The performance variant of the CLE-Class – the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe has finally made its debut. On the outside, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe sports an AMG-specific A-shaped radiator grille. Its face is also flanked with full LED headlights and LED daytime running lights (DRLs). International customers can also opt for the brand’s Digital light LED headlights as an option.
The performance two-door coupe’s front apron comes with a raised A-shaped middle section which allows for a large air inlet for high air flow. This is also applied to the outer air inlets with two cross slats. There are air inlets on the CLE 53 Coupe’s fenders as well.
At the back of the CLE 53 Coupe are the two-part LED lights, round double tailpipes and a rear apron. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid is finished in the vehicle colour but is also optionally available in black as part of the AMG styling package.
Completing the CLE 53 Coupe’s design is a set of 19-inch wheels, with international customers also given an option to upgrade to larger 20-inch wheels. Underpinning those wheels is Mercedes-AMG’s independent AMG Ride Control suspension.
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Under the hood of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is a 48V mild hybrid system sporting a 3.0-litre M 256M inline-6 engine. The engine is essentially an upgraded version of the 3.0-litre M 256 inline-6 turbo engine. It sports optimized combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings, optimized injection and a new exhaust gas turbocharger.
The CLE 53 Coupe’s 3.0-litre M 256 engine comes with double charging and is paired with the AMG Speedshift 9G transmission and an integrated starter generator ISG which can briefly supply 23 hp and 205 Nm of boost by itself.
This setup results in a total of 449 hp and 560 Nm. Its torque output can also be over-boosted to 600 Nm for up to 12 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via the fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, allowing the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe to do the century sprint in just 4.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h. The top speed can be increased to 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
Mercedes-AMG has also fitted the new CLE 53 Coupe with its active rear-axle steering technology. This can help drivers in easier parking as well as manoeuvring at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is equipped with a free-standing 12.3-inch instrument cluster display. The display comes with an AMG mode which gives access to various special displays such as engine data, gear indicator, warm-up, set-up, G-metre, and a race timer. Also included is an 11.9-inch infotainment head unit that features the latest generation MBUX infotainment system, along with AMG-specific functions and displays.
The new performance two-door coupe also sports a double-spoke flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel and seats that can be finished in either Artico man-made leather or Microcut black microfiber with AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting topstitching. As expected with any modern Mercedes-AMG model, the CLE 53 Coupe comes with red seat belts too.
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