The CLS550 is fitted with a twin-turbocharged

   The CLS550 is fitted with a twin-turbocharged 4.6-liter V8 rated at 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. The four-door features a seven-speed automatic transmission sending power to the two rear wheels (the automaker's 4Matic all-wheel-drive system is offered as an option). Hardly a slouch, the standard CLS will sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds with a top speed governed at 130 mph. However, and despite its valid reputation as a true driver's car, the CLS550 lost out to an Audi A7 3.0T in our comparison last year – blame its age, despite its refresh.The CLS63 AMG turns things up significantly. Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V8 rated at 518 horsepower and 519 pound-feet of torque in standard trim, or 550 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque when optioned with the AMG Performance Package (as our test car was). To handle the additional torque, and deliver a sporty driving feel, the traditional automatic is replaced by an AMG Speedshift seven-speed MCT gearbox with launch control. The standard CLS63 AMG will hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds with a governed top speed of 155 mph. With the Performance Package, the factory claims that 60 mph falls in 4.3 seconds and the top speed governor is raised to 186 mph. (Consider those numbers conservative as Car and Driverrecently tested the 2012 CLS63 AMG at 3.8 seconds with a quarter mile of 12.0 seconds at 121 mph. Motor Trend got 3.9 seconds.)

Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

   The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is an Olympic decathlete wearing a hand-tailored tuxedo – its well-rounded performance is every bit as impressive as its physical appearance. Such talent and charm is often acknowledged by the automotive press, but such accolades don't always guarantee a winning combination in the showroom.But Mercedes-Benz knows its AMG customers, understands what stirs them and realizes how to pry open their checkbooks. The automaker is aware that its affluent clientele don't purchase objectively. Rather, they gaze at the styling, take a deep whiff of the leather interior, grasp and hold the thick steering wheel and absorb the raucous note of the exhaust. A sale isn't far behind. The sound of signed checks fluttering to the table may be common at the Mercedes-Benz dealership, but how does the CLS63 AMG perform out in the real world? What separates it from its CLS550sibling? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Most importantly, what makes this iconic seven-year-old four-door coupe unique? We recently spent a week with the CLS63 AMG to figure it out.

POWERHOUSE WITH A SPORTY SOUND

   The traditional hippy markets have been an intrinsic part of Ibiza's culture since the 1970s, and a visit to the most authentic of all such markets, Punta Arabí street market in the holiday destination of Es Canar, is an absolute must. The journey to the market along the east coast turns out to be a true delight for all the senses. The S 500 Coupé is powered by a V8 biturbo engine that generates 335 kW/455 hp from a displacement of 4.7 litres and maximum torque of 700 Newton metres. The emotive sound of the exhaust system makes a decisive contribution to the sporty driving experience. Low-frequency components provide a richer, sportier sound that gets under the skin and turns the trip through the Balearic island's searing hot hinterland into an unforgettable experience.

THE ULTIMATE IN DRIVING COMFORT AND RIDE QUALITY

   

   Away from the pulsating nightlife, there is another side to Ibiza which really should not be missed. Ibiza's diverse beauty becomes apparent on the road to the east of the island: the picturesque panoramic road Carrer des Munt Kilimanjaro passes through olive groves and idyllic pine forests before winding its way around sandstone-coloured cliffs to reveal breath-taking views of the island's azure-blue bays. The S-Class Coupé comes into its own on this winding stretch: in addition to Active Body Control and ROAD SURFACE SCAN, the optionally available MAGIC BODY CONTROL suspension system also includes the new curve inclination function. This allows the vehicle to lean automatically into bends similarly to a motorcycle up to an angle of 2.65 degrees in fractions of a  second, depending on the road camber and the speed of travel. This reduces the lateral acceleration acting on the occupants and the passengers sit more firmly in their seats.

TURNING NIGHT INTO DAY

      

   The S-Class Coupé also fits the part perfectly when it comes to taking in the sights and sounds of Ibizan evenings. The Spanish island is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. When the sun finally dips into the sea, the Balearic island is transformed into a paradise for nighthawks. Bright lights glitter over Ibiza Town, atmospheric sounds drift out of relaxed beach bars such as the Blue Marlin Ibiza at Cala Jondal Beach and powerful beats from S-Class Coupé's optional Burmester® high-end 3D surround sound system set the mood for a long night in the island's exclusive club scene. Ibiza is the place for partying it up big time – at the world's biggest club, the Privilege, or at the Pacha, the celebrity hotspot among the island's discotheques.

