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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