The design concept of the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé balances the agile sportiness of the C-Class with the prestige and spaciousness of the E-Class. The result is a classy coupé with performance and attitude to match its striking looks.
The long bonnet and short overhangs of the coupé are complemented by AMG-specific details seen in the radiator grille, front apron, side skirts, rear apron, spoiler lip, flared wheel arches and 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The vehicle’s track width has also been widened by 58mm at the front and 75mm at the rear compared with the standard Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé model. For me it’s simply the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé’s classic proportions with its dynamically sloping roof line that impresses the most.
The sculpted hood, features distinctive power domes, and are suggestive of the commanding capabilities residing beneath the surface. Central to the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé’s appeal is its revolutionary powertrain featuring a mild-hybrid six-cylinder in-line turbo engine equipped with twin turbochargers and electric auxiliary compressor to deliver the performance expected of an AMG-badged vehicle and the engine certainly has some character.
This advanced technological configuration produces instant pick-up with no turbo lag, boosted by the 48V integrated starter-generator (ISG) delivering power and torque on acceleration and then the integrated starter-alternator recovers energy through recuperation. The mild-hybrid engine delivers a power output of up to 330kW (+ 17kW from the ISG) and 560Nm of torque that increases to 600Nm with over boost for up to 12 seconds. The official combined fuel consumption for this AMG is 9.6L/100km.
The drive modes available include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport +, Race, and Individual. Under the Individual drive mode, you can customise the Drive, Suspension, and the AMG Dynamics between the softer and racier settings. I particularly liked in Sport+ and Race mode that the exhaust was louder and sounded really good thanks to the AMG Real Performance Sound. And after I’d had my fun, this coupé was as comfortable to drive as the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet I had driven just a few days before. If you do happen to be a fan of top-down driving then you can also look forward to the upcoming CLE 53 Cabriolet, scheduled for a later release.
The AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic gearbox impresses with its dynamic gearshift characteristics offering shorter shifting times from the metal steering-mounted paddles to deliver a true performance driving experience. Depending on the drive mode, it can execute sporty gear changes or comfortable, barely perceptible shift operations with ease.
The performance-oriented AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive (AWD) combines the highest level of driving dynamics and driving safety. The optimum traction when accelerating ensures safety, while the rear-focused design is synonymous with dynamic driving. This is enhanced thanks to the active rear-axle steering, operating at an angle of up to 2.5 degrees, which directs the rear of the car to follow the front into and out of corners, enhancing stability as speed picks up. I really enjoyed pushing this AMG and the AWD gave good traction under hard acceleration and out of corners. Officially it will do 0-100km/h in 4.0 seconds and that’s only 0.1 seconds slower than the W205 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé.
The interior design of the new Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé combines sporty driving with maximum comfort. The AMG black leather front seats both have powered adjustment for recline, forward/back, seat height/tilt front and rear, front leg extension, headrest, four-way lumbar support and three memory positions and they are heated. I’m still not a fan of the AMG Performance steering wheel, I think the knobs are ugly and the track pads used for navigating the screens can be a bit fiddly to operate, but I do like the powered steering column adjustment to find the perfect driving setup.
The intuitive MBUX multimedia system runs across 11.9 and 12.3-inch displays with AMG-specific menus and augmented reality navigation and is combined with head up display. The voice control does what you ask or you can use the ‘Hey Mercedes’ function that will even tell you a joke if you ask it to. The wireless Android Auto worked well for me (wireless Apple CarPlay is also available) and if you don’t pick your phone up as you get out, the vehicle will remind you to take it. As this is an AMG, a Burmester 3D surround sound system comes as standard and the ambient lighting configuration is also impressive at night. I’m not a fan of the gloss black on the centre console though as it gets finger marks and quickly attracts dust. Under the sliding cover at the front of the console there is a wireless charge pad and two USB-C ports and another USB-C port under the arm rest.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is a four-seat vehicle and the rear seats are comfortable enough for two adults, but the headroom is tight thanks to the sloping roof. It does have two ISOFix/two rear tether child seat restraint points and rear passengers get two rear air vents with individual direction and on/off controls, two cup holders between the seats and no USB ports.
The boot can be opened/close with a gesture for handsfree access or you can open/close it by pressing the rear Mercedes-Benz emblem, using the button in the cabin or on the key fob. The boot is a good size and it contains four substantial tie down points, a handy collapsible shopping basket, and a tyre repair kit. The rear seats do fold down if more space is needed and the centre seat can be folded down separately if required.
Advanced driver assistance systems that to support braking, steering, and more, are fitted to the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist. The innovative Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE system uses a network of sensors to detect potential collisions and reduce the risk of harm to occupants should an accident occur. For convenience you also have a 360-degree camera and multiple other camera views, 3D walk around function and front and rear parking sensors. Along with auto lights with auto high bean and auto rain sensing wipers.
All new Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty and this also includes 24/7 roadside and accident assistance. The service interval for the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is 1 year/25,000km and service plans can be purchased from $4,190 for the first three scheduled services.
Prices for the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé start at $158,900 excluding dealer delivery and on-road costs. As tested with Graphite Grey Magno paint ($7,400), AMG black leather with red trimming (standard) and 20-inch AMG Y-spoke light alloy wheels (standard) this Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé was $166,300 excluding dealer delivery and on-roads. You can Build & Price your Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé online and check current stock levels or visit your preferred Mercedes-AMG retailer for more information.
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| Pros | Cons |
| The sleek design | The design of the steering wheel |
| The engine has character | Gloss black plastic centre console |
| The ‘Hey Mercedes’ assistant | The AMG Y-spoke wheels are hard to clean |
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.