COMPARISON: 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 amg vs 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Sedan

by: Ray

Inevitable, a head to head comparison between this segment’s original throne holder and a new comer. The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG vs 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Sedan. The latter was put into place to dethrone the king of elegant ferociousness.

There is no denying the Mercedes-Benz is on a roll with the CLS’s impressive styling. The latest generation of the CLS63 AMG uses a 5.5 liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 518 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Power is channeled to the rear wheels by a standard 7-speed Speedshift MCT automatic transmission (torque converter at heart) with paddle shifters and eco start/stop technology. The CLS63 AMG starts at $95,900, with a factory claimed 0-60 in 4.4 seconds for the base model. Opt for the Performance Package, a $7,300 option, for a total of 550 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. Aside from the increase in engine output, top speed is raised from the electronically limited 155 mph to 186 mph. It’s important to note that a couple of automotive media outlets have claimed 0-60 in 3.8 seconds for the Performance Package.

Wheel choices: Standard staggered 19″ triple spoke AMG alloy wheels. Optional light weight 19″ twin bi-spoke forged wheels are available, which helps reduce unsprung weight for better cornering and acceleration. Brakes: 6 piston fixed calipers upfront, with 4-piston fixed calipers in the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes are offered as a $12,625 option. Suspension: AMG Ride Control, instantly adapts suspension to road surface conditions for optimum ride quality and grip. Rear Differential: Limited slip differential is a $2030 option, which is standard equipment on the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.

On the contrary, the BMW M6 Grand Coupe takes advantage of the M6 Coupe’s 4.4 liter twin-scroll TwinTurbo V8 engine that produces 560 hp @7000 RPM and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500-5750 RPM. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a true 7-speed dual clutch transmission, known as M-DCT with paddle shifters. The M6 Gran Coupe should start around $96,500, with a manufacturer’s claim of 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. We expect 0-60 mph to be reached in 3.8 seconds, as the BMW M5 sedan has achieved 3.7 seconds to 60 mph in real world testing. We predict that European models will have the optional top speed de-limiter, for close to 190 mph top speed.

Rear Differential: Have you ever seen a powerful car peel out with only one tire squeal mark on the tarmac? Not here…. One of the greatest standard equipment on the M6 Gran Coupe is the Active M-Differential. A fancy name for a Limited Slip Differential (LSD) in BMW speak. The Active M-Differential channels the torque to the opposite tire as slip is detected, neutralizing the torque difference, essentially increasing traction even in the worse road surface conditions. In fact, LSD is standard on all rear wheel drive BMW M models.

Wheel choices: 20″ M light alloy wheels Style 343M. Another choice are the 20″ M-double spoke Style 433M wheels. Suspension: Fitted with Dynamic Damping Control that enables individual adjustment of the suspension for maximum handling and grip, depending on road conditions.
Additional Noteworthy Feature(s): The M6 Grand Coupe’s roof is made out of a light weight carbon fiber reinforced plastic, boasting a stylish double bubble design that adds to the structural rigidity. A unique characteristic that the CLS63 AMG does not come close to offering.

Choosing between the CLS63 AMG and the BMW M6 Gran Coupe may be harder for an outsider looking in, because of the similarities on paper. For the average wealthy buyer, styling, technology, and status may be enough to pay the extra few grand over the E63 AMG and the M5 Sedans. However, the new performance savvy luxury sedan customer maybe pursuing performance with true distinction from the crowd. The M6 Gran Coupe has won our vote. Fresh off the sketchpad styling, carbon fiber reinforced plastic roof, a mountain of torque, standard limited slip differential to put the power down, and near guaranteed legendary BMW M drivability, is sure to pull a huge following away from the well respected 2013 CLS63 AMG.