Published:
Readtime: 4 min
Every product is carefully selected by our editors and experts. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more. For more information on how we test products, click here.
- Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé replaces E-Class and C-Class AMG Coupés
- Priced from AUD$158,900 before on-road costs
- Includes AMG-specific 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, active rear-axle steering and suspension
Mercedes-AMG has always had a glorious back catalogue of performance cars, typified by the many varied coupés based on the C-Class and the E-Class. In 2025 however, the automaker is changing things up. The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé (quite a mouthful!) is set to replace the existing models and it has a lot riding on its muscular mild-hybrid six-cylinder powertrain-adorned shoulders.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé Price
In the AMG lexicon, the ’53 versions are the six-cylinder brutes, while the V8s are a notch above. That being said, the CLE 53 is currently the fastest iteration of the svelte CLE Coupé and does pack in a lot of horsepower. Further to that, the $158,900 price tag before on-road costs make it a bargain over the outgoing E53 Coupé, which is listed at $20,000 higher. Of course, one can argue that it is also a lot pricier than the C43 Coupé, but regardless of what you think price-wise, the CLE 53 Coupé is indeed a desirable piece of kit.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé Power
At the heart of the matter lies an overhauled ‘double-charged’ six-cylinder mild hybrid engine producing 442bhp and 560 Nm. Featuring an exhaust gas turbocharger and an additional electronic compressor, this motor spins faster, plus the addition of a 48V mild hybrid system provides a further electric boost of 23hp and 205Nm, which means it will reach 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. That’s faster and quicker than the (cheaper) M440i xDrive from BMW. Impressively, not just the performance gains as the CLE 53 also does not have the expected thirst of a large-hearted AMG since Mercedes claims that it has an efficiency of 9.6 l/100 km.
The standard model features the tried-and-tested 9-speed automatic, while 4MATIC+ all-wheel is standard. However, AMG loyalists can take solace from the fact that it has been tuned to deliver the old-school charms of a brutish AMG that one expects. While the 9-speed torque converter has been tuned for faster shifts, the addition of rear-axle steering has been pivotal in increasing steering input at higher speeds. Plus, despite not being a V8, the AMG ‘Real Performance Sound’ claims to deliver the characteristic AMG roar.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé Interior
Elsewhere, the cabin has a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital display, while an 11.9-inch central display in portrait format has been angled towards the driver. The seats, meanwhile, are drenched in black leather with AMG-specific graphics and red topstitching. Other standard interior features of the CLE 53 Coupé include glossy carbon trim and 64-colour ambient lighting.
As you might expect, the equipment list is long, with heated and electrically adjustable front seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, a Burmester 3D surround sound system, a head-up display, panoramic sliding sunroof, DAB+ digital radio, and dark-tinted privacy glass from the B-pillar to the rear. Of course, Mercedes-AMG hasn’t skimped on the safety features, either. The new 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé comes equipped with 10 airbags, a 360-degree camera plus Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, active distance assist cruise control, active lane keeping assist, blind spot assist, active brake assist, traffic sign assist, evasive manoeuvre support, and the PRE-SAFE accident anticipation system.
Buyers can also spec additional options, including an $8,900 Carbon package and a $5,400 AMG Performance Seat Package, along with $2,100 for the Plus package. All in all, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is a tempting mix of brains and brawn.
