Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé: the first AMG take with a straight-six

At a time when AMG is moving away from its tuneful V8s and increasingly favouring four-cylinder units with (plenty of) electrified assistance, the first AMG version of the new Mercedes CLE is a surprise: it comes with a straight-six.

The CLE is Mercedes’ fresh proposal to replace the coupés and cabriolets previously found in the C-Class and E-Class line-ups, and it was only a matter of time before AMG gave its “opinion” on the model.

The 53 in its name makes it clear there is still at least one rung to climb before the CLE’s full potential - that is reserved for the 63 models - but that hardly makes this one any less intriguing.

Visually, the first thing that stands out is the Panamericana front grille, a clear sign of its AMG ties. Along the sides, the Turbo 4Matic+ badge also hints at what it is capable of.

At the rear, aerodynamics are helped by a small lip spoiler on the boot lid, while the lower section of the bumper houses a generously sized diffuser, paired with four round exhaust tailpipes of matching presence.

Rounding off the styling highlights, there is also the bonnet, which features an air outlet between two longitudinal power domes - a nod to the iconic SL - along with distinctive 20” aerodynamic alloy wheels.

Straight-six, but with electrified assistance

For the AMG CLE 53, the brand has chosen its 3.0-litre straight-six (M 256M), fitted with a turbocharger that lifts maximum output to 449 hp. Peak torque is rated at 560 Nm, although it can rise to 600 Nm for a few seconds thanks to the overboost function.

The electrified “help” comes from the second-generation 48 V mild-hybrid system, integrated into the nine-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (AMG Speedshift TCT 9G). Briefly, it can add a further 23 hp and 205 Nm.

Because this is the second iteration of the system, several functions have been refined - including the one that makes the engine restart after a pause at traffic lights, for example, almost imperceptible.

In performance terms, the first AMG version of the Mercedes CLE claims 0–100 km/h in 4.2s and a top speed of 250 km/h, which can be increased to 270 km/h with the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package.

The automatic gearbox sends all of this to all four wheels via 4Matic+, but when extra traction is not required the system can disconnect the front axle, leaving the car in rear-wheel drive. There is also a drift mode that similarly disconnects the front axle.

Sticking with the dynamic brief, every Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 comes as standard with variable-assistance steering and rear-axle steering, both intended to sharpen agility and improve performance on tighter, twistier roads.

AMG badge demands a sportier cabin

Inside the CLE Coupé there are four seats, and Mercedes says the available space is comparable to that of the previous E-Class Coupé.

As you would expect of an AMG, the seats offer more pronounced side bolstering and matching trim, with red stitching and red seat belts on the car shown in the images. Even so, there are further personalisation options for those who would rather choose a different colour combination.

From the driver’s seat, there is a fully digital instrument display with AMG-exclusive view modes, plus a sportier steering wheel with integrated transmission controls and rotary selectors for the driving modes.

In the centre of the dashboard and positioned prominently, the touchscreen - mounted in a more upright, portrait-like orientation - also includes AMG-specific display layouts, with a range of real-time data and multiple customisation options, all aimed at making the driving experience as focused as possible.

When does it arrive?

The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé is scheduled to arrive in early 2024. Pricing has not yet been announced.