With the new CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé (combined fuel consumption 9.7-9.3 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 220-212 g/km)1, Mercedes-AMG is sharpening its product portfolio and redefining the entry-level performance coupé segment. The sporty, elegant two-door model combines the best of two worlds: the agility and sportiness of the C-Class with the space and status of the E-Class. The 3.0-litre six-cylinder inline engine with double charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric additional compressor has been thoroughly modified and produces now 330 kW (449 hp). It provides a maximum torque of 560 Nm (with overboost 600 Nm for 12 seconds). The integrated starter generator briefly supplies an additional 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque. It also feeds the 48-volt on-board electrical system. Other technical features of the new model include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.
Typical visual identifying features of a coupé are the long hood embedded in the front end with two powerful power domes. The strongly sloping windshield and the elongated roof that slopes towards the rear also reference this. The passenger cell, which is set far back, leads to the sporty, short rear via the rear window, which is also flat.
The progressively forward-sloping front section (“Shark Nose”), in combination with the precisely shaped bonnet, ensures an appearance that is both sporty and elegant. The AMG-specific A-shaped radiator grille and the flat, sharply cut DIGITAL LIGHT headlights create a particularly powerful impression. They have daytime running light ellipses and blue lighting on the base of the headlights, which enhances the dynamic appearance.
The strikingly designed front apron is raised in the middle section in an A-shape (“A-wing”). This allows for a large air inlet for high air flow. This also applies to the outer air inlets with two cross slats. Distinctive shaped edges structure the side view. The flared front and rear fenders, the wide track (plus 58 millimetres at the front, plus 75 millimetres at the rear compared to the Mercedes-Benz model) and the 20-inch wheels give the new AMG Coupé a powerful appearance.
The muscular rear is characterised by flowing surfaces, smooth transitions, and the two-part LED lights with three-dimensional light bodies. The rear lights are connected to each other by a dark red design element. It emphasises the width of the rear. The main elements are the round double tailpipe trims, which are harmoniously integrated into the rear apron. Their design in the side area behind the wheel arches improves aerodynamics: the air flow around the wheel arches is better. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid is either painted in the vehicle colour or finished in black, depending on the specification.
The interior welcomes passengers with unique equipment, exclusive materials and the latest generation MBUX infotainment system. The eye-catchers are the free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, the 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format and the dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours. If desired, it extends sweepingly from the centre console to under the outer ventilation vents. In each door, a strip of light runs along the contour lines of the armrest and the beltline into the rear area.
In the UK, the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is available exclusively with a leather or Nappa leather interior, with the AMG coat of arms embossed into the front headrests.
The new CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé uses a comprehensively upgraded version of the 3.0-litre M 256 inline six-cylinder turbo engine. The facelift generation of the high-performance engine, now known as the M 256M, impresses above all with optimised combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings, optimised injection and a new exhaust gas turbocharger. In conjunction with the new electric additional compressor, this offers an increase in boost pressure by 0.4 bar to 1.5 bar and thus a higher torque of 560 Nm in continuous operation and 600 Nm in overboost for up to 12 seconds.
However, what is more important than the absolute torque is the availability of it and the overall response of the engine. The improved electric additional compressor is responsible for this. It can now be operated almost continuously over a longer period of time. Drivers feel this especially in medium speed ranges. This meant that the exhaust gas turbocharger could be made larger for higher peak performance.
At the same time, customers benefit from the increased efficiency of the unit. This has been significantly improved, especially in full-load operation. The new, second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG) also contributes to efficiency. This is now integrated into the gearbox bell housing. As a central component of the 48-volt electrical system, it not only functions as an electrical generator, but also takes on hybrid functions. These include short-term boosting with 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque, recuperation, load point shifting, sailing and the almost imperceptible restart of the engine during the start-stop function.
The AMG high-performance brake system is tailored to the power and performance of the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé: perforated and internally ventilated discs measuring 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are used on the front axle, and internally ventilated discs are used on the rear axle measuring 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating calipers.
For UK customers, the optional Pro Performance package combines the AMG Optics package and AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package.
The AMG Optics package includes additional flics on the front and rear apron, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the trunk lid and a diffuser board between the tailpipe trims. Inside, the package introduces AMG Performance seats in Nappa leather and the AMG performance steering wheel in MICROCUT microfiber, with additional steering wheel buttons for quick operation of the driving programmes and other dynamic settings.
The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package bundles particularly sporty equipment details. Highlights include the RACE driving programme with Drift Mode, while active engine mounts offer the situational spread between comfortable and sporty connection of the engine to the body.
