The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe family welcomes a new addition to its ranks in the United States with the introduction of the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. This latest model makes its debut locally five months after its unveiling in international markets. Scheduled to hit U.S. dealerships this summer, the pricing for this model has yet to be disclosed.
Similar to other '53' badged models within the Mercedes-AMG lineup, the CLE 53 Coupe occupies a middle ground between standard variants and the anticipated CLE 63. It is propelled by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a 48-volt electrical system and an integrated starter generator. This system features a small electric motor that provides supplementary support to the engine at lower speeds, contributing 23 horsepower and 205 Nm of torque, while the engine alone delivers 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft or 600 Nm of torque, with the additional capability of a 10-second Overboost function.
Complementing the engine is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission, transmitting power to all four wheels through a fully variable all-wheel-drive 4MATIC+ system. Notable features include active rear-axle steering, which adjusts the rear wheels in opposition to the front wheels at speeds of up to 60 mph, up to 2.5 degrees, and in alignment with the front wheels at higher speeds, up to 0.7 degrees.
Although it may not carry the full AMG designation, the CLE 53 Coupe boasts a comprehensive array of driving modes. This includes five AMG Dynamic Select drive modes, encompassing Sport+ and Individual settings, in addition to three settings for the ESC and all-wheel drive. Furthermore, AMG engineers have developed three distinct steering weights tailored to different driving modes.
In terms of performance, the new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 achieves a claimed 0-96 km/h in 4 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Local buyers have the option to equip the CLE 53 Coupe with a Dynamic Plus Package, which introduces a new Race drive program featuring a Drift mode. This package also includes active engine mounts, a microfiber steering wheel, and red-painted brake calipers.
Additionally, Mercedes-AMG offers an AMG Performance Studio Package as an optional extra, enhancing the visual appeal with striking flics on the front and rear, a larger rear lip spoiler, and a new diffuser. Two AMG Night packages and two AMG Carbon Fiber packages have also been unveiled.