GT Coupes are not as popular as they used to be, but Mercedes-Benz is soldiering on with the CLE which replaced both the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe back in July. Now there’s an AMG version of it, called the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe.
As this is an AMG after all, let’s dive into the engine – it is a 3.0-litre straight six with double charging where an exhaust gas-driven turbocharger is complemented by an electric compressor. The resultant outputs are 449PS and 560Nm but the torque can rise up to 600Nm for 12 seconds on overboost. Also, this is the first time this engine has made an appearance in a 2-door body.
That power and torque are put to the ground via an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ AWD, which helps the CLE 53 to hit 100kmph from a standstill in 4.2 seconds before hitting the electronic limiter at 250kmph. However, the optional AMG Driver’s Package raises that to 270kmph so you can overtake everyone stuck at 250kmph on the Autobahn.
The newest version of MBUX is present with AMG-specific graphics, conveyed to the driver via a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch vertical infotainment screen. Another interesting bit about the interior is that the seats are made out of ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT black microfiber with AMG-specific graphics and red contrast stitching.
We like this one a lot. Hopefully, Mercedes-AMG India will bring it to our shores next year as they do cater to the Indian enthusiasts with their current lineup of eight AMG models. If it does reach here, it will have absolutely no direct competition apart from the BMW M4 Competition Coupe which is more performance-oriented than the CLE 53 which feels more like a GT.
