The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 exudes an unmistakable presence. It’s the kind of car that makes you stop mid-stride and do a double-take.

With its AMG badge, it carries an expectation of performance, but this isn’t a full-fat 63. Instead, the CLE53 finds its sweet spot somewhere between outright aggression and refined composure, a balancing act that promises a lot on paper.

A Coupe On A Protein Diet

The CLE53 begins life as the standard CLE coupe. Then it gets a dose of AMG steroids. Wider tracks (58mm in the front and a beefy 75mm at the rear) necessitate muscular arches to house those chunky 295-section rear tyres.

The result is a stance that harks back to the C63 AMG Coupe of old, but with a modern flair.  

Optional matte paints and blackline trims only add to the visual drama. It looks ready to pounce even when it’s standing still, a quality that few cars truly master.

With A V8 Shorn Of Its Glory

Let’s get this out of the way – no, there’s no V8 under the bonnet. Instead, you’ll find a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six paired with a mild-hybrid system.

While that’s a mouthful, the specs are respectable: 429bhp, 520Nm of torque, and an additional 22bhp from the electric motor for short bursts.

It’s an engine we’ve seen across the Mercedes lineup, tuned here to fit AMG’s vision. Mercedes claims a century sprint of 4.2 seconds.

There Is Calm Amidst The Chaos

The beauty of the CLE 53 lies in its adaptability. Around town, it’s a serene cruiser. The engine purrs quietly, and the cabin remains an oasis of calm.

It’s everything you’d want from a Mercedes coupe: refined, elegant, and comfortable.

But dial up the drive mode, and the beast awakens. The steering tightens, the suspension stiffens, and the engine note deepens.

Changes to the steel springs’ rates, damper loads and chassis kinematics have all been designed to sharpen responses, deliver more feedback and offer more control.

On winding roads, the CLE53 showcases confidence-inspiring grip. Yet, it never felt too eager or twitchy, maintaining a sense of control that encourages you to push harder.

But There’s Still The Ghost Of AMG Past

Where the CLE 53 struggles most is in its attempts to emulate the ferocity and visceral thrill of its V8 ancestors. Gone is the deep rumble that would stir your soul as you blip the throttle. Instead, the CLE53 offers a smooth, somewhat muted soundtrack. Functional, but far from evocative.

Despite power delivery lacking the necessary drama, the mid-range torque is sufficient for spirited driving. On tighter, twistier roads, the CLE 53 feels more at home. The rear-wheel steering system helps shrink the car’s footprint, allowing for sharper turn-ins and a livelier rear end.

However, on open roads, its 2,000kg kerb weight becomes apparent. It handles confidently but without the nimbleness or raw feedback of, say, a BMW M4.

At Least The Cabin’s Nice

Carbon fibre accents galore on the inside, alongside a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and luxurious leather appointments. The cabin tech is robust, featuring the latest MBUX system, though the myriad of options can feel overwhelming. You can even configure the instrument display to an uninterpretable mess if you wish.

The optional AMG sports seats look and feel the part, and rear passengers are quite comfortable too… if they don’t have legs.

A Coupe For Every Occasion

The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 isn’t trying to be a one-trick pony. It’s a car designed to cater to a wide audience, from those seeking comfort and luxury to drivers craving a taste of AMG performance.

Whether you’re cruising along the highway or carving up mountain roads, the CLE53 adapts to your mood.

Is it perfect? Not quite. But at least Mercedes is on the right path.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe

Engine: 3-litre 6-cylinder in-line, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 330 kW (443 bhp)
Torque: 560 Nm
Gearbox: 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT (A)
0-100km/h: 4.2 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 250 km/h
Fuel Economy: 9.9 km/litre (claimed)

Price: S$460,888 (Avantgarde)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Each model expands the Mercedes-Benz CLE range in its own way.

Performance buffs will be interested in the Mercedes-AMG CLE53. This one turns up the heat, without losing the refined design we’ve come to appreciate in the CLE Coupe. 

From its AMG-specific grille and bumpers to the flared fenders and widened track widths, the CLE53 exudes power.

Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged straight-six engine that churns out 442bhp and 560Nm of torque. With a temporary boost to 600Nm in ‘Overboost’ mode, the CLE53 rocks the century sprint in just 4.2 seconds. And with the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, power is sent to all four wheels for maximum traction.

