The Mercedes CLE Coupe family now has a compelling new variant in the form of the punchy 2024 CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe and while it’s not the full-blown AMG model that some shoppers are probably waiting for, it does add some spice to the standard range. Like other ‘53’ badged models from Mercedes-AMG, the CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that has been updated with improved combustion chambers, new piston rings, optimized injection, and a new exhaust gas turbocharger. This engine works alongside the automaker’s second-generation integrated starter generator and a 48-volt electrical system that can add up to 23 hp and 205 Nm of torque.
All up, the new model is good for 449 hp between 5,800 rpm and 6,100 rpm and 560 Nm of torque or 600 Nm with the Overboost function enabled. The engine is coupled
to AMG’s familiar 9G ‘Speedshift’ transmission driving all four wheels. The CLE
53 4Matic+ Coupe deals with the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds and
can run through to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.
The car can be driven in Slippery,
Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual configurations with areas such as the
engine, transmission, chassis, and steering response all being adjusted between
the different modes. Mercedes-AMG has also installed the car with a drift mode that
switches it to rear-wheel drive at all times. This isn’t a mode we expect many
owners to use, however. A more important inclusion is the fitment of standard
rear-axle steering that can turn the rear wheels by up to 2.5 degrees at speeds
of up to 100 km/h and up to 0.7 degrees in parallel with the front
wheels at speeds over 62 mph. There is also trick three-stage AMG steering and
the AMG Ride Control suspension system designed to improve agility without
sacrificing comfort.
Visually, the CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe
immediately stands out from lesser variants. It includes a familiar AMG front
grille with a more aggressive bumper. Mercedes designers have also flared the
front arches by 58 mm and the rear arches by 75 mm, giving it a much more
imposing presence on the road. A set of 19-inch wheels comes as standard with
20-inch shoes available too. Changes continue at the rear with revised LED
taillights connected with a dark red element. There is also a small lip
spoiler, new twin tailpipes, and customers can also order the car with an AMG
Optics pack that adds a larger diffuser, lip spoiler, and front and rear
aerodynamic flics. Two AMG Night packages and AMG Carbon packages are also
available.
Found in the cabin is a familiar
flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in black leather and
Alcantara. There is also plenty of carbon fiber across the dashboard, red
contrast stitching, custom leather and microfiber-clad seats, and various
leather and Nappa leather options. AMG also offers a set of performance seats. Mercedes-AMG
has not yet confirmed which markets will receive the CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe nor
has it said when it will launch or how much it will cost.
