Mercedes Benz is sharpening its AMG lineup with more performance-oriented models on cards. The latest to join the list is the AMG CLE 53 Coupe which replaces the discontinued E 53 Coupe. Based on the CLE class range, the 53 Coupe sits on top of C 43 AMG sedan in the German marque’s lineup.
Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe: Exterior Styling
Like other sports coupe, the AMG CLE 53 Coupe gets a low-slung, cab-forward stance. Up front, it gets AMG’s signature Panamericana grille flanked by sleek LED projector headlights with integrated DRLs. The front bumper gives the face an aggressive appeal courtesy of its large air splitters with gloss black inserts. It gets a long hood embedded in the front end housing two power domes.
A steeply sloping windshield, flared wheel arches, and long sloping roofline towards the rear are among the prominent visual highlights of the side profile. The car rolls on 19-inch blacked-out AMG alloy wheels with the option of upgrading to 20-inch units. The rear end gets a familiar AMG look comprising a boot lid-mounted spoiler, wraparound LED taillights, and more importantly chrome-tip quad exhaust setup flanking a massive diffuser.
Other notable visual highlights include AMG-specific door mirrors, wider door sills, and a restyled rear bumper. The optional AMG Optics package brings additional styling changes, including flicks on the bumpers, a larger rear spoiler and a decorative diffuser board between the tail pipes. Further, tracks of the CLE 53 Coupe have been increased by tracks that have been widened by 58mm.
Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe: Interiors & features
Inside the cabin, the interiors are draped in Artico man-made leather/Microcut black microfiber paired with AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting topstitching. The front seats embossed with the AMG crest on the front headrests are wrapped in Nappa leather upholstery. The AMG performance seats with enhanced seat bolsters are available as an option.
Red stitching, seatbelts, and carbon trim further distinguish the AMG from the regular lineup. Other prominent highlights include an AMG-specific, three-spoke, flat bottom steering wheel, 64-colour ambient lighting, a 12.3-inch instrument console and a 11.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display.
Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe: Performance
However, the biggest highlight is what lies underneath its hood. Powering the AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder, twin-turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid setup. This powertrain dishes out 443 bhp and 560 Nm of peak torque, assisted by an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that delivers an additional 23 horses and 204 Nm for brief periods under acceleration.
A 9-speed automatic sends power to all four wheels via Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive setup. There are five drive programs to choose from– Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport and Individual– in addition to two driving modes: Race and Drift.
As for performance, the AMG CLE 53 Coupe can sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.2 seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 kmph, however, this can be increased up to 270 kmph by opting for the Driver’s Package. The 53 Coupe also benefits from AMG’s ride control suspension which offers a dynamic ride quality. This can be adjusted to three modes– Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
