Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupé (2024): the nice muscular guy (test)

In the Mercedes range, there are “light” AMGs and real AMGs. Take the A-Class, for example: the A35 AMG version already offers a powerful 306-horsepower engine and a chassis geared toward dynamic efficiency. But to get the best performance, you have to opt for the A45, its 421 horsepower and its much more sophisticated all-wheel drive. This observation is even more true on the larger models of the German manufacturer, for example on the C Class whose 43 AMG version displays a sporty look and hides 408 horsepower under the hood, while the C 63 claims outright 680 horsepower and state-of-the-art efficiency.

Unfortunately for purists, these “big” Mercedes-AMG 63s are gradually converting to plug-in hybrids and gradually abandoning large thermal engines. After the C63 S became “E-Performance” and used a small 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an electric motor instead of the old 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the future large E63 AMG should pass to a heavily electrified in-line six-cylinder instead of the 612 horsepower V8 of the previous version. The V8 would only remain under the hood of the largest models in the range (AMG GT, SL, GLE, G-Class).

The CLE 53 that you can observe in these pages is positioned in the mid-range, on the basis of the CLE coupe itself placed under the AMG GT to replace the old E-Class Coupé. Using the C-Class chassis like the other versions of the CLE, it features the 3.0-liter, 449-horsepower turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine found under the hood of the E-Class sedan in E53 version. With an electric compressor to assist the classic turbo, but without the electric motor that goes with it in the four-door wagon, bringing the total power to 612 horsepower on the latter.

Are you still following us? Come on, it gets even more complicated. This new CLE 53 goes further in sport than the previous models at the “AMG 53” level. Look at it: it looks a lot like the most radical models in the Affalterbach tuner’s range with its considerably widened fenders (58 mm at the front and 75 mm at the rear) and its bulbous shapes, which make it look like a big C63 S Coupé of the old generation. Especially in the matte black color of certain examples seen on site, contrasting with the elegance of the blue of our test model. Add to this an all-wheel drive equipped (optional) with a Drift mode reserved until now for the 63 and you obtain on paper a “real” Mercedes-AMG.

Inside too, the CLE 53 resembles the large AMGs with the usual array of enveloping seats, sporty inserts and badges enhancing a very nicely finished interior. Like the other CLEs, the machine also offers rear seats that are more habitable than those of a BMW 4 Series or an Audi A5. And the 410 liters of trunk will allow you to calmly consider real trips with several people at the wheel of this large coupe.