Debuting globally in 2023, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally brought in the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé in Malaysia. This spicy coupé starts from RM722,888 on-the-road and without insurance, and carries a more traditional high-performance engine with mild hybrid tech in favour of complex hybrid setups seen in many other AMG models.
Being a “53” AMG, you won’t get the full “one man, one engine” treatment. Even so, under the bonnet lies a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engine produces 449 hp and 560 Nm of torque, while the integrated starter-generator adds up to 23 hp and 205 Nm for short bursts, boosting torque to 600 Nm for up to 12 seconds.
- Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine
- Transmission: 9-speed AMG Speedshift transmission
- Driveline: AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system
- Combustion engine peak horsepower: 449 hp
- Combustion engine peak torque: 560 Nm
- Starter generator peak horsepower: 23 hp
- Starter generator peak torque: 205 Nm
- Max system horsepower: 449 hp
- Max system torque: 600 Nm
- 0-100 km/h time: 4.2 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h (upgradeable to 270 km/h with the driver’s package)
To give the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé true AMG handling, it comes equipped with AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension for improved cornering, stability, and traction. Three selectable damping modes: Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, let drivers tailor the ride to their preference.
Speaking of modes, there are also five driving modes to choose from, including Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Additionally, there is also a drift mode that decouples the front axle — programming the car as a rear-wheel drive vehicle across the entire speed range for drivers who want to go “tail happy”.
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At a glance, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé stands out as the high-performance model. Its track is 58 mm wider up front and 75 mm at the rear, giving it a more aggressive stance. Muscular haunches, pronounced body lines, added side vents, and a large central air intake enhance its performance-focused look and improve airflow. Bigger brakes now handle stopping duties, with 370 mm discs and four-piston callipers up front and 360 mm discs with single-piston callipers at the rear. Other standard exterior features include:
- 20-inch AMG Y-spoke light-alloy wheels
- AMG Panamericana front grille
- AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre package
- AMG Night Package II
- LED headlights and taillights
- Quad tailpipes
- Rear diffuser board
- AMG brake callipers painted red
Additionally, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé benefits from rear wheel steering of up to 2.5 degrees. The rear wheels turn opposite the front wheels at low speeds for a tighter turning radius, and in the same direction at speeds above 100 km/h to improve stability.
Moving inside, the cabin will feel familiar if you’ve been in newer Mercedes-Benz models, but AMG performance touches give it a sportier edge. It features the latest MBUX infotainment system from the C-Class, with a free-standing 12.3-inch central display paired with an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster. Notable interior equipment are as follows:
- AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with round AMG steering wheel buttons
- 12.3-inch central infotainment display
- 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster
- Five AMG-specific display styles with exclusive menu items, including “AMG Performance” and “AMG Track Pace”
- Heads-up display
- 3D premium Burmester sound system
- 64-colour ambient lighting
- AMG performance seats made of Artico man-made leather with Microcut black microfiber accented with AMG-specific graphics and red stitching
- AMG red seat belts
- Glossy carbon interior trim
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electric roller sunblind
On the safety front, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé benefits from Mercedes-Benz’s Driving Assistance Package Plus as standard, which includes:
- Active Distance Assist Distronic
- Active Steering Assist
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Parking Package with Memory Parking Assist
- Active Parking Package with Parktronic
- 360-degree camera
- Adaptive lane keep assist
- Distronic Plus with cross-traffic assist
- Anti-theft alarm system
- Pedestrian protection
- Guard 360-degree vehicle protection plus
- Interior monitoring system
- Mercedes-Benz emergency call system
If a luxury performance coupé is all that you’re looking for, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupé will set you back RMRM722,888 on-the-road, without insurance.
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