WITH ASSERTIVE STYLING, A SWATHE of Mercedes-AMG performance-focused enhancements and a significantly upgraded double-charged six-cylinder powerplant under the bonnet, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé provides a compelling new entry point to the performance coupé segment.
The CLE 53 Coupé is the latest iteration of the CLE family, further diversifying a two-door coupé range that combines the agility and sportiness of the C-Class with E-Class space and status, all infused with significant performance enhancement courtesy of Mercedes-AMG.
The clearest manifestation of this is found under the coupé’s raked bonnet where a thoroughly modified version of the M 256 3.0-litre six-cylinder unit takes pride of place, now featuring double charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an additional electronic compressor.
Driven by an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) that also feeds the 48-volt onboard electrical system, this Mercedes-AMG-developed configuration produces an impressive 330kW of maximum power and up to 560 Nm of torque, with overboost to up to 600Nm possible for a period of 12 seconds. In addition, the ISG can briefly supply an additional output of up to 17kW and 205Nm, contributing to powerful and highly responsive acceleration.
The combination of a new exhaust gas turbocharger and electric compressor offers a 0.4 bar increase in boost pressure, to 1.5 bar. This contributes to higher torque which is more available and responsive, and able to be operated almost continuously over a longer period of time. This will be felt by drivers particularly at medium speeds. As a result, the exhaust gas turbocharger was able to be made larger, contributing to even higher peak performance.
This also makes the engine more efficient when combined with the ISG, which allows for hybrid functions such as short-term boosting (up to an extra 17kW and 205Nm), recuperation, load point shifting, sailing, and almost imperceptible restarts following start-stop function actuation, contributing to a tested combined fuel consumption figure of 9.6L/100 km.
Striking AMG-inspired styling cues
This upgraded turbo six, combined with a Mercedes-AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, delivers the performance promised by the ideally proportioned coupé silhouette, with its striking front apron, precisely shaped bonnet, flared front and rear fenders, and muscular rear section.
A range of integrated performance-inspired styling cues include an AMG-specific A-shaped radiator grille with a large air inlet for high air flow, expressive bonnet domes, and side-mounted vents. The muscular rear design is framed by two-part LED lights that serve to emphasise an impression of width, plus a pair of round double tailpipe trims, a diffuser-type lower apron, and a spoiler lip mounted on the boot lid.
Further emphasising the sporty appearance is a wider track than other CLE models, with an extra 58 mm at the front and 75 mm at the rear, combined with 20-inch AMG Y-spoke light-alloy wheels. The CLE 53 Coupé is also equipped as standard with AMG Exterior Night Package I and II, adding an array of eye-catching high-gloss black trim elements.
A potent combination of driver-focused features
There’s even more to the CLE 53 Coupé than its eye-catching appearance and appealing performance. A comprehensive Mercedes-AMG makeover includes the potent combination of 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which can continuously and variably transition power between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive, with performance-tuned AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension. The latter offers more agility, more neutral cornering behaviour and higher traction, while a sporty spring-damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping at each wheel combine excellent driving dynamics with a high level of ride comfort.
Standard rear-axle steering not only generates more precise steering inputs when cornering at higher speeds. This feature can also contribute to improved manoeuvrability at lower speeds, when the rear wheels can oppose the front ones, creating the effect of virtually shortening the wheelbase, resulting in more agile turning. Three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering adapts to the driving program selected, offering the driver even more feedback as speeds rise.
The standard AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package adds enhancements including AMG dynamic engine mounts, a selectable ‘RACE’ driving program in addition to ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ options in the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT menu, and an AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre, including round AMG buttons to control driving programs and important driving functions. Distinctive red brake callipers featuring black AMG lettering are also included.
The AMG dynamic engine mounts ensure the best possible connection between the engine and the body in every driving situation, resolving the conflict of objectives between the softest possible suspension for high comfort, and firmer suspension for improved driving dynamics.
Using AMG DYNAMIC SELECT to choose RACE mode delivers racetrack-ready performance with maximum sporty character at the push of a button. Drivers experience even more spontaneous engine response, and a more direct accelerator pedal characteristic. The integrated AMG TRACK PACE system can record more than 80 vehicle-specific data points such as speed, acceleration, steering angle and brake pedal actuation while the CLE 53 Coupé is being driven around a racetrack, and includes a display of lap and sector times, plus training and analysis tools.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission impresses with adapted shift times, quick reactions, a double-declutching function and multiple downshifts, and is particularly spontaneous in the Sport+ driving program and in manual mode. The latter mode utilises the galvanised shift paddles, located on the left and right behind the steering wheel rim.
The addition of AMG Real Performance Sound as standard ensures the outstanding performance of the CLE 53 Coupé becomes an even more emotional experience for occupants, transporting the sounds of the AMG-enhanced turbocharged six-cylinder engine directly into the vehicle interior.
High-quality interior rich in AMG details
The high-quality interior incorporates unique equipment, premium materials and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system. The driver gets a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital display, while an 11.9-inch central display in portrait format is oriented toward the driver.
The integral seats in AMG black leather combine sportiness with strong lateral support and are finished with AMG-specific graphics and red topstitching. Other standard interior features of the CLE 53 Coupé include glossy carbon trim and dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours.
Fully featured and luxuriously appointed
The CLE 53 Coupé picks up a comprehensive standard equipment specification including heated and electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging for compatible mobile devices, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, head-up display, panoramic sliding sunroof, DAB+ digital radio, and dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar to the rear.
The KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package includes keyless entry and start, and powered boot closing, while headlights with DIGITAL LIGHT including projection function and Adaptive Highbeam Assistant Plus.
A comprehensive array of safety and driver assistance features includes 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera plus Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, active distance assist cruise control, active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, active brake assist, traffic sign assist, evasive manoeuvre support, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system.
Other features specific to the CLE 53 Coupé include AMG illuminated door sills and AMG floor mats, the Driving Assistance Plus Package and GUARD 360-degree Vehicle Protection Plus, and Mercedes-AMG exterior bodystyling.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé can be further personalised with optional packages to enhance comfort and styling. The Plus Package adds features such as climatised Multicontour front seats, the ENERGIZING Package Plus, AIR-BALANCE Package, and Memory Parking Assistant. The Carbon Package elevates the coupé’s dynamic look with carbon-fibre exterior trim elements, including the front splitter, mirror housings, AMG side sill panel inserts, trim strips, and spoiler lip. Interior enhancements include a carbon-fibre AMG Performance steering wheel and matching interior trim. AMG Performance seats are also available as an option.
Pricing
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé retails at $158,900 (plus on road costs) and will be available to order from 26 February 2025 at Mercedes-AMG retailers.
For customers seeking additional customisation and enhancements, the following optional packages are available:
Plus Package – $2100
Carbon Package – $8900
AMG Performance Seat Package – $5400