Style

There are just two elements that could account for that price difference: The CLS' more advanced V-8 engine and its darn appealing, elegant design. Like most new Benzes, the CLS features a large, dominant grille, in this case embedded with a gigantic three-pointed star. And of course there are optional full LED headlights. Luxury automakers are in a war to see which can use more LEDs to illuminate our roads, and the CLS comes to the fight with two stories of LED strips in the headlight cluster — to great effect.

The CLS' design trademark is the sloping roofline that many other vehicles have emulated over the years. For 2012, the car allows for a more traditional profile, albeit one dressed up with scallops running along the doors. It then radically drops off in the rear in a rounded truncation.

It's a startling effect, set off with giant taillights, yet whenever I try to describe it I end up using the word "droopy."

The CLS63 AMG has larger, 19-inch wheels, a more aggressive front bumper, a chin spoiler and quad exhaust.

    See also:

    Exhaust check
    WARNING Inhalation of exhaust gas is hazardous to your health. All exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide (CO), and inhaling it can cause unconsciousness and possible death. Do not run the engi ...

    High-performance brake system for AMG vehicles
    The high-performance brake system is installed only on the C 63 AMG. WARNING New vehicle brake pads and discs, and replacement brake pads and discs may take several hundred miles of driving ...

    Locking the vehicle (mechanical key)
    If the vehicle can no longer be locked with the SmartKey, use the mechanical key. •► Open the driver's door.•► Close the front-passenger door, the rear doors and the trunk lid/tailgat ...