The days when Mercedes-AMG model numbers reflected engine sizes seem long gone, but we thought we had a handle on the system. The ’63’ badge typically marks the high-performance variant, while ’53’ is generally a more enhanced version of the standard car, focusing on power and style without the full AMG treatment. Enter the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, which appears imposing with its widened wheel arches and bold stance, offering a mix of power, luxury, and technology.
Underneath the aggressive bodywork, the CLE 53 packs a respectable 443bhp, propelling it from 0 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds. While it doesn’t match the BMW M4 in terms of raw speed, super coupés have reached such an extreme performance level that the difference is arguably more academic than practical. After all, who really needs all that speed in everyday driving? The CLE 53 offers more than enough excitement at a slightly more affordable £73,075.
For those yearning for even more power, there’s talk of a forthcoming CLE 63 model, which is expected to feature a V8 engine. However, speculation abounds about whether this will be a complex plug-in hybrid, which might detract from the pure driving experience. In that context, the inline-six, mild-hybrid CLE 53 could prove to be the more straightforward and satisfying option, especially for those who appreciate simplicity in their driving experience – even if that simplicity comes in the form of a two-tonne coupé equipped with advanced all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel steering.
The car’s aggressive look is further accentuated by its increased width – 58mm wider at the front and 75mm at the rear – thanks to those broader arches. The exterior is completed with AMG-specific door mirrors and a reworked rear end, including a restyled bumper and a subtle lip spoiler.
Beneath the surface, the CLE 53 sits somewhere between full AMG performance cars and the standard Mercedes lineup. Its 443bhp is derived from a finely tuned version of a regular Mercedes engine rather than a hand-crafted unit from AMG’s Affalterbach workshop. The twin-turbo M 256M engine is similar to the one found in the Mercedes CLE 450 but features twin turbos that increase boost pressure from 1.1 bar to 1.5 bar. Additionally, an electric compressor ensures there’s no lag before the turbos spool up, giving the car responsive performance at lower speeds. This compressor, alongside a 23bhp electric motor integrated into the gearbox, is powered by a 48V mild-hybrid system.
In terms of transmission, the CLE 53 uses Mercedes’ nine-speed ‘TCT’ torque-converter automatic, rather than the more hardcore AMG ‘MCT’ gearbox, which features a wet start-up clutch typically found in the higher-performance models.
The CLE 53’s fully variable four-wheel drive system can be customised to include a rear-wheel-drive-only drift mode, if desired. The car also comes equipped with 2.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering and AMG Ride Control, which includes AMG-tuned adaptive dampers and coil springs.
For those seeking an even more thrilling drive, the optional £7,500 Pro Performance Pack is worth considering. Alongside carbon fibre detailing, this package offers more than just aesthetic upgrades. It includes bucket seats that lower the driving position, dynamic engine mounts, the highly desirable drift mode, and a Race driving mode with a more rear-biased four-wheel-drive configuration.
With all these features, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 presents itself as a compelling option for those wanting a mix of performance, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. Its balance of power and practicality might make it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want the thrill of an AMG without the extreme complexity or price of the upcoming CLE 63.
