BRUTALLY STYLISH

Is the new CLE 53 AMG just a weekend toy, or can you actually live with it every day?

- WORDS ISHAN RAGHAVA

The two-door coupé segment in India is about as niche as it gets. Dominated by luxury and performance machines, it's a space that appeals most to the young, or at least the young at heart. Personally, I've always believed that the coupé silhouette is one of the most beautiful forms in automotive design, and I'd very much like to have one as a daily driver. Realistically, I can't afford the CLE 53 AMG, but I did get the chance to spend a day with it to see if the latest AMG is practical enough for everyday use, and, of course, to experience just how powerful and thrilling it really is.

BODYBUILDER IN A SUIT

A coupé’s first calling card is always its design — the sleek lines, muscular arches, and two-door profile give it an instantly sporty presence. The CLE nails this formula. Up front, you get an aggressive face with the Panamericana grille, large air dams, and a sharp chin spoiler. Flared wheel arches paired with the lowered suspension allow the standard 20-inch wheels to sit perfectly flush, giving it a planted, aggressive stance. The sharply tapering roofline not only improves aerodynamics but also enhances its sporty appearance. At the rear, a subtle lip spoiler and the trademark quad-exhaust pipes complete the look.