New bulked-up bruiser ready to face off against it’s rivals the BMW M440i and Audi S5.

Awaiting comes to an end with 6 Cylinder.

Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLE-Class in July 2023 as a replacement to coupe and cabriolet versions of the C- and E-Class, which means the CLE53 takes the place of the outgoing C43 and E53 coupe.

The first breathtaking change noticed was the result of the CLE’s body-building regimen. This AMG-modified coupe is 2.3 inches wider at the front and 3.0 inches wider in the back, which makes for a striking presence when you see it in person while thevwidened body shell looks like the result of lifting heavy and drowning in protein shakes.

AMG has also installs a creased power-domed hood, tweaked front fascia treatment, and circular quad exhaust finishers. Now the Buyers can further augment the transformation with a AMG Performance Studio package (pictured) that adds additional aerodynamic touches including a more pronounced trunk lid spoiler and rear diffuser. For even more aggression, seek one of two blackout AMG Night packages or either AMG Carbon Fiber package.

AMG has blessed the CLE-Class with the strength of an amateur powerlifter to match its newfound muscle mass. This isn’t some bonkers plug-in hybrid four-cylinder, either, but rather a combination of old-school grunt and modern training techniques. People who shell out for the CLE53 get a version of the mild-hybrid 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that’s included in the CLE450. Difference is, the AMG version uses an electric supercharger improve engine response across the rev range and bump output to 443 hp and 413 lb-ft (or 443 lb-ft with overboost), decent but not world-changing bumps over the non-AMG and outgoing E53 I-6s or the previous-gen C43’s twin-turbo V-6.

The people from Affalterbach need to do more than produce a more powerful CLE to properly compete with the M440i and S5 Coupe. Every CLE53 is fitted with AMG Ride Control suspension, which combines steel springs with dampers that continually adjust to the road surface. Drivers can choose Comfort, Sport, or Sport+ damper mapping via a small round digital display mounted to the dual split-spoke steering wheel or through the central infotainment screen.

Variable AWD is also standard, and it’s a rear-biased system that completely decouples the front axle in situations that don’t require additional traction at the front end. The driver also has multiple stability control settings to further bias torque to the rear. Unlike the C43 and E53 it replaces, the CLE53 comes standard with rear steering, a feature that isn’t available in either of its German peers. The system angles the rear wheels opposite of the fronts below 60 mph to aid maneuverability (tighter turning circle in parking lots, rotation in tight, fast corners) and steers with the front tires at higher speeds for superior stability. Rear steer aggression varies depending on the drive mode.

People who want to push the CLE53 to its limits (and are impatient for the likely upcoming CLE63) will want to tick the box for the AMG Dynamic Plus package. That’s the only way to unlock the previously 63-exclusive Race drive mode, which delivers maximum aggression and has a Drift mode function that fully deactivates traction and stability control to allow for smokey tail-out hoonery.

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Specs, Price And Release Date

Base Price $78,000 / INR 1.10 crore

Layout

2-door, 4-passenger, front-engine AWD coupe.

Engine
3.0-liter turbocharged I-6, alum block/head, plus electric motor

Transmission

9-speed automatic

Curb Weight

4,500 lb (MT est. )

Wheelbase
112.8 in

L x W x H

191.1 x 76.2 x 56.5 in

0-60 MPH 4.0 sec (MT est. )

EPA City/Hwy/Comb 21/28/23 mpg (MT est. )

EPA Range 400 miles (MT est)

On Sale Summer 2024