Mercedes-AMG CLE 53: Luxe Coupe from Affalterbach

Mid-Range CLE AMG: Here Now!

Mercedes-AMG has just unveiled their new ultra-luxury coupe, the remarkable CLE 53. Serving as the entry-level performance model to the new in-between CLE lineup, this catchy two-door is replacing both the prior E-Class and C-Class coupes and convertibles.

Until now, Mercedes has only revealed the elementary models, and the AMG CLE 53 will serve as the light-weight performance design. Inevitably, a more robust Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 is forthcoming, and it will eventually occupy the premier spot in the range. As of this time, this fresh turbocharged inline-six with gentle-hybrid support must suffice.

The Germans claim that the Mercedes CLE offers customers the perfect combination of “agility and sportiness” from the AMG C-Class and the “interior space and elegance” of the AMG E-Class. This seems to be a winning formula, so let’s take a closer look and see what the CLE has to offer.

The regal CLE has been lavishly dressed up with the full AMG treatment, making it an ideal choice for those who crave sporty aesthetics. The sleek hood now features two eye-catching power domes, along with an exclusive grille, LED headlights, and more intense air intakes. Even the default 19-inch wheels possess a great deal of flair, but you also have the option of upgrading to 20-inch alloys.

Going back, the LED taillights are intertwined with a deep scarlet pattern and four circular tailpipes. The 671-hp 63 AMG model has the distinction of having squared tailpipes, making it a breeze to differentiate it from the rest.

To us, the most obvious variation stands out as the more comprehensive base. The CLE 53 is 2.3 inches thicker in front and three inches wider in rear, escalading a major alteration.

Mercedes alleges to provide an optional AMG Performance Studio Package that will showcase aggressive exterior modifications, plus two optional AMG Night Packages and two AMG Carbon Fiber kits for selection.

The new AMG CLE 53 Coupe utilizes the same essential motor as its former top-tier E-Class Coupe forerunner. It boasts a 3.0-liter, inline-six turbocharged engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor. Moreover, an incorporated 48-volt starter motor produces 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque at slower revs.

This upgraded version of Merc’s inline-six yields 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, reaching up to a peak of 443 lb-ft for 12 second intervals when operating with the overboost feature. The pre-existing Mercedes-AMG E53 Coupe motor yielded 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, thus the enhancements are not large. However, the CLE is more diminutive and lighter, meaning that the automobile should be more nimble.

It is clear that the direct route proves to be quickest. Alongside the AMG Speedshift 9-speed transmission and the ever versatile AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive, the ability to reach 60 mph in four seconds is indisputable.

The CLE 53 is stocked up with all the essential gear to manage its output. It bears AMG Ride Control, plus a steel spring suspension with adaptive damping characteristics. The individual valves for fitment and compression featured in each damper make it easy to experience the differences between Comfort, Sport, as well as Sport+ driving modes.

The AMG Dynamic Select driving program comes with a number of applicable modes, such as Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, and Individual. Additionally, the feature of AMG Dynamics is also found in this system, where you will be able to choose between Basic, Advanced, and Pro to adjust the power distribution of the variable all-wheel-drive setup. When driving in high grip circumstances, the front wheels won’t be engaged, however, the CLE will still be able to apply power in a fraction of a second.

In the Sport configuration, the vehicle will ensure a substantial portion of its torque is allocated to the rear axle. Moreover, selecting the alternative AMG Dynamic Plus Package grants access to the Race and Drift modes, tailored solely for the circuit. Further, the Drift mode entirely uncouples the front axle for some truly reckless driving.

To make the car feel more agile, three-stage AMG directing is included as standard equipment.Essentially, this provides additional heft and sensation when picking up speed. Additionally, rear-axle steering will enhance the car’s ability to be nimble, while the 14.6×1.4-inch drilled and internally vented discs with four-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and vented discs with single-piston floating calipers on the back axle should bring the car to a rapid halt.

The interior boasts a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and an 11.9-inch touchscreen entertainment system that is slightly tilted toward the driver. There are three display styles available: Classic, Sport, and SuperSport which is exclusive to the AMG model and puts a digital tachometer front and center. We imagine this multimedia system also includes the much-criticized selfie cam and access to TikTok.

A 64-hue illumination system to vary the internal aura, chairs clothed in MB-Tex microfiber with exclusive AMG artwork, and contrastive red seams are also fundamental. You must give an additional cost for Nappa leather as well as the AMG Performance Seat Package with accentuated bolsterings, which appears a tad impudent for an AMG.

At least the CLE is functional. It has been established that the inner space of the CLE matches the E-Class Coupe far more closely than the C-Class Coupe. Despite this, it still manages to provide adequate room for four people, although taller individuals may find themselves inconvenienced by the inclined roofline. An impressive 14.5 cubic feet of trunk space crowns the CLE as the benchmark in its segment.

Due to its size, there are no real competitors to the CLE. This Mercedes-AMG vehicle has dimensions greater than those of a BMW 4 Series and will be more expensive than it too. Therefore, it is only natural to question whether the high price tag will be worth it or not.

It should be sold for an amount under the $84,000 AMG E53 Coupe. Still, because of the up-to-date tech and enhanced engine with its new frame, we wouldn’t be taken aback if it were presented at the same cost.

Come Spring 2024, the CLE 53 will be landing on the local scene and it should be intriguing to comparison its features to the widespread two-door coupe pairings existing on the market.