The Mercedes CLE 53 Coupe is the newest AMG to have launched in India at Rs 1.35 crore (ex-showroom). The CLE Coupe is a spiritual successor to the previous-gen C-Class and E-Class Coupes, and its convertible version is also on sale in CLE 300 AMG Line guise. The coupe, however, comes in AMG 53-spec with a 450hp, 3.0-litre inline six under the hood. We take a close look at the exterior design as well as interior and features on offer.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe exterior design
Visually, the CLE does have some resemblance with the C-Class, but it also has its own individual look. The digital LED headlamps continue with the brow-like DRLs, but there are also two new individual LED lighting elements just underneath. But what really grabs your attention is the signature Panamericana grille and the AMG-spec bumper with wide air intakes at either end. Finished in gloss black, it contrasts really well with the rest of the body. There’s also a scoop in between the power bulges on the bonnet.
In profile, the CLE 53 has a quintessential coupe silhouette: a long bonnet and a sloping roofline. The most striking detail has to be the optional 20-inch AMG spec wheels (as standard, the CLE 53 gets 19-inch wheels). There’s also a side fin finished in gloss black and the doors get frameless windows.
In my opinion, the best angle to view the CLE 53 from is the rear quarter, where you can appreciate the pronounced haunches of the car. It's curvy yet muscular, and lends the car a very purposeful stance. There’s also a ducktail spoiler, slim, triangular tail-lamps that are connected by a black contrasting trim, quad exhausts, and a prominent diffuser finished in gloss black.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe interior
Dashboard design is similar to the C-Class.
On the inside, the CLE 53’s dashboard looks very similar to the C-Class, with the 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen, the squarish AC vents and the 12.3-inch, free-standing digital driver’s display. What is different, though, is this four-spoke AMG-spec steering wheel. Like every other AMG car, the steering gets two rotary dials to toggle through the drive modes and suspension and exhaust settings. The steering also houses capacitive touch buttons – they are quite fiddly to operate and we are not a fan.
What is slick, though, is the central touchscreen, which has fantastic graphics and first-rate functionality. This being an AMG, there’s also a Track Pace function that lets you access on-board telemetry and measure acceleration times or lap times. There’s also a dedicated drift mode.
Mercedes calls the CLE 53 a 2+2 Coupe, but the rear seats are best left for children for short drives. They do split and fold, though, which helps open up a lot more boot space.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe features
11.9-inch central touchscreen has fantastic graphics and usability.
The CLE 53 Coupe comes equipped with a 3D Burmester surround sound system, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless charger. Safety features include 8 airbags, an ADAS suite as well as active parking assist.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe engine and specs
Powering the CLE 53 Coupe is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, inline six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 450hp and 560Nm (600Nm with overboost function). It also gets a 48V mild-hybrid assist that adds another 23hp during hard acceleration. The engine is coupled to a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic system. Rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension are also standard.
Mercedes claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.2 seconds and a top-speed of 250kph; up to 270kph with the optional AMG driver’s package. For its price, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe does not have any direct rival in India, but the Rs 1.03 crore BMW M2 closely matches it in terms of specs.
