The full name of this car is Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe, and it is designed to complement the Mercedes-Benz CLE family introduced in mid-summer. This coupe took an intermediate position in the class hierarchy of the German manufacturer, simultaneously replacing the two-door versions of the “Tseshka” and “Eshka”. But if C-class sedans, even in the older AMG version, are now content with only four-cylinder engines, then the out-of-class AMG CLE 53 boasts an in-line six-cylinder turbo engine.
By itself, the 3.0-liter M256 engine is no longer new and is well known from other Mercedes, including AMG versions with the index “53”. It is also equipped with a Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 coupe, where it produces 381 hp and 500 Nm. But the AMG CLE 53 modification engine is distinguished by serious modifications. The shape of the combustion chamber has been optimized, the shapes of the intake and exhaust ducts have been changed, new piston rings have been applied, a more efficient injection system and a turbocharger have been installed.
All this made it possible to achieve a power of 449 hp in the range of 5800-6100 rpm, and the torque reaches 560 Nm instead of 520 Nm for previous AMG machines with this engine, and in Overboost mode the recoil increases to 600 Nm for 12 seconds. The 48-volt starter generator built into the nine-speed automatic AMG Speedshift TCT 9G adds another 23 hp and 200 Nm, helping in the first seconds of acceleration. As a result, the CLE 53 reaches the first “hundred” in 4.2 seconds, although this is slightly faster than the CLE 450 version (4.4 seconds). The maximum speed is limited to 250 km/h as standard, but for an additional fee, the electronic limiter can be shifted up to 270 km/h.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is equipped with all-wheel drive and a fully controllable chassis. The front wheel drive clutch can be completely disabled, turning the coupe into a strictly rear-wheel drive car. The steering and adaptive suspension of the AMG RideControl have three modes of operation, allowing you to flexibly vary the ratio of sport and comfort in the behavior of the car. Four-piston calipers and discs with a diameter of 370 mm in front are responsible for effective deceleration, and conventional floating bracket brakes and 360 mm discs are installed on the rear axle.
From the outside, the AMG version differs from the regular CLE coupe, primarily by a different grille and extended wheel arches (plus 58 mm in front and 75 mm in rear). An original hood with an air intake and aggressive bumpers appeared. At the back, the most noticeable are the developed diffuser and the four-barrel exhaust system. 19-inch wheels complete the look, although 20-inch wheels with a characteristic multi-spoke design are offered for an additional fee.
Inside, in addition to the traditional carbon fiber and aluminum decor with AMG company logos, a combined alcantara and nappa leather seat trim with contrasting stitching is available for order. In addition, standard chairs can be replaced with sports buckets with advanced lateral support.
In Europe, sales of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 coupe will begin in January, then the price will be known. And then an even more evil version of the AMG 63 is expected.