The Mercedes Cl 63 Amg is not just a car; it’s a statement. A roaring declaration of power and luxury, wrapped in a sleek German coupe design. Piloting this 4500 lbs beast through winding corners feels less like driving and more like commanding a high-speed, ground-based missile. The active body control system defies physics, keeping the CL63 unbelievably stable even when subjected to extreme lateral forces. Forget anti-gravity, the sheer grip and engineering prowess of this machine weld you to your seat, delivering a driving experience that’s nothing short of exhilarating.
The CL63 AMG’s design echoes raw power and refined aggression, reminiscent of a rocket sculpted with meticulous detail. Unlike some of its contemporaries, the CL63’s coupe form feels inherently right, a natural extension of its athletic character. Its wide stance, pronounced wheel arches, and sharply defined lines converge to create a vehicle that looks ready to devour continents – and outpace Porsches for breakfast.
The rear of the CL63 is particularly striking. Framed by a distinctive, almost Batmobile-esque diffuser, the quad exhaust pipes boldly announce the car’s potent capabilities. This purposeful design language provides a stark contrast to the sometimes-overdesigned aesthetics of competitors, offering a more direct and impactful visual message. While others might overindulge in flamboyant styling, the CL63 AMG delivers a masterclass in understated aggression and confident design.
Stepping inside the CL63 AMG, the interior leans towards a sophisticated, albeit somewhat understated, luxury. However, the artisans at Affalterbach have infused it with quintessential AMG touches. Expect plush, supple leather, meticulously stitched and finished, alongside a premium Alcantara headliner that adds a tactile sense of opulence. The sport seats, with their aggressively sculpted bolsters, initially demand attention, requiring a deliberate entry technique. Once settled, they provide exceptional support, essential for containing occupants during spirited driving.
Mercedes’ COMAND system continues to be a benchmark for user-friendly infotainment interfaces among German automakers. Navigating through functions like seat massage settings or adjusting the climate control is remarkably intuitive. However, the placement of the eight window controls presents a minor ergonomic puzzle, sometimes turning window operation into a game of button roulette.
The instrument cluster, housed in massive pods that encase the speedometer and navigation displays, adopts an aeronautical theme. While visually interesting, the sheer size of the dashboard might feel overwhelming to drivers who prefer a more minimalist cockpit. The AMG-specific 200 mph speedometer is a nod to the car’s incredible potential, even if it playfully disregards the spirit of German speed limitations. However, its readability could be improved. Disappointingly, considering the high-performance nature of the vehicle, the standard stereo system sounds surprisingly flat, lacking the expected sonic depth and richness.
In contrast, the AMG steering wheel is a tactile and ergonomic masterpiece. Its organic shape naturally guides your hands to the ideal ten and two o’clock positions. The perforated leather, while slightly firm to the touch, provides excellent grip. While a lower steering column adjustment would enhance comfort for some drivers, the substantial aluminum paddle shifters firmly communicate the serious performance hardware under the hood.
Firing up the CL63 AMG’s handcrafted 6.2-liter, 518 horsepower AMG engine is an auditory event of epic proportions. The quad exhaust outlets erupt in a guttural roar that reverberates through your very core, a deep, resonant sound akin to a colossal church organ. Revving this engine is an exercise in acoustic dominance, capable of startling pedestrians and sending neighborhood pets scattering. In terms of sheer sonic drama, it relegates BMW’s V10-powered M5 to a position of sonic inferiority.
AMG has deployed this exceptional engine across a wide spectrum of Mercedes models, elevating each one it powers. While its impact is universally transformative, it’s in models like the E63 (for its balanced approach) and particularly the CL63 that the engine truly reshapes the vehicle’s character. In the CL63, the potent V8 transforms a luxurious coupe into a stealthy performance machine, effortlessly cruising at speeds that challenge lesser vehicles.
The acceleration of the CL63 AMG is precisely what you would expect: relentlessly smooth, instantly responsive, and seemingly boundless. Accompanied by a dramatic, Wagnerian soundtrack from the naturally aspirated engine, it mimics the immense power delivery of a large-displacement V12, but without the associated weight penalty and compromised front-end balance. At speed, the CL63 AMG shrinks around you, feeling remarkably agile, almost akin to a Porsche 911 in its nimbleness.
The steering in the CL63 is communicative and precise, offering ample feedback to confidently navigate corners. The brakes, while requiring a firm pedal input, are immensely powerful and consistent, inspiring confidence for aggressive driving maneuvers. Despite riding on standard 20” five-spoke AMG wheels, the ride quality remains composed and surprisingly comfortable, effectively minimizing road imperfections and preserving the luxury experience.
In summary, the Mercedes Benz CL63 AMG is a machine that stirs the soul. However, this level of performance and luxury commands a significant price. With a price tag starting around $140,000 and lease payments exceeding $3,000 per month, owning a CL63 AMG is a considerable financial commitment. Yet, for those seeking a Mercedes that roars like a classic muscle car and possesses the ability to effortlessly cover vast distances with unparalleled style and comfort, the CL63 AMG remains in a class of its own. It’s an investment in driving pleasure, a blend of raw power and refined elegance that few cars can match.
