- The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing a robust 443 horsepower.
- It features a 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) that offers an additional 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
- The CLE 53 Coupe boasts a range of customization options, including the AMG Performance Studio Package and various AMG Night and Carbon Fiber packages for personalization.
The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a high-powered luxury car with a turbocharged 3.0-liter engine delivering 443 horsepower. You can personalize it with various packages. Its design is stunning, featuring LED headlights, bold fenders, and optional larger wheels. Inside, it’s luxurious, with a big digital display, comfy leather seats, and a fancy steering wheel. The CLE 53 offers a sporty ride with different driving modes and a smooth suspension. There’s also an extreme performance package available. It’s a stylish and powerful car that combines luxury and speed.
The Heart of the CLE 53 Coupe
Under the hood of the CLE 53 is where the magic happens. The heart of the CLE 53 Coupe is an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. This engine combines turbocharging with an electric auxiliary compressor to deliver 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. But here’s the kicker – you can push it even further, hitting 443 lb-ft for 12 seconds of overboost.
Backing up this incredible engine is a 48-volt integrated starter generator (ISG) that steps in with an extra 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque when you need that extra kick. The power flows effortlessly through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, complemented by AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, ensuring that every ounce of power reaches the pavement.
Stunning Design: The CLE 53 Coupe’s Artistic Look
The CLE 53 Coupe isn’t just about being fast; it’s also a true work of art. It has a long, sleek hood, a sloping windshield, and a gracefully tapering roofline towards the back. This design oozes confidence and elegance. The front end looks like a shark’s nose, with a unique AMG grille and sharp LED headlights that grab attention wherever you go. If you’re looking for top-notch lighting, you can opt for the DIGITAL LIGHT headlights, which include cool daytime running lights and a captivating blue glow at the headlight base, adding to the overall dynamic look.
Bold and Powerful Look
In addition to its stunning appearance, the CLE 53 Coupe is also packed with muscle to match its style. Featuring wider front and rear fenders, a broader track (with an extra +58.4 millimeters at the front and +76.2 millimeters at the rear compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE), and impressive 19-inch wheels as standard, it commands attention on the road. And for those wanting even more, you can opt for the head-turning 20-inch wheels that will make a statement wherever you go.
A Rear to Remember
The rear of the CLE 53 Coupe is a study in sleek design. Flowing surfaces, seamless transitions, and two-part LED taillights with three-dimensional light bodies give it an air of sophistication. These taillights are cleverly connected with a dark red design element, emphasizing the width of the rear. And let’s not forget those round double-tailpipe trim accents seamlessly integrated into the rear fascia behind the wheel arches, optimizing airflow for improved aerodynamics.
Tailored to Your Taste
Mercedes-AMG knows that individuality is key, which is why they offer a range of customization options. The optional AMG Performance Studio Package adds extra flair with additional flics on the front and rear fascia, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the trunk lid, and a rear diffuser board between the tailpipe trims. And you can further personalize your CLE 53 Coupe with two AMG Night packages and two AMG Carbon Fiber packages. So, go ahead, make it your own.
Luxury and Innovation Inside
Step inside the CLE 53 Coupe, and you’ll be greeted by an interior that’s nothing short of breathtaking. It’s adorned with unique equipment, exclusive materials, and the latest generation MBUX infotainment system. The centerpiece is a free-standing 12.3-inch digital driver display, paired with an 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a portrait format, providing a futuristic and user-friendly cockpit. Yet, the real attention-grabber is the 64-color dynamic ambient lighting. It stretches from the center console to under the outer climate control vents, bringing an extra touch of luxury.
Seats Fit for a King (or Queen)
Take a seat in the sporty integral seats, meticulously designed to provide outstanding lateral support. As standard, you’ll find MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery with AMG-specific graphics and striking red contrast stitching. But if you want to elevate your experience even further, several optional leather upholsteries await your selection. Among them is Nappa leather upholstery featuring an embossed AMG crest in the front headrests, adding a touch of sophistication to your ride.
Command at Your Fingertips
Grab hold of the AMG Performance steering wheel with its double-spoke design and flattened bottom – it comes standard. This wheel features two round AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons that allow you to easily and intuitively control various dynamic driving functions and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs.
The Power Within: AMG-Enhanced Engine in the CLE 53 Coupe
At the core of the CLE 53 Coupe lies its powerful AMG-enhanced engine, featuring hybrid support and an electric auxiliary compressor. This 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged beast has been meticulously upgraded. From fine-tuned combustion chambers to redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings to optimized injection, and a spanking new exhaust gas turbocharger – it’s an engineering masterpiece.
Efficiency Meets Power
The electric auxiliary compressor in this engine now operates almost continuously over a longer period of time, delivering higher torque across a wider range of engine speeds and enhancing overall engine responsiveness. This setup also allows for the fitting of a larger exhaust gas turbocharger for peak performance when you need it most. Efficiency is a top priority, especially at full load, thanks to the new second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) integrated into the transmission bell housing. This 48-volt electrical system not only serves as a generator but also plays a role in mild-hybrid functions, including providing support at lower engine speeds with 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, recuperation, load point shifting, gliding, and seamless operation of the start-stop function.
