Country of origin: Germany

Imposing performance figures and exclusive specification: Mercedes-AMG has succeeded in creating a desirable car in the form of the new CLS 55 AMG. This unique four-door coupe is driven by the powerful AMG V8 supercharged engine, which generates an output of 476 hp (355 kW) and 516 ft lbs (700 nm) of torque from a displacement of 5.5 litres. This gives the car truly top-notch performance: the CLS 55 AMG accelerates from nought to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and has an electronically limited maximum speed of 250 km/h. The CLS 55 AMG boasts AMG sports suspension, a high-performance AMG braking system plus AMG bodystyling and will be making its market debut in January 2005.

As with 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 the gearshift buttons on the ergonomic AMG sports steering wheel. The powerplant is superbly complemented by the AMG sports suspension and by the AMG high-performance braking system. The CLS 55 AMG features AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension with an adaptive damping system; this suspension set-up has been specially modified for AMG by giving it tauter tuning. Large, internally ventilated and perforated brake discs make for impressive deceleration and high fading resistance.

The car's dynamic ride characteristics are due in part to the wheel/tyre combination fitted - 8.5 and 9.5-inch wide 18-inch AMG twin-spoke light-alloy wheels shod with 255/40 and 285/35 wide-base tyres. These powerful-looking wheels complement the new AMG bodystyling, which in turn reflects the sophisticated coupe aesthetics of the CLS-Class. The AMG bodystyling comprises an expressive front apron with large air inlets and round fog lamps, side skirts and a distinctive rear apron. One highlight which appeals to both the eye and the ear is provided by the two chromed, twin oval tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system. Further differentiation is ensured by a special radiator grille with three imposing, silver-painted louvers and V8 Kompressor lettering on the front wings; the AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid adds the final touch, as well as increasing the down-force on the rear wheels.

The equipment of the CLS 55 AMG represents a pleasing combination of exclusive, sporty styling and high-quality materials. The design of the new AMG sports seats exhibits special AMG perforations, lateral piping, double stitching and Alcantara panels at shoulder height. The plentiful specification also includes luxurious nappa leather in a choice of three colours, an AMG instrument cluster with a 320 km/h speedometer scale and chromed door sill panels with the AMG logo.