- Less than a year after announcing the new CLE-class to replace the outgoing C-class and E-class coupes, Mercedes-AMG confirmed the arrival of an AMG CLE53.
- The manufacturer revealed photos of the European model, though we expect the same bodywork to make its way stateside when the CLE53 arrives.
- The AMG coupe retains the turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder of the standard Benz CLE450, though power is increased to 443 horsepower.
As every winter is followed by spring, so it seems every Mercedes-Benz model will be followed by a more powerful AMG variant. Less than a year after announcing the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-class to replace the two-door versions of the C-class and E-class, Mercedes-AMG has confirmed an AMG variant called the CLE53.
As the numbers suggest, the CLE53 coupe will split the difference in power between the 402-horsepower C43 sedan and the awe-inspiring 677 horsepower of the C63. Both of those models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with varying levels of hybrid assist, but the CLE retains a six-cylinder engine. The CLE produces 443 horsepower from its turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and uses a 48-volt hybrid system for a power boost at low engine speeds. According to Mercedes, the powertrain is good for a 4.0 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 155 mph, but we think it will be quicker than that given that the less powerful C43 got to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds in our testing.
AMG says that it has made significant tweaks to this version of the engine compared with other uses of the inline-six. The combustion chambers are optimized with redesigned inlet and outlet channels and new piston rings, and there’s also a new turbocharger. The turbo works in conjunction with an electric auxiliary compressor that can increase boost pressure to 22 psi and provide an overboost function for up to 12 seconds at a time.
The CLE53 is fitted with Mercedes’ rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which decouples the front axle when it isn’t required. The same nine-speed automatic transmission found in other AMG models, which has a clutch pack instead of a torque converter, is standard equipment. The CLE53 is also equipped with rear-wheel steering, and 19-inch wheels are standard with 20-inchers optional.
A Fresh Look
You could be forgiven for mistaking the rear end of the CLE53 for that of the standard CLE-class. That’s because there aren’t many visual changes for the rear—outside of the badging, of course, and the wider rear track. There is an optional AMG Performance Studio package that adds trim pieces to the front and rear fascia, as well as the spoiler lip and rear diffuser board seen here.
The changes up front are considerably more exciting, with a more aggressive hood and an AMG-styled front bumper and grille that give the CLE53 an angrier look than the standard version. The front fenders are wider by 2.3 inches while the rears are a full 3.0 inches wider than those on the standard CLE coupe.
The interior features the same 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch central display as the standard coupe. The seats are covered in MB-Tex and microfiber upholstery as standard, with the option to switch to Nappa leather with embossed AMG crests in the front headrests. An optional AMG Performance Seat Package swaps the standard buckets for seats with more pronounced bolsters. The regular steering wheel is replaced with a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather with aluminum shift paddles.
Mercedes hasn’t announced when the CLE53 will go on sale yet, though we’re expecting to see it sometime next year. We’re also expecting pricing to fall somewhere between the C43 and C63’s sticker prices, likely around $85,000 when it eventually goes on sale.
Associate News Editor
Jack Fitzgerald’s love for cars stems from his as yet unshakable addiction to Formula 1.
After a brief stint as a detailer for a local dealership group in college, he knew he needed a more permanent way to drive all the new cars he couldn’t afford and decided to pursue a career in auto writing. By hounding his college professors at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he was able to travel Wisconsin seeking out stories in the auto world before landing his dream job at Car and Driver. His new goal is to delay the inevitable demise of his 2010 Volkswagen Golf.