Stopping Power to Match
With great power comes the need for great stopping power, and the CLE 53 Coupe delivers. The AMG high-performance brake system is tailored to the power and performance of this coupe. It features massive 14.6 x 1.4-inch perforated and internally ventilated discs with four-piston fixed calipers on the front axle, and 14.2 x 1-inch internally ventilated discs with single-piston floating calipers on the rear axle.
Seamless Shifting
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission is a masterclass in seamless shifting. It impresses with short shift times, quick response, double-declutching function, and the ability to execute multiple downshifts with precision. In “Sport+” drive mode, you’ll experience immediate upshifts and downshifts, providing an exhilarating driving experience. And for those who prefer to take matters into their own hands, manual mode allows you to control gear changes using the steering wheel shift paddles. The transmission calibration is carefully tailored for a variety of driving situations, ensuring you have the right balance of dynamic acceleration and efficiency, depending on the drive program selected.
Customize Your Ride
Speaking of drive programs, the CLE 53 Coupe offers five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs – “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual.” These programs cover a broad spectrum of driving characteristics, ranging from efficient and comfortable to highly dynamic. Each program specially tunes parameters for the engine, transmission, suspension, and steering to match your mood and driving conditions. Regardless of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving program selected, you can switch directly to manual mode, giving you full control over gear changes using the steering wheel shift paddles. The suspension settings can also be independently adjusted, ensuring your ride is tailored to perfection.
Dynamics in Control
But here’s where it gets even more exciting. The CLE 53 Coupe features the AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system, seamlessly integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs. In the “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Pro” levels, this system influences the control strategies of the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive. It’s like having a driving coach that anticipates your every move, ensuring you get the best performance possible. You can even select AMG DYNAMICS functions directly using the AMG DRIVE UNIT steering wheel buttons.
Power to All Wheels
With standard AMG Performance 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive, the CLE 53 Coupe offers optimal traction and driving safety under all conditions. The intelligent control of the all-wheel drive is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle system architecture, allowing for continuous transitions between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Torque distribution is precisely tailored to the driving situation, ensuring you have grip where you need it. When driving in a moderate fashion or situations where all-wheel drive isn’t necessary, the front axle is fully decoupled, enhancing efficiency. However, when you’re pushing the envelope and switch to the ESP “Sport” setting, torque distribution becomes more rear-biased, giving you that spirited rear-wheel drive feel. And if you’re ready for some fun, activate Drift mode, and the CLE Coupe transforms into a rear-wheel-drive machine, allowing you to enjoy the excitement of controlled drifts.
A Smooth and Agile Ride
Developed in Affalterbach, the CLE 53 Coupe features the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension. This suspension system is designed to deliver a balance of handling agility, neutral cornering, and maximum traction. It features steel spring suspension with sporty damper tuning and adaptive adjustable damping. This combination ensures that you enjoy excellent driving dynamics while maintaining a high level of ride comfort. The damping on each wheel adapts swiftly and precisely to the current driving situation and road conditions, thanks to separate valves for rebound and compression in each damper. And to cater to your preferences, there are three distinctive damper maps to choose from – “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+” – each offering a noticeable difference in ride comfort and dynamic driving characteristics.
Precise Steering, No Matter the Speed
The three-stage AMG parameter steering system is your trusty companion in the CLE 53 Coupe. It adjusts its characteristics according to your selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program. When you’re maneuvering at low speeds or parking, it requires minimal effort, making life easy. As your speed increases, the steering power assistance decreases, providing a more connected feel to the road. In the “Sport” and “Sport+” suspension settings, the steering wheel communicates significantly more feedback to the driver, allowing for precise control and enhanced driving pleasure.
Sharper Turns with Rear-Axle Steering
The CLE 53 Coupe comes equipped with standard rear-axle steering. It operates with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees. At speeds up to 100 km/h (variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This effectively shortens the virtual wheelbase, resulting in more agile turn-ins, reduced steering effort, and improved maneuverability. It’s a game-changer, especially when parking or navigating tight spaces. But as you accelerate beyond 100 km/h (again, variable depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), the rear wheels align with the front wheels, to a maximum of 0.7 degrees. This extended virtual wheelbase enhances driving stability, enabling quicker lateral movements and immediate response to your steering inputs. The behavior of the rear-axle steering is directly influenced by your chosen AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive program.
The Ultimate Package: AMG DYNAMIC PLUS
If you’re craving peak performance, consider the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package. It elevates the CLE 53 Coupe to new heights with the RACE drive program and the exciting Drift mode, giving you a true track-inspired experience. Active engine mounts enhance the contrast between performance and comfort, ensuring you sense every bit of power. Don’t overlook the stylish microfiber AMG Performance steering wheel and the eye-catching red painted brake calipers with AMG lettering on both front and rear axles, highlighting your coupe’s dynamic personality.
The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a blend of high-performance and luxury. From its awe-inspiring powertrain to its meticulously crafted interior, it’s a work of art in motion. With a powerful engine and a meticulously designed interior, it’s a work of art on wheels.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe Photo Gallery
IMAGES: MERCEDES-BENZ
Article by AutomotiveWoman, an Automotive & Motorsport Content Creator
Subscribe to our channel: www.youtube.com/@AutomotiveWoman