If you’re looking for a coupe that combines performance, style, and comfort, you might want to check out the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe. This is the latest model from the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz, and it promises to deliver a quintessential AMG experience on the road.
What is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is a four-door coupe that is based on the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class. It is powered by a 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 330 kW (or 435 hp) and 560 Nm (or 413 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is enhanced by an EQ Boost starter-alternator that adds an extra 16 kW (or 21 hp) and 250 Nm (or 184 lb-ft) of electric power.
The coupe also features the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, which can adjust the power distribution between the front and rear axles according to the driving situation. This ensures optimal traction, stability, and agility in different road conditions. The coupe also has a rear-axle steering system, which improves the handling and maneuverability of the vehicle.
The coupe can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (or 0 to 62 mph) in just 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h (or 155 mph), which is electronically limited. The coupe has a combined fuel consumption of 9.7 - 9.3 l/100 km (or 24.3 - 25.3 mpg) and a combined CO2 emissions of 220 - 212 g/km.
The coupe has a starting price of €91,511 (or $103,000) in Germany, and it is expected to be available in other markets in the first half of 2024.
What are the main features of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe has many features that make it stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the main ones:
- AMG DYNAMIC SELECT: This system allows the driver to choose from six different driving modes: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual, and Race. Each mode adjusts the engine, transmission, suspension, steering, and exhaust sound to suit the driver’s preferences and the road conditions.
- AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G: This is a nine-speed automatic transmission that offers fast and smooth gear changes and a rev-matching function that enhances the emotional sound of the engine. The transmission also has a manual mode that can be activated by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
- AMG RIDE CONTROL: This is a suspension system that uses adaptive damping to adjust the stiffness of the shock absorbers according to the driving situation and the selected driving mode. The system also has an AMG-specific air suspension that can lower or raise the ride height of the vehicle depending on the speed and the road surface.
- AMG Real Performance Sound: This is a system that creates a sporty and authentic sound for the engine, using a combination of sound actuators and speakers inside the vehicle. The sound can be adjusted by using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system or the AMG menu in the MBUX multimedia system.
- AMG exhaust system: This system features dual round twin tailpipes with a high-gloss chrome finish. The system also has an exhaust flap that can be controlled using the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT system or the AMG menu in the MBUX multimedia system. The flap can change the sound of the exhaust from balanced to powerful, depending on the driving mode and the driver’s mood.
What are the main design elements of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe has a distinctive and dynamic design that reflects its performance-oriented character. Here are some of the main design elements:
- AMG-specific radiator grille: This is a vertical-bar grille that has a chrome surround and a black mesh. The grille also has a central star and an AMG logo. The grille is a signature feature of the AMG models, giving the coupe a powerful and confident look.
- AMG front apron: This sporty and aerodynamic bumper has large air intakes and chrome trim. The bumper also has an AMG-specific splitter that improves the vehicle's airflow and downforce.
- AMG side skirts: These are body-colored extensions that run along the lower edges of the doors. They give the coupe a lower and wider appearance, enhancing the vehicle's aerodynamics.
- AMG rear apron: This is a sporty and muscular bumper that has a black diffuser and a chrome trim. The bumper also has a heat shield that protects the exhaust system from the hot air generated by the engine.
- AMG alloy wheels: These are 19-inch or 20-inch wheels that have a five-twin-spoke design and a tremolite grey or high-gloss black finish. The wheels also have red-painted brake calipers that have an AMG logo. The wheels give the coupe a stylish and sporty look, as well as improve the handling and the braking of the vehicle.
What are the main interior features of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe has a luxurious and spacious interior that offers a high level of comfort and technology. Here are some of the main interior features:
- AMG seats: These are sporty and ergonomic seats that have black leather upholstery and red contrast stitching. The seats also have AMG badges and integrated head restraints. The seats offer good support and a customizable fit for the driver and the passengers.
- AMG steering wheel: This is a flat-bottomed and leather-wrapped steering wheel that has silver-colored aluminum shift paddles and touch-sensitive buttons. The steering wheel also has an AMG logo and a red 12 o’clock marking. The steering wheel gives the driver a firm grip and convenient control of the vehicle’s functions.
- AMG instrument cluster: This is a 12.3-inch digital display that shows the speed, the revs, the gear, the driving mode, and other relevant information for the driver. The display also has AMG-specific graphics and colors that can be changed by using the AMG menu in the MBUX multimedia system.
