The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Packs 443hp
The all-wheel-drive coupe can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.2 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz blended two coupes, the C and the E, and gave us the CLE earlier this year. As with new models from mega brands, the CLE debuted with multiple options for the powertrain, trim and whatnot. However, there was one void that everyone knew the Germans would eventually fill. A performance-oriented CLE with mammoth AMG power reserves. Well, that process has begun, to say the least. Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+.
Propulsion duties are handled by the combination of a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder powerplant, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a 9-speed AMG-spec transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The internal combustion engine outputs 443hp and 560Nm of torque, increasing to 600Nm for up to 12 seconds with the overboost system. As a result, the coupe can hit 100kmph from nothing in 4.2 seconds and clock 250kmph before the electronic speed governors kick in. Buyers can pay extra to get that raised to 270kmph.
Features that help tame the go-fast coupe and allow the driver to relish the experience include rear-wheel steering, multiple drive modes and big ventilated disc brakes. There’s even an option to choose the suspension level separately. One optional extra that buyers would be interested in is the AMG Dynamic Plus package. It ropes in a Race driving programme with the Drift mode, red brake callipers, sportier-looking steering wheel and active engine mounts.
Place the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 next to its ‘Benz’ siblings, and the difference in look becomes apparent. At the front is the AMG grille, two large air inlets flanking a broad central opening and LED-powered headlights. At the other end is a more in-your-face lower end, further accentuated by quad tailpipes. The coupe also features wider front and rear fenders, accompanying the standard 19-inch rims. In addition to 20-inch wheels, the list of optional extras includes Digital Light headlamps and the AMG Performance Studio Package. That introduces a sportier rear spoiler and a diffuser. Mercedes will also try to upsell the AMG Optics, AMG Night, and AMG Carbon packages.
Indoors, the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel is accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an exclusive “Supersport” display. 64-colour ambient lighting, an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sports seats draped in man-made microfibre and AMG-specific graphics, red seat belts and glossy carbon elements are some other highlights inside the cabin. Here, too, options are available, such as leather upholstery and AMG Performance seats.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ sums up quite well. What do you think?
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