While we mourn the demise of the gorgeous C-Class and E-Class coupe, Mercedes-Benz is simplifying its range with the new CLE which takes these two models and combines them into one called the CLE Coupé or ‘CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé’ to be exact. Like every AMG, it gets decked out in its usual recipe of pumped-up wheel arches and a more powerful engine, but this time they’ve thrown the idea of using a turbo-charged, hybridized 4-cylinder from the C63 to the side with a larger-displacement 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo engine.
In this application, the engine takes advantage of double charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric compressor to develop a healthy 449hp and 560Nm of torque (600Nm over boost available for 12 seconds). That means this new coupe will complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4 seconds while an optional AMG Driver’s Package will increase the top speed to an autobahn-pleasing 270km/h.
Rear-wheel-drive histrionics are kept at bay most of the time though with power sent to the ground through a 9-speed automatic and the brand’s standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system.
RELATED: Apple Spatial Audio in Mercedes-Benz Conquers the Next Audio Frontier.
Compared to the standard CLE Coupe, the AMG version ramps up the muscle quotient with a wider track, bulging hood and a more aggressive-looking ‘Panamericana grille’ plus different wheels (19 or 20-inch available). Buyers can also individualize their CLE 53s with an optional AMG Styling package or a Carbon/Night package. Whichever way you look at it, this is a stunning vehicle that brings back some of the madness of the wider-hipped AMGs of yore i.e. CLK 63.
Open the sculpted doors of the CLE 53 and the interior greets you with a free-standing 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch central display. The AMG bits include sport seats with specific graphics and red contrasting topstitching with the brand logo embossed in the headrests. You can also get more smug AMG Performance seats in contrasting colours as well. Elsewhere, you find a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel in a double-spoke design while AMG-specific displays bring in more geeky detailing including a G-metre and race timer. Did we repeat ‘AMG’ enough there?
We expect the CLE 53 AMG to land in Australia by the middle of next year post its European market launch. Amongst a regular onslaught of SUVs, a beautiful coupe fettled by AMG is always welcome!
You’ll also like:
