In September, we got our mitts on the new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 and CLE 450 coupes. These new two-doors replace the 2023 C-Class and E-Class coupes. Now comes part two, and it’s mouth-watering: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53.
One look and you’ll know this honey is dressed to thrill. It wears flared front and rear fenders that widen the CLE 53’s track by 2.3 inches up front and 3 inches in the rear. Nineteen-inch wheels come standard; 20-inch wheels are available. It greets the wind with an AMG-specific radiator grille and flat, sharply cut LED headlights. Options include a cutting-edge Mercedes-Benz Digital Light system as well as the AMG Performance Studio Package. This cosmetically upgrades the front and back fascias further. It also adds a rear diffuser board between the tailpipes and a more prominent spoiler lip on the trunk lid. There’s also two AMG Night packages and two AMG Carbon Fiber packages.
Design upgrades continue inside. Seats are covered in MB-Tex/microfiber upholstery with AMG-specific graphics and red contrast stitching. Nappa leather is optional, as is an AMG Performance Seat Package with more pronounced seat bolsters.
But the upgrade that matters most is performance.
Power comes courtesy of a performance-tuned 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 engine mild hybrid driveline. It mates to an AMG Speedshift 9-speed automatic transmission and AMG Performance 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive. The results are impressive. There’s 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, and as much 443 pound-feet of overboost for up to 12 seconds. That’s enough to move this CLE to 60 mph in an estimated 4 seconds on its way to a 155-mph top speed.
Five AMG Dynamic Select drive programs come standard. So does AMG Ride Control, which manages the steel spring suspension and adaptive adjustable dampers at each wheel in Classic, Sport or Sport+ modes. The CLE’s speed-sensitive steering features rear wheel steer. It allows a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels up to 60 mph. After that, they turn in parallel to the front wheels, up to 0.7 degrees, which enhances agility.
Pricing has not been announced by Mercedes-Benz. Expect it to be disclosed closer to the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE 53’s release in early 2024.