The engine also benefits from double charging; one from the exhaust system and another from an electrical auxiliary compressor. This virtually eliminates turbo lag.

Agility is also ensured with rear-axle steering, sports suspension, and a high-performance brake system. And for those who crave even more, the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package includes a RACE driving mode and a ‘Drift Mode’.

Inside, the CLE53 is all AMG. From the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel to the Nappa leather sports seats with AMG embossing, this car feels as aggressive as it looks. Twin displays with AMG-specific graphics complete the sporty cabin.

For the folks who like the open air, the topless Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet offers a change of scenery to the coupe. 

But unlike the Coupe, the CLE200 Cabriolet arrives solely in the AMG Line trim. That means you’re getting a racier exterior and an impressive list of standard features.

You’ll want to drop the top as often as possible, especially with the Cabriolet Comfort Package in tow. This package includes Aircap (additional wind deflectors) and Airscarf, which creates an “invisible scarf” of warm air from the headrests, keeping you cosy even when the breeze kicks in.

The Nappa leather seats are unique too, specially coated to keep them cooler under the relentless Singapore sun. Mercedes claims the coating can reduce the temperature of the seats by up to 12 degrees, saving you from the dreaded seat burn after parking outdoors. 

The tilting 11.9-inch central infotainment display is also a nifty addition, borrowed from the SL. Despite being a soft top, the CLE Cabriolet features acoustic damping for superior cabin insulation, keeping things quiet and peaceful inside.

Like the CLE200, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers 201bhp and 320Nm of torque, promising a smooth yet responsive drive.

Rear passengers get an extra 14mm of legroom, along with increases in shoulder and elbow room, so everyone can ride in comfort.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore, mentioned, “At Mercedes-Benz, we are staying true to our goal of developing the most desirable cars in the world, and these two new cars are on the cutting edge of what we seek to bring to market.”

In a bittersweet moment, Claudius also announced that these would be the last models unveiled under his leadership in Singapore.

He will be moving on to a new role in South Africa, where he’ll serve as Executive Director and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz for the region. His successor is expected to take over in September 2024.

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Mercedes-Benz, in a move to thin the herd, phased out the two-door variants of its mid-range saloons in favour of a single, more unified contender: the CLE.

It’s a tribute to consolidation, with two-door coupes being well-trodden ground for Mercedes. But, good looks can only take you so far. So how does the CLE fair against the competition?

Distinguished Gentleman

The Mercedes-Benz CLE sits just a tad longer than the old E Coupe, but brings the intimacy of a C-Class Coupe. It’s as if Mercedes took both models, shook them up in a cocktail shaker, and poured out the CLE Coupe.

Singapore only has one variant for now, and its the entry level CLE200. In English, that’s a 2.0-litre 4-pot nestled in the front, churning out 201bhp and 320Nm of torque. Not exactly within the realms of A, M, and G, but its more than adequate for spirited jaunts down the highway or a calm cruise through city streets.

It seems to usher in a younger audience, perhaps those who might have fancied the C-Class Coupe, aiming for a smooth and expansive driving experience rather than mimicking the more spirited, edge-of-your-seat feel of a BMW 4 Series.

This translates to a leisurely century sprint time of 7.4 seconds, punching the power to the 9-speed automatic transmission it’s mated to.

To give the car a little more oomph off the line, it even comes equipped with a 48-volt mild hybrid system. It regenerates energy during braking or coasting and provides a 23bhp boost when you need that extra dash of zip.

It also makes the car slightly more economical; our figures show an average of 12.9km/litre, which is rather decent considering we mixed it up with some spirited driving and dense city traffic. 

Driving the CLE Coupe is akin to wearing a finely tailored suit – it feels bespoke, refined, and designed with a purpose. You might not find the raw excitement of an Affalterbach-derived thoroughbred (that might come in the future), but what it offers in comfort, style, and efficiency more than makes up for it.

So, if you’re caught in a dilemma between a sporty number and a practical ride, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe offers a potential golden middle path.

Damn It Looks Sophisticated

Indeed. Mercedes-Benz CLE is a true embodiment of understated elegance, stepping away from the bustling trend of overly aggressive design cues that we often see from its competitors. One could liken its exterior to a beautifully smoothed pebble.

