Press Release
A unique amalgamation of power and design
- Supercharged AMG 5.5-litre V8-engine with 350 kW/476 hp
- AIRMATIC DC air suspension with AMG-specific configuration
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT with steering-wheel gearshift in Formula-1 style
- 18-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels, muscular AMG styling
- AMG sports seats with exclusive nappa/nubuck leather upholstery
The impressive power of the supercharged V8 engine is due to the sophisticated supercharger technology already familiar from the SL 55 AMG and E 55 AMG. The belt-driven supercharger and the intercooler are located between the banks of cylinders; these work together with the low temperature radiator in the front end to achieve particularly efficient cooling of the charge air.
As in the other AMG high-performance cars, the engine power is transferred to the wheels via the AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission. This allows the driver to choose between fully automatic or manual gear changes, the latter being possible by using either the selector lever or - in Formula-1 style - the gearshift buttons on the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel. In the manual "M" programme the driver is able to make full use of the high torque generated by the supercharged V8 engine, as there is no automatic downshift under full load or during kick-down; the automatic transmission steadfastly remains in the selected gear. In the manual shift programme AMG-SPEEDSHIFT does not automatically execute an upshift when it reaches the engine speed limit, which allows drivers with a particularly sporty style to make even better use of the high performance potential.
Other technical highlights of AMG-SPEEDSHIFT include lockup of the torque converter from 1st gear, active engine-braking downshift and the "optimal gear function"; these provide an extremely direct driving experience in conjunction with more spontaneous and up to 35 percent faster gear changes.
Newly developed AMG sports suspension based on AIRMATIC DC
The powerplant is superbly complemented by the AMG sports suspension and the AMG high-performance braking system of the CLS 55 AMG. Mercedes-AMG engineers have developed a new AMG sports suspension based on the semi-active air suspension AIRMATIC DC with the Adaptive Damping System. Both the springs and dampers are configured more stiffly compared to the CLS 500. AMG shock absorbers with modified characteristics in all three stages result in reduced body movements. The suspension of the CLS 55 AMG has been lowered by ten millimetres compared to that of the other models in the CLS-Class. Automatic level control all-round ensures that spring travel remains exactly the same even when the car is laden. Larger stabilisers reduce body roll when negotiating bends at speed.AIRMATIC DC enables the driver of the CLS 55 AMG to choose between more comfort-oriented or very sporty handling characteristics; both the dampers and springs instantly respond to the current driving situation, controlled by the latest micro-electronics. Information relating to the steering and yaw angles of the car body, linear and lateral acceleration, the vehicle attitude and the style of driving is processed for this purpose. The desired configuration can also be set manually in three stages at the touch of a button, meeting a wide variety of customer wishes. Thanks to its direct steering ratio, the power-assisted, speed-sensitive power steering included as standard ensures precise handling in any driving situation. Below 100 km/h the power assistance is automatically increased in the interests of a lower steering effort. Above this threshold the servo effect is reduced for the benefit of road-contact feel.
The electronic suspension control system - which includes ESP - has been adapted to suit the extremely dynamic performance. The innovative traction function meets the most demanding requirements: specific braking intervention at the inside wheel on bends - without reducing engine power - means that engine torque is transferred to the wheel which has better traction. This achieves the same effect as a mechanical limited-slip differential. Valuable experience gained over more than three decades of motor sports provided the basis for a high-performance power transfer, with a more robust propeller shaft, a new steel rear axle with reinforced wheel location elements and drive shafts, together with spring links of welded high-strength steel. The rear axle differential features cooling fins which reduce the oil temperature by up to 20 degrees Celsius.
