The good people at the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz, located in Affalterbach, a former farmstead on the outskirts of Stuttgart, live by the motto “one man, one engine” and that’s why I have not, and probably never will, drive a disappointing AMG liveried Three Pointed Star model. There are more powerful AMGs than the CLK63, but if a 354 kW normally-aspirated 6,3-litre V8, which produces a earth-shaking 630 N.m of torque can’t satisfy driving enthusiasts’ need for performance on South Africa’s speed trap-riddled and autobahn-less roads, they are deluded and would be best advised to take up a more thrilling hobby, such as mamba wrangling.
As is the case with its other AMG siblings, the CLK63 is the model of understatement and its car park presence is probably a little underwhelming if you compare the German coupĂ© with supercars such as Ferraris or Lambo’s. Potential AMG owners will love that fact though, and besides, they’ll have the last laugh when they arrive at their destinations refreshed and cosseted in luxurious comfort.
When you first overcome your environmental concerns and bury the CLK63’s loud pedal, you’ll hear a bellow-like whoosh and the metallic, yet refined, gnarl that only an AMG-blessed V8 ‘Benz engine can emit. You’ll manage to beat the traction control without much effort and then barrel towards a corner at a shameless speed. The team at Affalterbach has improved the steering feel of the CLK AMG (still not quite the benchmark, mind you) and the brake pedal feedback is very lively – it makes one believe the composite discs are working overtime to slow down the 1,8-tonne German juggernaut.
Such is the sound and fury, let alone the savage and neck-snapping acceleration of the 63, that I felt compelled not to fling DCSA’s R770k widowmaker around beyond the point of sanity on a public road – and with traffic about! There is a tendency for the big CLK to produce safety-first understeer in hard cornering and the disadvantage of the compliant ride quality is that the Benz doesn’t communicate with you through the seat of your pants like some other sports cars do. Yet, you can rely on the sizable grip reserves from those 18-inch gumballs.
In terms of the interior, well, I am just not crazy about the feel and finish of modern ‘Benz interiors. The controls work well enough and the car’s general ergonomics are okay, but small things, such as the tinny feel of the window buttons and the flimsy plastic cover of the ashtray/change holder were unnecessary blemishes. Then again, I loved the way that the car extended its seatbelt unit towards you and moved the steering wheel into place once you were seated behind the wheel. This is an, albeit thirsty, everyday sportscar… You can override the uprated seven-speed ‘box to hang on to specific gears if you really want to, but the torque of the engine is mighty and will rapidly catapult the car to warp speed in most situations.