Introduced for the 2011 model year, the Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG was a high performance variant of the C218 CLS-Class. The AMG-tuned CLS 63 was powered by Mercedes-AMG's M157 DE55 engine, which was a 5.5L twin-turbo V8. This engine had an output of 518hp and 516 lb ft of torque in standard tuning, and 550hp and 590 lb ft when fitted with the optional "Performance Package." These engines were paired to a 7 speed automatic transmission that sent drive to the rear wheels. From the 2014 model year onwards, an update to the engine saw power increase to 550hp and 531 lb ft of torque, while the "Performance Package" was no longer offered. This change coincided with the release of the CLS63 AMG S, which took over as the CLS' top variant. Production of the C218 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG ended in 2018.