By Samuel Ee

Some cars look fast on paper but their numbers do not always translate into the heart-stopping drive that you may expect. The Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG is not one of those cars - the moment you blip the gas pedal of this modified version of the 'four-dour coupe', it promises to feel and sound sufficiently high-performance.

This is not always the case with a conventional Merc, especially if it's a big saloon. A limousine with the three-pointed star will always have that sublime synthesis of comfort and luxury but it isn't usually the most dynamic alternative. Unless it's an AMG.

AMG is the tuning division of the German luxury brand and the CLS63 is a CLS-Class which has been given a complete makeover.

The new CLS uses the same basic platform as the current E-Class but looks bigger and more muscular. The AMG version also gets a wider front track, thanks to a newly developed three-link front suspension. This is steel but the rear gets an air suspension system, with the aim of maintaining a constant height regardless of the load.

Called the AMG Ride Control sports suspension, it uses electronically controlled dampers that continuously adjust to the driving situation, speed and load. The default suspension setting is Comfort but one of four buttons on the lower centre console allows for Sport and Sport+. Sport is firmer while Sport+ can be extremely firm although in true Merc fashion, it does not have the ability to rearrange your internal organs. The last setting is perfect for track day and when matched with the appropriate driving mode using the rotary knob on the lower centre console, allows for more urgent engine response.

All this is made possible by the CLS63's AMG Speedshift MCT seven-speed sport transmission. It may be a mouthful but the MCT multi-clutch technology is rather clever. Instead of a conventional automatic gearbox's usual torque converter, there is a compact wet start-up clutch for more direct gearshifts and hence, is more responsive and more fuel-efficient. The MCT is also lighter than a conventional auto.

There are five transmission modes - Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Manual and Race Start - with the last one being a launch control function to provide optimum acceleration from a stationary position.

But even if a fast getaway at the lights is not your thing, the CLS63 is not your normal big Merc. A slightly heavy right foot in Comfort mode can still elicit enough wheelspin to frighten the odd motorcyclist. Under the hood is a 5.5-litre twin turbo V8 engine to drive the rear wheels. It produces 525 horses and a whopping 700 Newton-metres of torque to make the CLS63 AMG feel surreally nimble.

Floor the gas pedal and the car springs forward. Nudge the leather/alcantara flat-bottomed steering wheel and it changes direction instantly. You wouldn't think it had a kerb weight of 1,870kg. Yet it is blindingly fast. Add that speed to a deep V8 burble and menacing exhaust note and you can get a sense of how aggressive this AMG is.

Yet the luxurious CLS63 can be a surprisingly comfortable car. Leave it in Comfort and it will cruise around town swimmingly. But press the AMG button for automatic selection of the sportiest settings for engine, transmission and suspension, and it will turn into a muscle car.

Its best attribute is its versatility - it can offer either a relaxing ride or an engaging drive. That and its exciting styling make this AMG highly desirable.

This article was first published in The Business Times.

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