By Motortrend
In big cities across America, the "it" car is the sleek CLS from Mercedes-Benz. The CLS is even better when dressed for success in optional AMG attire that includes a raucous 5.5-liter supercharged V-8, sport suspension, and massive brakes. But, for some, even the creases on AMG's trousers aren't sharp enough, so the automotive aftermarket is ready to help.
Brabus, one of the best-known Mercedes-Benz tuners, offers a host of hot hardware to amplify the already stunning CLS55. We tested Brabus's K8 version, seasoned with equal portions of power, looks, and handling.
Underhood, thrust is up a reported 81 ponies thanks to a titanium pulley that overdrives the factory twin-screw supercharger, high-flow air filters, and special spark/fuel calibration ($13,500 with warranty). Brabus improves venting via its larger-diameter stainless-steel exhaust system ($3195) breathing through less-restrictive mufflers. Around town, the K8 remains quiet and undercover. Yet, planting your right foot produces 550 horses along with a sinister exhaust growl. Good luck getting the car to hook up with aggressive throttle application, though, as the Brabus-tuned 5.5-liter V-8 cooks the Michelin rear meats better than a George Foreman grill.
Brabus reprogrammed the CLS's electronic suspension ($1495) to deliver a 1.5-inch-lower ride height for improved center of gravity and a more aggressive look. Choose between Brabus Monoblock VI ($8600) or Monoblock S ($5780) 20x9.0-inch (front) and 20x10.5-inch (rear) light alloy wheels wearing Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires ($1100), 255/30ZR20 (front) and 295/25ZR20 (rear). The wheel/tire combo looks stunning, though 20-plus-inch-diameter wheels often hurt performance. Such was the case in our K8 testing. Although ride quality proved surprisingly smooth with the tiny 30- and 25-series sidewalls, on the track the big rolling stock didn't improve straight-line or cornering performance. To be fair, the K8's bulging 550 horsepower did nothing to help the search for traction. During acceleration and handling tests, even slightly too much throttle spun the rear PS2s as if they were slathered in Crisco.
