2005 Mercedes Benz AMG W215 CL65 – More than just a test drive

Civilized.  Elegant.  Solid.

Its body graceful, formed of pure lines without any ostentation, the 2005 W215 CL65 projects substance the old fashioned way: subtlely, by sheer dimensions and proper proportions. The timelessly beautiful coachwork cloaks a monumental 6.0 liter bi-turbo V-12 engine. Unrivalled in 2005, the M275 generates, ex factory, 604 horsepower and 738ft-lb of torque, figures even the supercars of the day had a hard time matching. And this is deliberately dumbed down by AMG for practical and strategic reasons…rumour has it that even with a very light tune, in some cases simply by removing restrictions in the engine control unit, well over 700hp and nearly 1000-ft-lb of torque are easily achieved, while still maintaining streetability and daily driver reliability.

(yes, that’s an engine cover made of carbon fiber…remember, that was back in 2005…)

Certainly not for everyone, the CL65 is a rare bird indeed, with production in the model “best years” of 2005 and 2006 of 194 units destined for North America (total CL65 production worldwide, 2003-2005: 777)  

The ultimate factory spec “sleeper” – think runway model good looks who just happens to be a MMA world champion that also gold medaled in the dead lift, dressed sveltly in an elegant, timelessly understated and tailored Armani Black Label suit.  On superficial appearances, if you didn't know about the staggeringly powerful V12 BiTurbo with its tire shredding sports car eating torque under the hood, many would simply dismiss it as yet another big luxo barge coupe cruiser, albeit one that exudes quiet class and refinement.

Sometimes, it's good to fly under the radar...

I've been very blessed to have spent more than a few years with the W215 CL65.  We've made some interesting trips together, as I would regularly be tempted to just jump in and drive. 

Los Angeles to Pebble Beach and back, just for the sheer driving pleasure?

Why not?

A Sunday morning run with a friend to the canyons east and west of the Grapevine?

Avec plaisir...

Be the canon at a knife fight?

Pourquoi pas?

I remember the Lambos and Ferraris and Porsche GT3RS wondering what the heck is this barge doing here on this sports car run? Even the CLK Black Series was a little dismissive at first of its big cousin amidst all the Italian exotica...

By the end of the run, after a 7 mile dead straight clear sight line no cross traffic top speed dash, where the CL65 blew by anyone and everyone in the run group, even the Lambo owners literally bowed down to the almighty horsepower king, despite the 5000 plus pounds of unsprung weight. It was rumoured that some of the other cars saw 178 in that dash...but I wouldn't know, they were far behind me and the CL65. (disclaimer - folks, don't try this on open roads with civilians around...) 

I can state for sure, though, and that white Bentley Continental GT Speed above can confirm, that 165 is easily attainable, with lots more in reserve, all while at ease and completely stable.  It seemed to be pulling as hard at 165 as at 80…

One of my favorite parlour tricks with the CL65 is to pick up a friend who has never been in the car, and while we are casually chatting, gently but firmly press down on the throttle...then ask the passenger how fast he thinks we are going.  Inevitably, given the visual cues through the window, the guesses are usually an impressed "85? 90?" and I'd smile to myself when I tell them to look at the 120+ on the speedometer...

The amazing thing about the CL65 is that all this power, torque, and performance are delivered in a no muss, no fuss, every hair in place and not a glint of sweat effortlessness that is just simply mindboggling. The Viper; various Lambos and Ferraris; even the high powered Porsches snort and bellow as they explore the upper reaches of their performance range.

Not so the CL65 - always composed, always civilized, there is no hint of strain, no sign of effort as it quietly wooshes at stupid fast second derivative acceleration rates to a buck and half speeds, with obviously much more to give if the driver dares...

Stupid fast? what means "stupid fast?" Well, put it this way - one gets used to flooring the throttle and easing into the small gap diagonal from you in the next lane, in a controlled L step freeway dance move, never once worrying about the car in front.

Try that with the CL65 and you'll just as likely find yourself burying your nose in the tail of that car in front before you can execute the sidestep into the open space...

I'm frequently asked by the cognoscenti at gas stations, who, after the typical pleasantries and inevitable “Nice car…” quote the horsepower and torque specs faster than I can smile and answer, "hey, how'ya doin?";

I'm frequently asked, "but doesn't it just spin the rear wheels and make a lot of smoke and noise without really going anywhere? The tires can't possibly hook up with all that torque..."

And indeed, the early 65's (especially the S65) were infamous for that.

In my time with The Beast in the Tuxedo, I've learned it's all about throttle control...and that LSD in the back.

(end Part 1)