Australia’s most powerful coupé, the Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG will be in Australian showrooms from October. The range-topping two door coupé completes the highly successful CL-Class model range, which was released in March this year.

This dream car, powered by the phenomenal AMG 6.0-litre V12 bi-turbo engine, familiar from the S 65 AMG and SL 65 AMG models, delivers a truly impressive driving experience in one of the world’s most beautiful coupé designs. Its maximum output of 450 kW and maximum torque of 1,000 Newton metres are reflected in its outstanding performance data. The CL 65 AMG attains 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reaches the 200-km/h mark in 13.3 seconds with a maximum speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited).

The extensive list of standard equipment in this new flagship coupé further underscores this stunning model's leadership position. Standard features include AMG body styling, 20-inch AMG forged wheels, the unique AMG interior and highly advanced technology, such as AMG sports suspension, based on the Active Body Control system and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®. The AMG high-performance brake system with new double-frame sliding callipers offers maximum deceleration without fading.

The release of this new V12 bi-turbo extends the number of engine variants available in the peerless CL-Class range, joining the CL 500, CL 63 AMG and the CL 600 as the model series’ headline act.

"The Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG highlights the essence of Mercedes-AMG: developing extraordinary cars and powerful drive systems," said Horst von Sanden, Managing Director for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

"This amazing coupé sets the benchmark in this segment and is the pinnacle of the immensely successful CL-Class range launched earlier this year."

AMG V12 bi-turbo engine: dynamic performance at the highest level

The highest level of performance is guaranteed by the AMG 6.0-litre V12 bi-turbo engine with its displacement of 5,980 cc: its maximum output of 450 kW is maintained between 4,800 and 5,100 rpm while the maximum torque of 1,000 Newton metres (electronically limited) is available from an amazingly low 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.

This impressive engine data is the key to exceptional performance and superbly assured driving dynamics.

But the powerful AMG twelve-cylinder unit is also in its element when cruising effortlessly in high gear. Its superbly responsive character is as impressive as its smooth, low-vibration running qualities which guarantee the high level of touring comfort typically associated with Mercedes.

The twelve-cylinder bi-turbo engine of the CL 65 AMG features the very latest technology from the world of motorsport. Highly resilient components and materials guarantee consistently high power and torque levels, even at extreme operating temperatures. A case in point is the charge-air cooling system which uses an air/water heat exchanger and a particularly large low-temperature radiator at the front of the vehicle. The maximum charge pressure is 1.3 bar.

The unmistakable AMG twelve-cylinder sound is provided by the AMG sports exhaust system with two twin-chromed AMG V12-design tailpipes. Catalytic converters with tri-metallic coating provide a faster response from a cold start, more efficient exhaust-gas after-treatment and a longer service life. The CL 65 AMG complies with the EU 4 emissions standard as well as specific requirements of the US market.

AMG SPEEDSHIFT 5-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel gearshift paddles

The drive power of the new CL 65 AMG is transmitted to the rear wheels by the AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission with AMG steering-wheel gearshift paddles and DIRECT SELECT gearshift. An "S/C/M" mode button in the centre console allows the driver to choose between the "Sport", "Comfort" and "Manual" driving programmes. As well as changing the transmission characteristics, these modify the accelerator response and the spring/damper settings of the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control. Gears can also be shifted manually at any time by means of the silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles on the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel.

AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control

The AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control reduces almost all of the body movements that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. The CL 65 AMG negotiates bends of every type with a greatly reduced roll angle while body roll during fast avoiding manoeuvres is effectively suppressed. In this way, the AMG V12 coupé not only opens up new dimensions of dynamic handling, but also offers noticeably enhanced comfort

AMG high-performance brake system with innovative twin sliding callipers

The polished 20-inch AMG twin-spoke forged wheels painted in titanium grey also contribute to the superb roadholding of the CL 65 AMG. At the front, the 8.5-inch wide wheels are fitted with 255/35 ZR 20 tyres, while 275/35 ZR 20 tyres equip the 9.5-inch-wide wheels at the rear. With their filigree spokes, they offer tantalising views of a brake system, the like of which is not to be found in any other manufacturer's products. The system in question is the AMG high performance brake system which sets new standards for stopping power, sensitivity and resistance to fading. In keeping with the innovative approach typical of AMG, the front brakes of the CL 65 AMG are equipped with twin sliding callipers. A world first, this new technology combines the advantages of a floating-calliper brake – lower heat transfer to the brake fluid and significantly enhanced comfort as a result of the way the brake pads are located – with the performance of a large fixed-calliper brake.

At the rear, braking is handled by a large frame-type sliding calliper. Composite blind-drilled brake discs at the front and rear with respective diameters of 390 and 365 millimetres ensure the shortest stopping distances, excellent resistance to fading and outstanding sensitivity. Under emergency braking from 100 km/h at the permissible gross vehicle weight, the CL 65 AMG comes to a standstill in 35.6 metres; this represents a maximum deceleration of 11.1 m/s2. Based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system, the electronically controlled dual-circuit hydraulic brake system supports numerous driver assistance functions – such as the PRE-SAFE® Brake system, Brake Assist PLUS and DISTRONIC PLUS – for even greater safety and comfort.

AMG body styling: powerful and elegant design idiom

The advanced technology of the CL 65 AMG is complemented perfectly by the vehicle's powerful, elegant and dynamic design idiom. The AMG carbon fibre body styling, with carbon fibre front spoiler insert, exterior mirror housings and body coloured side skirts, with the self-assured lines of the large Mercedes coupé make a superbly cohesive formal statement. Large air intakes, side air outlets and round fog lamps with chrome surrounds dominate the front, as do the special AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvres and the darkened bi-xenon headlamps.

Distinctive side skirts and "V12 BITURBO" lettering enhance the sides while the two twin-chromed AMG V12-design tailpipes and the muscular rear apron with its carbon fibre diffuser insert make the rear of the vehicle particularly eye-catching.

Interior: dynamic style and the finest materials

Inside, too, the V12 top model impresses with its dynamic style and its use of the finest materials: the AMG sports seats have a special upholstery pattern as well as both multi-contour and massage functions; the EXCLUSIVE PASSION all-nappa leather upholstery has a new AMG V12-diamond pattern. All four seats feature metal AMG badges.

The AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel has a specially sculpted rim and silver-coloured AMG aluminium gearshift paddles.

Integrated in the AMG instrument cluster (which is calibrated up to 360 km/h), the AMG main menu shows the currently selected gear and recommends when to shift up to the next gear. It also allows the driver to choose between viewing the engine oil temperature or the battery voltage as well as the "RACETIMER". Using the latter, the driver can measure lap times – when driving on a private race circuit, for example. A particularly notable highlight of the interior is the IWC-design analogue clock. Carbon fibre trim elements as well as AMG door sills and the AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel complete the picture.

Key details of the exciting new CL 65 AMG are summarised, below.