It’s a visual treat, refreshingly devoid of unnecessary embellishments. Observers will no doubt appreciate the absence of the controversial stylings of some rivals like the 4 Series.

As you swing open the pillarless doors, you might pause, considering the sheer size of these doors. They’re quite the spectacle, but exiting the CLE Coupe can feel like a small adventure in itself, given the distance one must navigate from the deep-set seats to the outer world.

From the rear three-quarter view, the CLE’s elongated back end enhances its stately demeanour, emphasised further by a horizontal bar connecting the rear light clusters. A bar that, intriguingly, doesn’t light up. This design choice makes the car appear wider and more grounded.

Does The Interior Hold Up As Well?

Stepping into the Mercedes-Benz CLE feels like a familiar embrace from the C-Class, yet it gives hints of the E-Class. But, not everything shines as brightly as it should; some of the cabin features might leave a seasoned Merc customer disappointed, especially when you’re parting with over S$300 big ones.

For the most part, the cabin materials certainly feel less prone to the creaks and groans of its predecessors. But, the mirror adjustment buttons and touch-sensitive seat controls feel a bit more “cost-saving” than “luxury”. Plus, the touch-sensitive spokes on the steering wheel can be quite a chore to operate.

Mercedes insists that once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. But, must it really be this overly complicated? I cannot count the number of times I tried to skip a song, but instead changed the UI to a completely different sub-menu.

The central 14.9-inch touchscreen is slightly better to operate. Set against a panel of matte wood trim, it gives the cockpit a modern vibe. Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto come standard, and you can chuck your smartphone into the recessed wireless charging pad once its all hooked up. Good luck trying to get it back out though.

The CLE does boast ample space in the rear seats, a marked improvement over the old C-Class Coupe. Though, if you’re tall, your head is going to be bobbing into that sloping roofline.

It’s a car that perhaps subtly suggests that the rear seats are better suited for the occasional use rather than a regular commute, and more ideal for stowing those seldom-used tote bags or a couple of decorative cushions.

While it does have a narrow aperture, the boot is rather deep, and spacious enough at 420 litres, just shy of the BMW 4 Series. Enough capacity for a golf bag or weekend shopping.

A Great Package, But Needs Some Ironing Out

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe is as pleasant to behold as it is to drive. But, some of its modern technology features do get in the way. You might grow accustomed to these quirks over time; adaptability is part of the human condition.

But, one can’t help but reminisce about the days when stepping into a Mercedes felt instantly right. No second-guessing, just unadulterated automotive perfection from the get-go.

Here’s hoping that Mercedes might consider the addition of a few well-placed physical buttons in a future facelift to reclaim some of that old-school user-friendliness. This could elevate the CLE from being merely fine to truly fantastic.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Coupe

Engine: 1,999cc in-line 4 turbocharged, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 150kw (201bhp)
Torque: 320Nm
Gearbox: 9-speed G-Tronic (A)
0-100km/h: 7.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 240km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.1km/L (claimed)

Price: S$344,888 (Avantgarde), S$370,888 (AMG Line), both with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Mercedes-Benz is continuing its long tradition of sporty, elegant dream cars with a new, independent series, the CLE, one that uses the conceptual and technical innovations of the C-Class and E‑Class.

With this new dream car series, Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the wishes of many customers in the C-and E-Class segments. At market launch, consumers can look forward to the CLE 200 Coupé., while the CLE 200 Cabriolet, CLE 53 Coupé and cabriolet will soon be available.

Launch prices will be $341,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AVANTGARDE, and $367,888 for the CLE 200 Coupé AMG Line.

Both CLE models come with a mild-hybrid two-litre inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine putting down 204hp and 320Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we have always pushed the frontiers of what a desirable car means to our customers, and the new CLE is no different. At the heart of it, the CLE Coupé was designed to be the ultimate dream sportscar; a divine blend of prestige, comfort and the latest technology, integrated with the best features from our E-Class and C-Class models. It is truly in a league of its own and we are thrilled to welcome the CLE Coupé into the family and introduce it to our customers in Singapore,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

The new CLE Coupé embodies proportions typical of a coupé with the modern design language of Mercedes-Benz. This creates a sculptural appearance for the CLE Coupé, which is characterised by flowing surfaces with seamless transitions.