High-performance braking system adopted from the SL 55 AMG Roadster
The CLS 55 AMG is equipped with the acclaimed high-performance braking system of the SL 55 AMG, which is based on the electro-hydraulic braking system Sensotronic Brake Control (SBCâ„¢). Internally ventilated, perforated disc brakes all round and silver-painted, eight-piston brake callipers at the front guarantee impressive deceleration values with a high fade resistance. The major details of the AMG high-performance braking system at a glance:
The plentiful high-quality appointments in the CLS 55 AMG include fine nappa leather in a choice of three colours for the seat upholstery, centre door panels and the centre armrest, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with gearshift buttons, an AMG instrument cluster with a 320-km speedometer scale, white dials, red needles, "V8 KOMPRESSOR" lettering, chromed door sill panels with the AMG logo and sporty pedals of polished stainless steel with rubber studs.
The extensive standard appointments in the CLS 55 AMG also include exotic wood trim in matt silk burr walnut, THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control, ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear and bi-xenon headlamps together with the Active Light System.
The following extras are available for further individualisation (extract):
From the beginning of 2005, the pioneering, award-winning PRE-SAFE protection system will become available for the CLS 55 AMG. PRE-SAFE already recognises critical handling situations which might lead to an accident in advance. This enables the vehicle's occupants to be preventively prepared for an impending collision:
18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and powerful AMG bodystyling
The chosen combination of wheels and tyres also contributes to dynamic handling, with wide-base tyres in size 255/40 and 285/35 mounted on 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide, 18-inch twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels. AMG light-alloy wheels in a four-spoke design are also available in the same sizes and with the same tyres. In addition the CLS 55 AMG can be visually enhanced with 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a new five-spoke design with tyres in size 255/35 and 285/30. A tyre pressure loss warning system is standard equipment. This ESP-based system detects deviations from the nominal values on the basis of various data such as wheel speeds, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and wheel moments, showing any irregularities in the cockpit's central display as a warning message: "Tyre pressure, check tyres".
Muscular AMG bodystyling for sophisticated coupé elegance
The sophisticated coupé design of the CLS 55 AMG is characterised by muscular AMG bodystyling, which includes a striking front apron with large air intakes and round fog lamps, side skirts and a prominent diffuser-look rear apron. Visual and acoustic highlights are provided by the two oval, chrome-plated tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. The distinctive radiator grille with three robust, silver-painted vanes and "V8 KOMPRESSOR" lettering on the front wings are further identifying features. The harmoniously integrated spoiler lip on the boot lid reduces lift at the rear axle by approx. 30 percent, further improving handling stability at high speeds.
Comprehensive, high-grade standard equipment with nappa leather upholstery
The interior appointments of the CLS 55 AMG represent a pleasing combination of exclusive, sporty styling, high-quality materials and outstanding quality of finish. The design of the new AMG multicontour sports seats exhibits special AMG perforations, lateral piping and double stitching; the seats are heated and feature an AMG emblem, as well as Alcantara panels at shoulder level which ensure excellent lateral support when taking bends at high speed. There are numerous electrical adjustments for the front seats, and different settings can also be stored using a memory function.
Exclusive designo metallic paintwork, leather upholstery and trim
An exclusive designo range will be available for the new CLS 55 AMG from April 2005. Customers will be able to configure their own personal vehicle from a range of 13 different metallic paint finishes and single-tone designo leather upholstery in a choice of ten colour tones. The designo seats are in a distinctive design with six-fold longitudinal piping, double-topstitched seams and a matt chrome designo emblem. As an exclusive additional feature, the Alcantara roof lining is available in a choice of anthracite, pebble beige or alpaca grey. The range of decorative trim comprises designo matt natural oak, cinnamora designo matt red brown or designo black piano lacquer.
Perfected occupant protection as standard, PRE-SAFE available rom 2005
With the occupant protection system in the CLS 55 AMG, Mercedes-Benz is once again reinforcing its claim to be the trailblazer in car safety. The design of the passenger cell offers passengers a high level of protection in any type of accident. Intelligent restraint systems such as adaptive front airbags, high-performance belt tensioners on all four seats, belt force limiters (adaptive in the front), front sidebags and windowbags are standard equipment. Sidebags for the rear passengers are available as optional equipment.
