Written by Adam Binnie Published: 29 April 2024 Updated: 30 April 2024

Overview

Usually sitting just under the flagship AMG model, a 53 badge denotes a car with a more usable blend of performance and comfort than the often uncompromising 63. The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe promises to be just such a thing except, at the time of it going on sale, it is also the current range-topper.

Whether or not it’ll be joined by a more powerful and faster model remains to be seen, as does the type of engine that would likely power it, given the current Mercedes-AMG C63 uses a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid set up. A very different powertrain to the bold V8 motors used in years gone by.

So, it’s with surprise and delight to announce that the CLE53 has a proper old school coupe engine – a 3.0-litre straight six without a plug socket in sight.

What’s it like inside?

The standard Mercedes-Benz CLE replaces both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes, promising the sporting nature of the former and the prestige of the latter.

Add an AMG badge into the mix and you’d expect a suitable bump up in both departments. To an extent, that’s what you get with greater athletic and luxury pretensions laid over what is a very C-Class-heavy cockpit.

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The C-Class’s 11.9-inch/12.3-inch display pairing is retained for the CLE, as is its double-decker button arrangement on the steering wheel. From there, though, things are taken in a different direction.

I tested a Pro Performance package car (more on this later) and, if anything, the interior was a bit stealthier than the standard car, which looks very flashy indeed. That’s largely down to the darker materials used, with swathes of carbon fibre and suede, plus the optional supersport seats that look absolutely superb.

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These are firm but hold you tightly in place, reducing fatigue on a long journey (or a short, fast one) and the driver’s screen comes with some AMG-specific display modes, including one with a huge gear shift indicator.

On the wheel are two touchscreen buttons than you can customise in function, with things like the exhaust sound, traction control, and whether the gearbox is in manual or automatic. All things considered, the proper AMG ambiance has been captured in the CLE53. But it is worth pointing out that my test car was the very top spec and included things you don’t get lower down the pecking order.

What’s it like to drive?

Performance is another area where the CLE53 delivers a typical AMG experience. That six-cylinder engine (which is a reworked version of what you get in the CLE450) provides effortless acceleration and a 0–62mph time of 4.2 seconds.

The large turbocharger is given an extra boost by an electric supercharger, and effectively what this means is that the car pulls hard from low revs without any noticeable delay. It works well, and the CLE53 definitely performs best in the middle of the rev counter, where it feels effortlessly swift.

Modern engines are slightly strangled when it comes to noise. To compensate for this, Mercedes bolstered the CLE53’s soundtrack with some synthetic augmentation. Overall, though, it makes a burly and more exotic sound than a four-cylinder engine, even if it doesn’t soar to a spine-tingling crescendo like six-cylinder motors of old.

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It is certainly very smooth (straight six engines are naturally well-balanced) and benefits from 48v mild hybrid tech, which means it can switch off completely as you slow down for a roundabout or junction.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox from the standard car remains but has been fettled by AMG to enable shorter shifting times and a more responsive feel when using the steering mounted paddles. These are enlarged in the AMG car too and feel great to use.

All-wheel drive is standard, but offers a bit more adjustability than in the standard CLE. For a start, it sends more power to the rear of the car but, as you make your way through the AMG Driving Dynamics modes (Basic, Advanced and Pro), the car becomes even more rear driven. This completely changes the way it feels when cornering and adds another level of driver enjoyment.

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Adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension gives a broad spread of different ride qualities from comfortable to very firm. I haven’t driven this car in the UK yet but even on Spanish roads the steel sprung set up felt rock solid in Sport+ mode, but plaint and less busy in Comfort. Rear wheel steering helps make the car feel more agile in tight corners and adds stability at speed, and while the steering wheel didn’t offer much connection to the tarmac below the front wheels, it was nicely weighted and responsive.

What models and trims are available?

Mercedes’ Premium specification is standard, meaning all cars have 20-inch wheels and adaptive damping. The accent lighting is also carried over from the standard car, but AMG has added grippier seats and sportier steering wheel.

Night Edition Premium Plus cars are darker overall, inside and out, with stealthy exterior trim and carbon fibre on the dash, plus tech upgrades including a Burmester stereo and head-up display.

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The final cost option is the Pro Performance Package, which will set you back £7,500. In exchange you get AMG Dynamic Plus Package (Race drive programme, Race Start, Drift Mode, and AMG dynamic engine mounts), plus a more aggressive bodykit, sportier bucket seats, and a Performance steering wheel. Outside, the boot lid gains a spoiler and the brake calipers get painted red.

What else should I know?

All AMG cars come with an invite to Mercedes-Benz World for a free driving experience, where you can drift around the wet skid circle and get expert guidance on a handling circuit. We’ve tested this experience at Parkers and it’s well worth taking Mercedes up on the offer.