09 Oct 06
The first thing you notice, before you even get in the car, is that the AMG bodystyling rather flatters the S-Class. Just by looking at it, you know this is not the S-Class for every corporate high-flyer: the S 63 AMG is for the Gordon Gekkos of the business world, the 'lunch is for wimps' corporate raiders who would asset-strip you as soon as look at you. Flared wheel arches, a muscular bumper, large air intakes and side vents all combine to give the car the air of machismo - especially in black - city types like to affect.
The CL 63 AMG, on the other hand is like the S-Class's more wayward, rebellious younger sibling. The 'standard' CL - if any car that starts around £73K can be described as standard - is a sporting coupe based on the same platform as the S-Class. We think it's the world's fastest magic carpet, so what will that make the AMG version?
As with its older modified sibling, the CL 63 AMG has all the bodystyling enhancements, but it looks less macho and more rakish; it's less about roaring about in those tunnels around Canary Wharf, more about provoking the engine to hear it echo in the Mont Blanc tunnel. It's for playboys who know how to spend money rather than traders who know how to make it.
Arguably, it's the CL that's the more natural environment for the AMG enhancements and that superb V8. The side skirts of the body kit seem more in tune with the more dramatically rising beltline of the CL, plus it has a bespoke radiator grille featuring two horizontal chrome louvres and vertical slats in black that gives the nose an even sportier look that the cooking CL. It's a great-looking car, especially from the front and rear, but pictures don't quite do the side profile justice. As with the Jaguar XK, you have to see it in the metal.
