Looks like a lion, purrs like a pussycat

The two-door Mercedes-AMG CLE53 appears stout and aggressive, but is a friendly and easy-to-drive car

- Lee Nian Tjoe

Shakira may feel different about it, but when it comes to the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, hips do lie. The two-door coupe's broad rear haunches give the impression of a brutish hardcore racer, but it is actually a friendly and easy-to-drive car.

It just happens to be as quick as some junior-league supercars.

Compared with the CLE200, which has the standard, non-AMG body, the curves around the CLE53's wheel arches are more pronounced. It is wider than the standard model by 58mm in front and 75mm at the back.

The car looks stout and aggressive, amplified by the black trimmings around the windows and exhaust tips. They are part of an optional package that was fitted on the test car instead of the standard chrome finish.

It is just a competition number sticker away from being ready for a race. The tyres are rather chunky too, looking like they belong to a Formula One race car.