By Camilo Alfaro

A quick glance with an untrained-eye at the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL63 and you might think it was a CL550. A closer look shows that this is no regular CL. The CL63 is a road-hungry Autobahn killer destined to greatness by its AMG builder. Think of AMG as a personal trainer for the CL.

It has buffed up the CL63 with a major dose of steroids that can be seen all around the vehicle with mouth watering AMG performance body kit that includes front and rear spoiler, side skirts and massive 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. Just one look and you know it is tough, with huge quad exhaust and side 6.3 liter V-8 logos coming off its fleshy fenders, this Benz is packing some major heat and is ready to cause trouble.

Easily entering the CL63 with keyless entry, the AMG doorsills welcome you. The CL63 is all class and promises its occupants a first-class, five-star stay. Soft leather abounds the interior with Alcantra roof lining and beautiful hand-polished gloss Burl Walnut wood. Leather AMG sport seats are one of the best in the industry and provide optimal comfort and support. Interior ambient lighting gives the CL the perfect interior lighting at night. If you are wondering the time while you're driving, the CL63 comes with an IWC (International Watch Company produces one of the best time pieces in the business since 1880) center clock. The CL63, as all CL's, comes with the Command System, which is Mercedes-Benz do-it-all computer. The COMMAND center screen also allows you to view the Dynamic Rear View (rear-camera and night vision, $2,000) for easy parallel parking. I am usually not a fan, but this time around, the COMMAND system won me over. The COMMAND system is easy to use and is the best do-it all system on the market today. The GPS navigation system provided accurate directions and, it was also easy to use. An 11-speaker harman/kardon LOGIC7 audio system with an in-dash six-disc changer that produces 600 watts would make the largest of home entertainment systems jealous from its crisp and clean sounds that I call music. But my favorite tune didn't come from the stereo system, but from the AMG engine.

The hand-built four-valve per cylinder DOHC 6.3-liter V-8 aluminum cast AMG engine produces an impressive 518 horsepower and a whooping 465-pound feet of torque. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT driver adaptive transmission with steering wheel shift paddles located on the steering wheel. Acceleration of the CL63 is in super-car territory, sprinting from 0-60 mph in a mere 4.8 seconds. Not bad for a 4599-pound vehicle. It's not over yet; the test vehicle came with the optional Performance Package ($7,000) which includes forged alloy AMG wheels with high performance tires, AMG compound braking system (two-piece hub and rotor assembly for added strength) so that it can accommodate the raised electronic top speed limiter to an air grasping 186 mph! With 518 thirsty horses, you will have a low EPA rating with 11 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

Driving around town in the comfort-driving mode the CL63 is civil; it shows no signs that it is hungry for speed except for the deep gargling exhaust note. Once getting on the highway, the CL63 roars its way into the fast lane letting other drivers that it is the superior vehicle on the road. The ride is smooth and perfect, except when you want to have some fun with the curves. ABC active suspension automatically adjusts and controls the ride height. ABC also stiffens the shocks at a moments notice, allowing the CL63 to carve curves just as you enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween.

In case a situation gets out of hand, the CL63 comes with a long list of safety features that includes front, side (front and rear) airbags and front and rear head protection airbags. Four-wheel ABS brakes with brake assist stop the CL63 on a dime.
The high price tag on the CL63 won’t allow many of us to enjoy it. Starting at $137,000 and the test vehicle came in at $149,465 with destination charges ($775) and included all of the above and a $2,600 gas-guzzler tax. At this price, the better be one spectacular vehicle, and it is. With zero complaints, the CL63 is one impressive luxury sports car that won its way to my heart and my right foot.