The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé has been revealed with a 3.0L inline 6.
When Mercedes-Benz first showed the all-new CLE, it was clear that the C and E Coupés were being replaced and that there would be performance variants of this new coupé. Well the time has now come to show the “entry-level” performance CLE from Mercedes-AMG and it’s being billed as a 6-cylinder “53” model. Thankfully, it’s not getting the 4-cylinder PHEV set-up we’ve seen on the new C63.
The new AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé combines the agility of the C-Class coupé with the status and size of the E-Class coupé, powered by a 3.0L inline 6 with both an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric compressor for a total of 449hp and 560Nm of torque (which can overboost to 600Nm for 12 seconds. The M256 engine has been reworked for this application with a new inlet and outlet channel, piston rings, injection, turbocharger and compressor.
In addition to this fuel-burning power, there’s an integrated starter generator which can briefly supply an additional 23hp and 205Nm of torque. This 2nd gen ISG also feeds the 48-volt on board electrical system. An AMG Speedshift TCT 9-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels via an AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system. The electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h can be extended to 270km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
The AMG high-performance brake system features internally ventilated discs measuring 370 x 36mm with four piston calipers and AMG letterings in front with 360 x 26mm internally ventilated discs with single piston floating calipers.
Visual Differences
This AMG model will get its own unique A-shaped radiator grille to along with the full LED headlights with DRL light elipses and blue lighting on the base of the headlights. Front and rear fenders are flared and the AMG model also gets a wider track, expanded by 58mm in front and 75mm at the rear versus the Mercedes-Benz CLE. It also gets 19″ wheels AMG-specific wheels with the option of 20″ wheels too.
Around back, you’ll find round double tailpipe trims, a spoiler lip on the trunk lid in body colour or in black optionally. There’s also an optional AMG Optics package which adds flics on the front and rear aprons, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the trunk lid and a diffuser board between the tailpipes. There are two AMG Nights packages and AMG Carbon packages available as well.
Inside, the AMG CLE gets a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster and a 11.9″ infotainment display in portrait orientation. Digital displays come in “Classic”, “Sport” and an AMG-exclusive “Supersport” mode with a central round tachometer.
64-colour ambient lighting is present with light strips on the contour lines of the armrest, beltine and outer ventilation vents. This variant gets Artico and Microcut integral seats with AMG-specific graphics and red contrast topstitching. Leather and Nappa leather can be optioned in on request. The Nappa leather option comes with the AMG crest embossed into the front headrests. The cabin also features an AMG Performance steering wheel.