The combination of a low silhouette (1,428 mm) with a long wheelbase (2,865 mm), short overhangs (888 mm at the front and 1,097 mm at the rear) and a muscular shoulder two-door means that the CLE looks every part that an attractive coupe should.

Both AVANTGARDE and AMG Line are housed on 19-inch light-alloy wheels as standard. A selection of other light-alloy wheels from 19 to 20 inches with different exterior colours give a high degree of customisation.

The CLE Coupé has DIGITAL LIGHT headlights as standard, two daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination of the headlight base to give an unmistakable look that further reinforces the dynamic appearance.

The rear lights are connected to a dark red design element, much like the classic chrome trim strip on the bumper, thus emphasising the width of the rear. In the AVANTGARDE Line, C‑shaped trim parts enclose the chrome trim strip like a classy clasp.

In the cockpit are the free-standing 12.3-inch (21.3 cm) fully digital instrument display and the 11.9-inch (30.2 cm) central display in user-friendly portrait format.

Additional sportiness is created by the dynamic ambient lighting in 64 colours. Provided as standard equipment are the ambient lighting with indirect light on the trim strip of the instrument panel, the cup holders on the centre console, the overhead control unit, the door handles, the seat adjustment unit and in the front footwell.

With Ambient Lighting Plus, a light band sweeps from the centre console along the lower edge of the instrument panel to beneath the outer air vents on each side. A strip of light runs in each of the doors along the lines of the armrest and beltline to the rear row of seats, reinforcing the generous feeling of space.

Other highlights include the standard multi-function sports steering wheel in leather and new front seats that were developed exclusively for the CLE, featuring sports-seat design with integrated headrests.

In conjunction with the Burmester 3D surround sound system, they each have two speakers at the level of the headrests, creating an immersive music experience for the individual with Dolby Atmos close to the ears. The premium sound system has a total of 17 speakers.

The front seats are heated and have an electro-pneumatic four-way lumbar support as standard. Seat climate control and a seven-zone massage are also available in conjunction with the optional ENERGIZING Plus package. Seat height, backrest and cushion inclination, as well as seat cushion depth, can be infinitely adjusted electrically.

The memory function can be used to save individual driver seat settings for up to three people, likewise for the position of the steering wheel, the optional head-up display and the exterior mirrors. If the driver changes, the optimal driving position can be conveniently set at the touch of a button.

A new, specific EASY-ENTRY function ensures easy access to the rear. The front seats are not unlocked with a lever but with an elegant loop made of Nappa leather that is conveniently located at the upper edge of the backrest.

Anyone who has not buckled their seat belt immediately after boarding can reactivate the seat belt feeder via a button on the central display or simply by opening and closing the door again. In addition, the CLE Coupé is one of the first Mercedes-Benz vehicles with an optimised warning for seat belts that are not fastened, and the system only reacts to occupied unbuckled seats.

The KEYLESS-GO comfort package is available to further increase convenience. In addition to starting the engine at the push of a button, it enables all vehicle doors to be opened and locked by simply touching the respective door handle.

The recessed grips are illuminated for better orientation in the dark. With HANDS‑FREE ACCESS, the trunk can also be opened and closed contact-free and fully automatically with a simple kick of the foot in the rear bumper’s sensor area.

With a 25mm longer wheelbase, the CLE Coupé offers significantly more space than the C-Class Coupé. The rear passengers in particular benefit from 10mm more headroom, 19mm more shoulder and elbow room and 72mm more knee room, while the boot offers 60 litres more volume.

Mercedes-Benz is also working on automating comfort functions using artificial intelligence (AI). The vehicle learns which comfort systems the driver uses repeatedly at certain times and under certain conditions, and then runs them automatically.

The CLE Coupé goes one step further in terms of automated adaptation to personal habits and adopts the innovative routines introduced with the new E-Class.

At market launch, customers can use templates for standard routines, and they have the option of creating their own routines, with the possibility of linking several functions and conditions with each other.

In the future, the CLE Coupé will also be able to fully automate recurring routine tasks if desired, with the help of AI. The vehicle’s ability to also learn and evolve with the customer will represent a new level of intelligence.

In the first expansion stage, Mercedes-Benz will offer AI-generated routines such as Massage, Seat heating and Seat ventilation for the driver’s seat. Other interior systems are to be successively integrated and further routines made possible.

More to come when we drive the CLE Coupé.

Photo Credits: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

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