Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 debuts as potent successor to two-door C-Class and E-Class
The coupe comes with a mild-hybrid powertrain making 443bhp
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 has been unveiled as a powerful successor to the two-door versions of both the C-Class and E-Class, and will face off against the BMW 440i and the upcoming Ford Mustang.
The CLE 53 uses a six-cylinder petrol engine like the 375 bhp CLE 450, but thanks to some tuning now makes 443bhp and 560Nm of torque (with an overboost function that can temporarily increase torque to 600Nm). The CLE 53's engine is also a mild-hybrid with a 23bhp integrated starter generator and a 48V motor.
The new CLE 53 is quicker than the old Mercedes-AMG C 43 Coupe, taking just 4.2 seconds to complete the 0-62mph sprint. Power is sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Stopping power comes from four-piston front brake callipers with perforated discs, and an extra 'Sport+' driving mode alters the engine, steering, transmission and chassis settings. Rear-wheel steering also comes as standard with up to 2.5 degrees of movement.
Externally, the Mercedes-AMG 53 boasts an AMG-exclusive front grille, extended wheel arches for a wider track, 20-inch alloys and AMG’s signature quad-exhaust tips.
Inside meanwhile is largely the same as the rest of the CLE range, with a dash layout featuring a 12.3-inch driver's display and 11.9-inch central touchscreen.
Mercedes hasn't revealed pricing of the CLE 53 just yet, but we expect it to be more expensive than the current, most expensive model (the £72,765 450 4MATIC Premier Edition) when it goes on sale in early 2024.