grille and new LED headlights.
- New re-designed taillights.
- Interior changes including a new steering wheel design and upgraded interior technology such as dash, center console, etc, LED screen, etc
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Options
Mercedes aren’t known for being highly option intensive vehicles, but nonetheless, there are packages on the CLS63’s that help to add value to the car to help carry on the resale value throughout the time of ownership.
Below is a list of options for you to review that the CLS 63 AMG comes stock with and also the packages it could be optioned with and what dollars are attached along with it such as the:
Driver Assistance Package
Designo Interior Package
Carbon Fiber Package, etc
Best Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG To Buy
The CLS63 AMG is a great car, however, in terms of hackability you will want to be sure to stick to a few certain must-haves to keep your investment safe. You will want to look for 15-18 year models with the S trim. If possible, having the following packages will also help as the resale value will be higher on models with the following options:
Driver Assistance Package
Designo Interior Package with either Red/Black Leather or Saddle Brown/Silk Beige Leather
Carbon Fiber Package
Premium Package
Bang and Olufsen Sound System
Conclusion
All in all, the CLS63 AMG is a great, usable, sedan that is also a hell of a hack that is a lot of car for your money. Being a six-figure car at one point that you can now own in most instances for 30-40% back from MSRP.
While it may not be the most exciting four-door out there when you compare it to maybe the new AMG GT 63, it is still sporty in looks, throaty on the gas, fun to drive, and luxurious enough to still have people take notice when you pull up to a valet stand for dinner or the grocery store after work.
The post Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG Buyers Guide appeared first on Exotic Car Hacks.