The last time Mercedes rationalized the C-Class and E-Class right into a freestanding coupe and convertible, the Germans called the result the CLK. Debuting in 1997, the CLK sat on the C-Class platform but adopted the E-Class’s more mature styling. On this latest C- and E- remix, the lines have shifted. The result’s often called the CLE, sitting on the already-rationalized MRA II platform that supports the newest C-Class and E-Class, the Mercedes-Benz version adopting styling more familiar from the E-Class Coupe. On the CLE’s AMG variant, the styling moves within the direction of the old, bad boy C-Class AMG.
That is the primary AMG out of the highest rank — think, 63 and up — to get AMG’s pumped-up hood with the warmth evacuation vent running between power domes. And even without the black paint and optional AMG Night Package, the AMG CLE 53 is in every single place more intense than the retiring AMG E 53 and even the AMG C 63 S.
AMG’s latest family look strikes a pose, starting with a bigger, more pronounced grille than on the present AMG E 53, underlined by a splitter across the front fascia. A DRL eyebrow sits above the headlights, two additional LED spots in each lamp recalling the E-Class heyday of quad lamps. The hood begins that steep sweep as much as the swept-back windshield, while further down, a pair of fender vents help draw cooling air over the “thoroughly modified” turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. A brief deck ends in a more pronounced spoiler. Down in back, the rear fender vents are embellished with black trim, and AMG’s 4 round exhaust finishers poke through a diffuser. An AMG Performance Studio Package goes excessive with aero flics on the front and rear fenders, an excellent stouter decklid spoiler, and an excellent beefier diffuser.
Standard 19-inch wheels may be optioned to twenty inches as on the photo automobile above. Either way, the coupe’s track is wider by 2.3 inches within the front and three inches in back in comparison with the usual CLE. Buyers who go for the larger size will find Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tires sized 265/35 in front, 295/30 in back.
Up front, the well-traveled mild hybrid inline-six has been upgraded to be more powerful and efficient. Tweaks like reshaped intake runners and exhaust manifold, a bigger turbo with 5.8 psi more boost, and a brand new auxiliary electric compressor raise output to 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque; torque may be run as much as 443 lb-ft for 12 seconds because of an overboost function. This motor without the update peaks at 429 hp and 384 lb-ft in today’s AMG E 53.
The CLE’s 48-volt motor-generator contributes to efficiency and smoothness, adding 23 hp and 151 lb-ft at lower speeds and filling in troughs in power delivery because the ICE motor does its thing. Shifting comes courtesy of AMG’s nine-speed automatic.
We all know the inside formula by now: A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 11.9-inch infotainment display, AMG’s Performance steering wheel, numerous satin metal and carbon fiber, a set of cozy AMG seats or the AMG Performance Seat Package in MB-Tex and microfiber or optional Nappa leather, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. The dynamic formula is getting routine on the spec sheet, cribbed from the brand new AMG SL and 2024 AMG GT, and shortly to look on the brand new G-Class, nevertheless it’s still anything but routine in motion. There’s the hydraulic AMG Ride Control suspension with Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ maps. There are five AMG Dynamics modes (Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Individual) three AMG Dynamic Select program (Basic, Advance, Pro). And there is AMG Performance 4Matic+ in cahoots with rear-wheel steering.
The AMG CLE 53 shall be just as ready for a date on the tea house as one for the track. It’s kind of mature in look, nevertheless, and certain so in price, every time we get that. The departing AMG C 63 S starts at about $83,000, the departing AMG E 53 starts at about $85,000, our guess is the MSRP bullseye won’t leave much change, if any, from $90,000 before options.
This Article First Appeared At www.autoblog.com
