Currently reading: Merc's new CL65 AMG
Luxury CL coupe gets new twin-turbo V12 AMG range-topper with 604bhp

Talk about spoiled for choice. If you’re in the market for a new Mercedes-Benz CL, there was already a choice of two V8s and a twin-turbo V12. Now there’s another twin-turbo V12 joining the luxury line-up.

These are the first photos of the outrageously powerful CL65 AMG, which will be shown at the New York motor show in April.

Naturally the new car is the most powerful CL of the lot; it uses the familiar 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 also found in the S65 and SL65.

So while the CL500 packs a 5.4-litre V8 with 388bhp and 288lb ft, the CL63 a 6.2-litre V8 with 518bhp and 465lb ft and the CL600 a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 with 510bhp and 612lb ft, the CL65 trumps them all with 604bhp and 738lb ft.

The CL63 hits 62mph from rest in just 4.6sec and the SL65 in 4.2, so we reckon the CL65 will manage the benchmark sprint in 4.4sec. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, but derestricted we’d be very surprised if this four-seat luxury coupe can’t top 200mph.

It looks quick, too, with 20in alloys and carbonfibre trim inside and out, including on the rear diffuser and centre console. Above the lever for the standard five-speed auto ’box (Merc’s new seven-speeder can’t handle this much torque) is a plaque celebrating 40 years of AMG. There are also paddle shifters on the wheel.

It’s not just carbonfibre trim that lifts the interior; the copious quantities of leather inside get Bentley-style diamond cross-stitching.Prices for this latest super-coupe haven’t been revealed, but are likely to be north of £150,000.

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