Even as the auto industry transitions into electrification, AMG spinoffs follow the debut of a new Mercedes-Benz as surely as the moon follows the sun through the sky. And so it is not the least bit surprising — but still plenty delightful — that just five months after revealing the new CLE-class coupe and convertible, Mercedes is now announcing the 2024 AMG CLE53 Coupe.
Related: 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe and Cabriolet: 2 Become 1
A quick refresher: The CLE is an all-new model in the Mercedes lineup, splitting the difference between the C-Class and E-Class. The latest-generation C-Class debuted for the 2022 model year, and a new E-Class is expected to be in dealerships soon.
Aggressive Styling
While the CLE has a graceful, refined shape, the Mercedes-AMG CLE sports wider front and rear fenders, and its track widths grow 2.3 inches wider up front and a full 3.0 inches broader in the rear. Its unique front end sports a taller center intake flanked by two gaping inlets, while four large-caliber circular exhaust finishers punch through the rear fascia. An optional AMG Performance Studio Package adds more slatted vents, a more pronounced rear spoiler and a rear diffuser. Nineteen-inch wheels are standard; 20s are available. Four-piston brake calipers squeeze 14.6-inch rotors at the front, while single-piston clamps grab 14.2-inch discs out back.
Maniacal and Gratuitous Powertrain …
The 53 in this coupe’s name denotes that it’s powered by AMG’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which is fitted with a gas-driven turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor for quicker response. The powertrain produces 443 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque, and an overboost function provides extra squeeze, juicing torque output to 443 pounds-feet for up to 12 seconds at a time. Mercedes estimates the CLE53 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in four seconds flat and says top speed is governed at 155 mph.
Behind that engine is a nine-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric starter-generator. Running off the same 48-volt electrical system as the electric compressor, the starter-generator helps smooth out starts and shifts. 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard, and power distribution between the axles is variable depending on drive mode and road conditions. The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 can also decouple its front axle completely when it’s not needed — or for drifting. As with other recent AWD AMGs, the CLE53 has a Drift mode that puts the front axle to sleep for gratuitous tail-out shenanigans.
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… But Still Civilized
The CLE53’s standard AMG Ride Control suspension employs steel springs and adaptive dampers with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. In addition to three-stage steering that reduces assist as speed rises, the CLE53 also boasts rear-axle steering; it turns the rear wheels up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels to aid low-speed maneuverability, or up to 0.7 degree in the same direction for high-speed stability. The speed at which the change from in sync to out happens depends on drive mode, but it’s generally 60 mph.
Inside, the CLE53 boasts the latest generation of Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, with an 11.9-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The latter offers an AMG-exclusive Supersport layout featuring a prominent round tachometer in the center of the cluster flanked by customizable displays for engine data, suspension settings and more. Synthetic suede seating is standard, but Mercedes offers several leather options, as well. Optional AMG Performance Seats feature enhanced bolstering and vertical openings in the seatback to help minimize back sweat during extended high-performance sessions.
Availability and Pricing
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe will go on sale in 2024. Mercedes hasn’t announced pricing yet for the rest of the CLE lineup, but the outgoing C-Class Coupe started around $50,000 and the E-Class around $70,000. We’re betting the new split-the-difference model skews a little higher than dead center in that spread, with the AMG CLE53 carrying a premium.
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