2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe Mixes C- With E-Class

The CLE-Class now has an AMG variant, the AMG CLE 53 Coupe. Like the non-AMG car, it aims to blend C-Class sportiness with the space and luxury of the E-Class. The new AMG coupe will be powered by AMG’s take on Mercedes’ 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. In addition to turbocharging, the engine is equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that can provide up to 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Total output is 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which can rise to 443 lb-ft for 12 seconds with an overboost function. All this is hooked to AMG’s 9-speed automatic gearbox and standard all-wheel drive with four-wheel steering.

AMG’s changes to this powerplant include new “optimized combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels,” new piston rings, optimized injection, and a new turbocharger. AMG says the bump in torque over the standard sixer CLE-Class (375 hp, 369 lb-ft) is largely thanks to a 5.8 psi increase in boost pressure from that new turbo. Braking has been upgraded as well, with larger rotors both front and rear, as well as four-piston brake calipers up front. A floating single-piston caliper is still used at the rear.

Other performance-y changes include five AMG Dynamic Select drive modes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. As with other AMG products, each of these alters the car’s traction control settings, AWD torque split, engine and transmission programming, and more. There is also a Drift mode, which entirely decouples the front axles for RWD fun. Separate from the rive modes are three levels of ESP and traction control adjustment: Basic, Advanced, and Pro. Finally, an AMG Dynamics Plus Package (which adds the aforementioned Drift mode) is available. In addition to Drift, a Race drive mode is available, though Mercedes-AMG does not elaborate on its specifics. It also nets buyers other aesthetic changes like a microfiber AMG steering wheel, and red AMG-branded calipers.

Of course, the new AMG also boasts a number of other aesthetic changes to differentiate it from its lesser counterparts. AMG has fitted a new hood, front and rear fascias, wheels, headlights, and more to get the new, sportier message across. Inside, buyers will find the latest MBUX infotainment, run off a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch center screen. These can be customized with three display styles: Class, Sport, and Supersport. Ambient lighting, AMG-specific graphics, and red stitching are all standard, though there are some options to spice things up.

Upgraded Nappa leather with AMG-embossed headrests is available, and so is an AMG Performance Seat Package, which adds more aggressive, sporty seats with an open backrest design. Order the Nappa leather, and these also have contrasting accents. Other options packages are limited to the exterior. An AMG Performance Studio Package adds “flics” (we assume these are canards) to the front and rear fascias with a spoiler lip on the trunk and a new rear diffuser. Two AMG Night packages and two AMG Carbon Fiber packages are also available. Mercedes-AMG says the CLE 53 Coupe will be available in the back half of 2024.

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