Practically a decade after its arrival was first rumored; the Mercedes-Benz CLE class debuted in late 2023 as a 2024 mannequin. The enduring German producer’s purpose was to streamline its alphabet-and-numeral-overloaded lineup.
The CLE Coupe changed the C-Class and E-Class coupes. The extra performance-centric AMG model, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, was introduced in fast order.
Excessive-performing coupes aren’t frequent within the automotive collective, however the brand new selection, now additionally out there in a 2025 mannequin, arrived with bravado. Each mannequin years are the identical, with the newer yr additionally out there as a soft-top convertible.
Mercedes geared up its beginner with 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine producing 443 horsepower. Its efficiency prowess additionally features a 12-second overboost operate that pushes the usual 413-pound-feet of torque to 443 lb-ft.
The CLE53 advances with a nine-speed automated transmission with an built-in 48-volt electrical starter-generator. The latter helps clean begins and shifts. Fuel mileage averages are 20 miles per gallon in metropolis driving, 27 mpg on the freeway. Mercedes’ all-wheel driving system, 4Matic, is normal.
The extra comfort and luxury normal options listing is expansive and options: heated entrance seats, a Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, three USB-C ports, SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio and wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Normal security options embrace: blind spot help, an e-call emergency system, LED headlamps and taillamps, a surround-view digicam and an adaptive highbeam help.
Past two stablemates, the CLE53 is matched towards the Audi RS 5 ($80,695 beginning MSRP), BMW M3 ($77,175), BMW M4 ($80,875) and the much-touted Cadillac CT4-V Blacking ($63,900). The AMG coupe begins at $72,880, nevertheless it approaches $85,000 with performance-emphasized choices.
The Driver Help Bundle (a dozen driving security features) provides $1,750. Twenty-inch, five-spoke black wheels ($1,150) and the Evening Bundle is $750. It accentuates the sporty demeanor with darker exterior trim and carbon fiber on the sprint. The trio is the gist of the outside price-hiking culprits, however there’s different stuff; a efficiency steering wheel, purple distinction stitching and extra purple accents.
Mercedes launched the CLE53 as a automobile combining efficiency with magnificence. The coupe’s inside design and structure outline the idea properly.
Pink Nappa leather-based seating ($2,950) highlights the inside and it additionally options the carmaker’s MBUX infotainment system. It combines an 11.9-inch heart touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The latter provides a format that includes a distinguished spherical tachometer within the heart of the cluster flanked by customizable shows for the engine’s effort, suspension settings and different monitoring.
Driving the CLE53 is a combined expertise, nevertheless it’s all constructive. It’s not the quickest sports activities coupe, nevertheless it’s sufficiently fast, accelerating from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. Its persona is extra open highway cruiser with a bit perspective. A brisk, nation highway cruise is simply as pleasurable as a long-haul trek. The usual all-wheel-drive system provides highway confidence, notably in inclement climate.
Because it’s barely longer than its BMW rivals, the inside room and trunk house are correspondingly bigger. The CLE53 isn’t spacious however the cargo space is enough for a number of baggage of groceries. The rear seats fold, including room for one set of golf golf equipment and small equipment. Again seat occupants have satisfactory entrance and exit room, however bigger or taller adults might discover the realm tight.
Entrance seat occupants trip in comfy environment with one exception. The cupholders are pinched collectively and awkwardly positioned. Two massive cups don’t work properly within the compartments on the identical time.
The automobile’s general consolation provides to the AMG’s engine prowess and driving versatility. Sturdy lumbar assist and seat bolstering is a Mercedes signature. There’s little wind rush or highway noise. Highway imperfections are mastered with little effort.
Approaching its two-year tenure, the CLE53 has achieved what Mercedes desired. It diminished its jumbo-sized fleet in amount with none discount in high quality. The practically 100-year-old producer is celebrating properly with its new automobile.
