Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes CL63 AMG

The latest Mercedes AMG is a variant of the Bentley Continental-rivalling CL63. Does a two-tonne sports saloon make sense?

It seems it’s all about quantity at Mercedes right now. While BMW has only four M cars and Audi two RS models, there is a choice of 14 AMG Mercs.

The latest to arrive is this: the CL63 AMG. The standard CL is an extremely capable cruiser – hugely refined, luxurious, sophisticated and smooth, it’s a convincing alternative to the Bentley Continental GT. So adding an aggressive AMG edge doesn’t make much sense.

Still, it has visual impact and, from many angles, the AMG is mean and menacing. The 6.2-litre V8 unit is impressive; more flexible and tuneful than the BMW M5 Touring’s 5.0-litre V10, and just as potent. Straight-line speed is amazing – and it’s shifting more than two tonnes.

So it looks good and goes hard. But unless you’re on a smooth surface, the CL63 struggles to find traction, with its stability control warning light flashing almost continually. It’s far from relaxing, and a real handful in the wet or on country lanes. And those huge dimensions make the hefty Merc feel out of place on UK roads.

On the test track, its kerbweight became even more of a burden. Although roll was kept in check by the Active Body Control system, we were always conscious of the CL’s sheer mass. It didn’t like changing direction, the steering failed to keep the driver informed and, although the vast brakes were undeniably strong, feedback was lacking.

Even the gearbox, usually a Mercedes forté, refused to play ball. After a couple of laps, warning lights flashed up all over the dash.

While it’s technically advanced, this CL63 is proof that AMG needs to rethink its strategy and develop cars that are fun to drive round corners, not only in a straight line.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025