First look: CL65 AMG coming soon

AS MERCEDES-BENZ introduced its all-new CL-class coupe in Australia last week, the German manufacturer announced the international arrival of its latest CL65 AMG high-performance version.

Whereas the stunning 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 in the $389,000 CL600 produces a "mere" 380kW and 830Nm of torque, the CL65 continues to get its marching orders from AMG-branded sisters models in the S65 and SL65 – developing 450kW/1000Nm and failing to look back until it reaches 100km/h from standstill in just 4.4 seconds.

According to Mercedes, the coupe – which remains paired with an AMG "Speedshift" five-speed automatic transmission – can reach the 200km/h mark in 13.3 seconds, before hitting the 250km/h electronically governed maximum speed.

The car is due on sale in the final week of August, at a price to be confirmed, although Australian management told GoAuto this week that it will be priced higher than the previous CL65 AMG ($459,900).

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