Performance Review: Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG - [2006]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mercedes CLS Class Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG is the 5 speed / Auto version and was first brought out in 2006. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2007 Caparo T1 3.5l V8 and the 2006 Caparo T1 2.4 V8.This particular Mercedes CLS Class has a 5439cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The CLS Class shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the CLS Class's Rear Wheel Drive, Saloon combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1920 kgs (4232 lbs) this makes the Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG in the same weight category as the 2022 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition Touring 3.0 xDrive or the give or take 50kg.

The Mercedes CLS Class shares the same bhp with the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp)

In terms of power the 5439cc 24V V8 engine produces 476 bhp (354 kW) @ 6100 rpm similar to the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (500 bhp) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne S 4.0 V8 Turbo (467 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 516 lb-ft (699.6 Nm) @ 2650 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (524 lb-ft) or the 2023 Lamborghini Revuelto 6.5 V12 Petrol Hybrid (535 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mercedes CLS Class you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2010 Mercedes S Class 65 AMG (272.9 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mercedes CLS Class.

The Mercedes CLS Class has a Power to weight ratio of 247.9 bhp per ton and 268.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2006 CLS Class competing with the 2010 Mercedes S Class 65 AMG (272.9 bhp per ton) or the 2016 Bentley Continental GT Speed 6.0 W12 Bi Turbo (272.8 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mercedes CLS Class generating around 268.7 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 1970 Oldsmobile Cutlass 442 W30 (293.5 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 Vauxhall-Opel VXR8 GTS-R 6.2 V8 (293.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 4.50 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 4.6 secs, this made the Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG as fast as the 2022 BMW i7 xDrive60 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Cabrio 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 3.0 Turbo F23 (4.50 secs) the or the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 6.6 V12 Twin turbo (4.50 secs). This Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG is also faster than the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (4.60 secs) the 2021 BMW 2 Series M240i 3.0 Cabrio Turbo F23 (4.60 secs) the and the 2020 Audi A3 S3 Saloon (4.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the CLS Class and the 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4

When talking about the performance of the Mercedes CLS Class on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 13.12 secs @ 104.3 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1994 Mitsubishi 3000 GT VR-4 (13.06 secs), the 2006 Mercedes CLK 500 Cabriolet (13.06 secs), and the 2011 Ginetta G40 R 2.0L (13.06 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2006 version of the Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG has a maximum speed of 155mph.

Top Speed of the 2006 CLS Class equals the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2006 Mercedes CLS Class 55 AMG then how about the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse 5.0 V8 (166 mph), the 2022 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 (166 mph), or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 5.0 V8 (166 mph).

Related Links:

2006 CLS Class Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mercedes

Car Comparison