- AMG center console: This is a glossy black console that has silver-colored buttons and a touchpad. The console also has an AMG DYNAMIC SELECT switch that allows the driver to choose the driving mode of the vehicle. The console gives the driver an easy access to the vehicle’s settings and features.
- MBUX multimedia system: This is a state-of-the-art system that has a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and a voice control function. The system also has an AMG menu that shows the engine data, the performance data, the vehicle settings, and the AMG TRACK PACE function. The system gives the driver and the passengers a high-quality entertainment and a smart navigation.
How does the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe compare to its competitors?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is not the only four-door coupe in the market. There are other models that offer a similar performance, style, and comfort. Here are some of the main competitors of the coupe, and how they compare to it:
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h | Top speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe | 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder | 330 kW (435 hp) | 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) | 4.8 s | 155 mph | $103,000 |
| BMW M440i xDrive Coupe | 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder | 285 kW (382 hp) | 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) | 4.3 s | 155 mph | $59,495 |
| Lexus RC F | 5.0-litre V8 | 351 kW (472 hp) | 535 Nm (395 lb-ft) | 4.2 s | 168 mph | $65,875 |
As you can see, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is the most expensive and the least powerful of the three. However, it also has the most advanced hybrid system, sophisticated all-wheel drive system, and luxurious interior. The BMW M440i xDrive Coupe is the most affordable and the quickest of the three, but it also has the most controversial design and the least distinctive sound. The Lexus RC F is the most powerful and the fastest of the three, but it also has the highest fuel consumption and the heaviest weight.
What are the main advantages of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is not a perfect car, but it has many advantages that make it a desirable choice for those who want a four-door coupe that balances performance, style, and comfort. Here are some of the main advantages of the coupe:
- Hybrid technology: The coupe’s hybrid system not only boosts the power and the torque of the engine, but also improves the fuel efficiency and the emissions of the vehicle. The system also provides a smooth and seamless driving experience and a sporty and authentic sound.
- All-wheel drive system: The coupe’s all-wheel-drive system not only enhances the vehicle's traction, stability, and agility but also allows the driver to choose the power distribution between the front and rear axles according to the driving situation. The system also gives the coupe a rear-wheel drive character when desired.
- Rear-wheel steering system: The coupe’s rear-wheel steering system not only improves the handling and maneuverability of the vehicle but also reduces the turning circle and the steering effort. The system also adapts the steering angle of the rear wheels according to the speed and the driving mode.
- Luxurious interior: The coupe’s interior offers a high level of comfort and technology and a spacious and elegant atmosphere. The interior also features high-quality materials, such as leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber, and sporty and ergonomic elements, such as AMG seats, steering wheel, and instrument cluster.
What are the main drawbacks of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is not a flawless car, and it has some drawbacks that might deter some buyers from choosing it. Here are some of the main drawbacks of the coupe:
- High price: The coupe’s price is significantly higher than its competitors, and it might not justify the difference in performance and features. The coupe also has a high maintenance cost, as well as a high depreciation rate.
- Low power: The coupe’s power is lower than its competitors, and it might not satisfy the expectations of some enthusiasts. The coupe also has a limited top speed, which is electronically capped at 155 mph.
- Generic design: The coupe’s design is not very distinctive or original, and it might not appeal to some tastes. The coupe also looks very similar to other Mercedes-Benz models, and it might not stand out from the crowd.
- Limited practicality: The coupe’s practicality is limited by its four-door coupe body style, and it might not suit the needs of some customers. The coupe also has a small trunk space, a low rear headroom, and poor rear visibility.
Final
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is a remarkable four-door coupe that balances performance, style, and comfort. It has a hybrid engine delivers power and efficiency, an all-wheel drive system that provides traction and agility, a rear-wheel steering system that enhances handling and maneuverability, and a luxurious interior with comfort and technology. It also has a distinctive and dynamic design that reflects its performance-oriented character and a sporty and authentic sound that creates an emotional connection with the driver.
However, the coupe has some drawbacks, such as high prices, low power, a generic design, and limited practicality. Therefore, the coupe might not be the best choice for everyone, but it is certainly a great choice for those who appreciate the quintessential AMG experience.