MODERN LUXURY IN EVERY DETAIL

   The S-Class Coupé cuts a fine figure on the inside, too. It is a perfect embodiment of luxury and style coupled with sporty elegance. The combination of sculptural components with the clear geometry of the basic architecture is a manifestation of an avant-garde design idiom. High-class appearance, supreme hand-crafted quality and exceptional touch and feel appeal to all the senses. The use of the finest materials, surfaces, colour combinations and seam designs contributes towards achieving a truly exclusive car interior. New interior colours such as Bengal red, saddle brown and porcelain allow individualisation of the interior. The S-Class Coupé comes as standard with a panoramic roof which covers two thirds of the overall roof  area, ensuring magical views of the star-lit skies over Ibiza. The standard-fit ambient lighting featuring seven different light moods is an additional feel-good factor in the vehicle's interior.

ARCHITECTURAL SPECIALITIES

 

   14 kilometres along the road in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, the imposing Iglesia de Es Cubells boasts a spectacular location high up on the cliffs of Es Cubells, offering visitors a breath-taking view across the sea to Formentera. The island's signature plain architecture and the church's colours provide a perfect backdrop for the S-Class Coupé with its similarly elegant and clear design idiom. The sensuous character of the S-Class Coupé is derived from its flowing profile and its convex and concave surfaces. Its typical rear-wheel-drive proportions are further emphasised by the dropping line. The long bonnet with pronounced lines and powerdomes, the low greenhouse with high beltline, the accentuated wheel arches and the large  wheels underscore the S-Class Coupé's standing as a masterpiece of automotive refinement and encapsulate the feeling of modern luxury

STYLE, LUXURY AND ELEGANCE

 
   The relaxed atmosphere, the glamorous charm and the easy-going Mediterranean attitude attract sun-lovers, revellers and the international jet set to Ibiza every year. The Balearic island has made a name for itself above all with its luxurious offerings for holiday-makers. The ports of the capital, Ibiza  Town, Marina Botafoch and Ibiza Nueva are regular stops for luxury yachts and the high society on board. An exploratory trip from here into the island's picturesque interior in the new S-Class Coupé from Mercedes-Benz is a good way to learn more about Ibizan culture.

The new G-Class is more powerful and better than ever

EXCEPTIONAL EVOLUTION
   In 2012 the G-Class is presenting itself once again in a considerably enhanced form, reinforcing its top position amongst off-road vehicles. It was first designed in 1979, originally specifically for tough off-road use, and has experienced an astonishing evolution. This off-road specialist was first designed for practicality and austerity, and in the course of thirty-three years, Mercedes-Benz has refined it, giving it a high-class interior and the road-holding qualities of a premium saloon made in Stuttgart. Today the G-Class is viewed as the top model of luxury off-road vehicles, and has been used as the generic basis for the other successful Mercedes-Benz SUVs.

DISCREET EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS
   An extensive facelift now means that the off-road classic will continue to be in a class of its own. New LED daytime running lamps and new exterior mirrors have only made a subtle alteration to the exterior looks of this luxury off-roader. The timeless design, almost unchanged since 1979, has made the G-Class a design icon.

FINISHING TOUCHES TO THE INTERIOR
   The instrument panel and the centre console have been completely revamped, with newly designed controls and generous, exclusive trim elements. This means a new look for the premium interior fittings. Between the two circular instruments there is now a colour display. Another large colour screen is located in the middle, within easy view from the driver’s seat, and forms part of the standard COMAND Online system with internet access. Optional safety features include DISTRONIC PLUS, Blind Spot Assist and the PARKTRONIC parking assistance system with reversing camera.

STYLE-DEFINING DETAILS
   n order to preserve the character of the G-Class, some style-defining elements were retained in the interior. For example, the cockpit still has the handle on the front-passenger side and the familiar high-sheen silver switch for the three differential locks placed in the driver’s field of vision, and the newly designed selector lever in the lower central console. In addition to the high-end interior fittings which come as standard, there are many further individual options available from the exclusive designo programme.