Best Car Reviews - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

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Introduction

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is a dramatic four-door luxury coupe built for drivers who want supercar-level acceleration without giving up everyday usability. Although classified as a compact car by the EPA, it is a large, low-slung premium sedan in real-world terms, with room for four occupants and a distinctive fastback roofline. Its defining feature is the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre AMG V8, which combines old-school response and an unforgettable exhaust note with the polished road manners expected from Mercedes-Benz.

Design and Exterior Features

The CLS63 AMG uses the first-generation C219 CLS body, a design that helped popularize the modern four-door coupe. At roughly 193 inches long, it has a long bonnet, a tightly tapered cabin and a short rear deck that give it a sleek, almost pillarless silhouette. The 2009 model carried forward the updated C219 appearance, while AMG-specific bumpers, side skirts, quad exhaust outlets and larger wheels made its performance credentials clear without turning the car into an overtly aggressive sports sedan.

Four-door coupe profile with a low roofline and frameless side windows.
AMG-specific front and rear styling with quad exhaust outlets.
19-inch AMG alloy wheels and performance tires.
Power glass sunroof and heated, power-folding exterior mirrors.
Bi-xenon headlamps, fog lamps and LED-style rear lighting details.

Interior and Comfort

The cabin combines traditional Mercedes-Benz luxury with AMG sporting intent. Leather and Alcantara upholstery, wood trim, a leather-and-wood steering wheel and supportive AMG front seats create a special atmosphere. Front-seat comfort is excellent, with generous power adjustment, memory settings and heating, but the sweeping roofline reduces rear headroom and the rear compartment is best treated as space for two adults. The 15.9-cubic-foot trunk is useful for a stylish performance car, while the low seating position reinforces the coupe-like character.

Four-passenger seating layout with deeply contoured front sport seats.
Power-adjustable, heated front seats with memory functions.
Leather, Alcantara and wood cabin trim.
Four-zone automatic climate control and rear ventilation outlets.
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering column and cruise control.

Performance and Handling

Power comes from a hand-built 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 with eight cylinders, producing 507 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 465 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. It sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. Mercedes-Benz quoted 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, an exceptional figure for a four-door luxury car of its era. The AMG-tuned suspension and wide tires give it serious grip and stability, while rear-wheel drive lets the car feel more involving than a conventional luxury sedan. Fuel economy is the major compromise: EPA estimates were 12 mpg city, 18 mpg highway and 14 mpg combined, equivalent to about 19.6, 13.1 and 16.8 l/100 km respectively. A figure around 21.25 l/100 km is plausible in heavy urban or enthusiastic use.

6.2-litre naturally aspirated AMG V8 with 507 horsepower and 465 lb-ft.
Rear-wheel drive and seven-speed automatic transmission.
Manufacturer-quoted 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds.
AMG-tuned suspension, ventilated disc brakes and 19-inch performance tires.
EPA fuel economy of 12/18 mpg city/highway.

Technology and Connectivity

For 2009, the CLS63 AMG offered sophisticated equipment for its time, but its technology predates modern smartphone-first expectations. The COMAND controller-based interface handled audio, navigation and vehicle functions on suitably equipped cars. Available and fitted equipment varied by market and original specification, so buyers should confirm the exact features of an individual vehicle. Modern features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreen apps and advanced lane-centering assistance were not factory equipment.

COMAND infotainment interface with available navigation and traffic functions.
Harman Kardon surround-sound system with 13 speakers.
Satellite radio, CD/DVD changer, auxiliary input, USB media control and memory-card capability.
Bluetooth phone capability on appropriately equipped vehicles.
Tele Aid emergency, roadside-assistance and vehicle-information services when subscribed and supported.

Safety Features

The 2009 CLS63 AMG came with a strong array of active and passive safety equipment for its era. Standard equipment included antilock brakes with Brake Assist, electronic stability control, traction control, tire-pressure monitoring and numerous airbags. Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE could prepare the cabin for an anticipated collision by tightening seatbelts and adjusting certain protection systems. Contemporary model-specific crash-test ratings are not consistently available from major US testing agencies, so a precise rating should not be assumed.

Antilock four-wheel disc brakes with Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution.
Electronic stability control and traction control.
Front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags.
PRE-SAFE collision-preparedness system.
Active front head restraints, tire-pressure monitoring and LATCH child-seat anchors.

Pricing and Variants

The 2009 CLS-Class range in the United States included the CLS550 and the flagship CLS63 AMG. The CLS63 AMG was positioned near the $100,000 mark when new, before options, but exact original pricing varied with destination charges, packages and market. It competed with high-performance luxury sedans and coupes such as the BMW M5, Audi S6 and Cadillac CTS-V. Today, used examples can look inexpensive beside their original price, but purchase cost is only one part of ownership; proper maintenance and specialist repairs can be substantial.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Magnificent naturally aspirated V8 power delivery and exhaust character.
Very rapid acceleration for a four-door luxury car.
Distinctive four-door coupe styling that still stands out.
High-quality cabin materials and strong front-seat comfort.
Rear-wheel-drive balance and a genuinely engaging AMG personality.

Cons

High fuel consumption and a requirement for premium gasoline.
Rear-seat headroom and access are limited by the coupe-like roofline.
Ageing infotainment feels dated beside modern systems.
AMG-specific brakes, tires, suspension parts and repairs are expensive.
Early M156 V8 examples require careful inspection for known engine issues.

Maintenance and Common Issues

A reliable, model-specific annual maintenance-cost estimate is not consistently published, and actual spending varies sharply with mileage, service history and whether major preventative work has already been completed. Owners should budget beyond normal premium-car servicing for tires, brakes, suspension work and unexpected engine repairs. Five commonly reported concerns for this generation and its M156 V8 include cylinder-head bolt failure that can lead to coolant loss, camshaft and valve-lifter wear, camshaft-adjuster noise or wear, ageing Airmatic suspension components, and oil leaks from gaskets or seals. A specialist pre-purchase inspection, service records and evidence of preventative engine work are particularly important.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.1/10. Design: 9.2/10; comfort: 8.3/10; performance: 9.4/10; technology: 6.8/10; safety: 8.0/10. The CLS63 AMG remains highly appealing because its design and engine feel special, but its running costs and ageing technology prevent it from being an effortless ownership proposition.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly centers on the emotional appeal of the V8, the striking design and the car’s ability to cover long distances quickly. Satisfaction tends to be highest among buyers who understand the maintenance demands and purchase a well-documented example.

Owners consistently value the naturally aspirated V8 sound and immediate throttle response.
Many praise the CLS shape for looking elegant and distinctive even years later.
Front-seat comfort and high-speed stability receive frequent positive feedback.
Fuel bills, tire costs and brake costs are recurring ownership complaints.
Buyers often stress the importance of documented maintenance and AMG-specialist inspections.

Best Cars in This Category

2009 BMW M5
2009 Audi S6
2009 Cadillac CTS-V
2009 Jaguar XF Supercharged
2009 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

Summary

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is best for an enthusiast who wants a stylish, fast and charismatic luxury performance car rather than the newest infotainment or lowest operating costs. Its 507-horsepower V8, rear-wheel-drive layout and elegant four-door coupe body give it lasting appeal. A carefully inspected, properly maintained example can be a rewarding modern classic, while a neglected one can quickly become expensive.