Mercedes-Benz replaced three coupé models with only one model. The coupe versions of the C-Class, E-Class and S-Class are all replaced by the CLE model. A name that Mercedes did not use before and honestly a bit strange Mercedes did not reuse the legendary CLK name which adorned several models in the past. We had the opportunity to drive a nicely specced CLE 53 AMG.
Design
Let’s get straight to the point. The looks of the CLE 53 AMG could pass as a 63 model. Differences between 53 and 63 AMG models are becoming smaller and smaller on recent AMG models. The CLE 53 looks impressive and elegant at the same time. The long nose is referred to by Mercedes as ‘Shark Nose’. I’m not sure if BMW will like that comparison which they claimed many times in the past.
Visually it is clear that the front track is 5,8 cm wider than the non-AMG versions. At the back the CLE 53 AMG is even 7,5 cm wider which doesn’t miss its effect for looks and performance. The new rims are a true design masterpiece. If heaven would look like a rim… We could not recommend them more, they fit the CLE 53 AMG so well. Our testcar was fit with a larger spoiler lid on the trunk and a more pronounced diffuser board between the four black exhaust pipes. For those who want something a little more, there is an optional carbon exterior package.
The pair of headlights seem to be coming from the Mercedes-Benz CLA models and they fit the design of this coupé remarkably well. Mercedes still understands that the most important characteristic of a coupé should be elegance. The CLE is a damn beautiful car. The AMG bodywear fits the CLE perfectly. As mentioned before, the wider shoulders at the back compared to a non-AMG CLE make it a really powerful car to look at. Personally, the connecting piece between the two tail lights is not a must, maybe because it is not in one and the same piece. According to Mercedes, this design element make the back of the car wider.
Engine & Driving
The mild-hybrid six-cylinder in-line engine (M 256M engine code) with double charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric additional compressor, and on top of that a starter-generator that produces 449 hp. The torque is also impressive: 560 Nm with a boost possible to 600 Nm for 12 seconds thanks to a boost pressure of 1,5 bar. Thanks to the electric compressor, the maximum torque is available between 2.200 and 5.000 rpm. The integrated starter generator is good for an additional 23 hp of power and 205 Nm of torque. The generator also feeds the 48 V on-board electrical system and is integrated in the gearbox bell housing. Other technical features of the new model include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and active rear-axle steering.
Thanks to the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS pack, an additional driving program is available (RACE) and visually this can be recognised by the red painted brake callipers. With Race start activated (push hard on the brake and throttle at the same time) the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h can be achieved in only 4,2 seconds. The top speed is 270 km/h instead of 250 km/h with the AMG Driver’s Package. For braking from these high speeds, the CLE 53 AMG can count on perforated and internally ventilated discs measuring 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed calipers at the front and internally ventilated discs on the rear axle measuring 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating calipers. Other available driving modes are: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. The AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system also influences the control settings of the ESP system as well as the 4MATIC+ system based on the driver actions and several sensors. For those who really need it, there is a drift mode which transforms the CLE 53 to a purely rear-wheel driven sportscar. There is also three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering which provides both extra comfort and sportiness.
Who says AMG, says sound. The sound experience is quite impressive, but there is some fake engine sound coming out of the interior speakers which is a bit of a shame as it is not really required. The engine and pure exhaust sound will please most of the petrolhead lovers.
A useless fact is that the turning cycle of the CLE 53 AMG is 1,1 m wider than a CLE 200 for example, despite the rear-axle steering. Up to a speed of 100 km/h the rear wheels steer in an opposite direction up to 2.5° compared to the front wheels. As from 100 km/h the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front up to a max of 0.7°. The response behaviour of the rear axle steering depends on the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programme selected. Also the kerb weight difference between the entry and top model is remarkable. With a kerb weight of just 2 ton, the CLE 53 AMG weighs 210 kg more than the CLE 200.
Interior
The first thing that hits the eye when you open the front door is the tonkabrown leather. Not as sporty as the black microfiber/leather look that is mostly taken, but the brown leather is quite stylish. Optionally customers can also opt for the high-end seat package with AMG Performance seats, but in that case the brown leather is not possible. The Performance seats with more pronounced seat bolsters are lighter and also allow better ventilation. The dashboard is the same as in the other C-Class models as well as the GLC with the main eye catchers being the driver oriented central display and the well integrated ambient lighting. The driver can choose between several display visualisations: Classic, Sport and the AMG specific Supersport. The driver can also use the AMG menu to access various special displays such as engine data, warm-up, set-up, G-metre and race timer.
The boot has a capacity of 420 l, but very practical are the foldable back seats in two pieces. The room at the back is quite decent. It is a very cosy place to be seated, almost as cosy as your living room sofa. The safety standard equipment is also quite complete (if you like it or not): traffic sign assist, active braking assist, steering assist for evasive maneuvers, active lane assistant etc.
Pricing
With a starting price of just over 90k € in Belgium (21% VAT included), this seems more like 63 AMG pricing. Luckily the standard equipment is quite good: keyless entry, Digital Light, 360° parking help, tinted windows, blind spot assist, heated front seats, wireless smartphone charging etc. Our testcar was fitted with the Premium Plus Pack (€ 4.598) which bundles head-up display, panoramic roof, Digital Light with projection and Burmester surround system. Other options are: AMG Styling Pack (+ € 2.517), Cross spoke 20 inch Rims (+ € 1.270), AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Pack (+ € 2.420), Nappa leather tonka brown (+ € 3.194) and AMG Real Performance Sound (+ € 666).
Conclusion
Mercedes is planning to bring back the V8 in the C-Class with the C 63 AMG Coupé as the C 63 with 2 litre engine is selling poorly, but this C 53 AMG Coupé looks and feels as brutal as a real V8 AMG should be. The 3 litre six-in-line may not have a one-man one-engine badge, the C 53 AMG is a real masterpiece and probably one of the best looking cars money can buy these days.
| AMG | Test Drive Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ C236 |
|---|---|
| Engine | M256M 3,0 l R6 |
| Horsepower | 449 hp + 23 hp EQ Power between 5.800 and 6.100 rpm |
| Torque | 560 Nm between 2.200 and 5.000 rpm |
| Compression ratio | 10,5:1,0 |
| Transmission | AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G |
| Drivetrain | Variable all wheel drive |
| Brake discs | Internally ventilated and perforated discs |
| Emission class | EURO 6d-TEMP |
| Average fuel consumption (WLTP) | 9,8 l / 100 km (WLTP) |
| Average fuel consumption (test drive) | 9,8 l / 100 km |
| Carbon footprint | 223 g CO2 per km (WLTP) |
| 0 - 100 km/h | 4,2 s (RACE Start) |
| Topspeed | 270 km/h |
| Boot | 420 l |
| Price (standard) | € 90.387 (Belgium, 21% VAT) |
| Price testcar | € 106.407 (Belgium, 21% VAT) |
| Options testcar (Prices including 21% VAT) | AMG Styling Pack (+ € 2.517) Cross spoke 20 inch Rims (+ € 1.270) Premium Plus Pack (+ € 4.598) AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Pack (+ € 2.420) Nappa leather tonka brown (+ € 3.194) AMG Real Performance Sound (+ € 666) |
| Other possible options (including 21% VAT) | Tow bar (+ € 1.180) AMG High-end seat package (+ € 5.433) Driving Assistance Pack Plus (+ € 2.420) Carbon Package (+ € 3.570) |
