With their latest entry—the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé—the German automaker has delivered not just a new car, but a compelling argument for what the future of coupés should embody, sharp aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and blistering performance, all wrapped in a layer of refinement usually reserved for grand tourers. This marvel of modern engineering becomes the new protagonist in the coupé segment, walking the tightrope between outright sportiness and gliding luxury with enviable balance.
The CLE 53 Coupé’s unmistakable silhouette feels like an artist’s magnum opus on wheels. A low-slung two-door fastback body paired with an aggressive A-frame grille sets the tone for the performance aspirations hiding beneath the surface. From expressive bonnet domes to flared fenders that hint at its wide-track stance, this coupé doesn’t whisper silently into the parking lot; it arrives, making sure everyone notices.
Adding an extra layer of menace, the AMG Exterior Night Package I and II (standard) introduces high-gloss black trim elements, ensuring the CLE doesn’t just look fast, but stealthy too. Both the front and rear axles boast a wider track, adding muscle to its already dynamic styling. Parting the air like Poseidon parting the seas, its LED lights and spoiler-integrated diffuser speak of refinement and purpose.
All these details are more than just aesthetics—they are promises fulfilled by engineering brilliance. This car demands to be both driven and admired.
The CLE 53 Coupé’s fiery heart beats to the rhythm of a double-charged 3.0-litre six-cylinder mild hybrid engine. Here’s an engine that doesn’t just get the job done but performs with a flair straight out of the AMG playbook. Producing 330 kW and 560 Nm, the engine pairs its traditional internal-combustion prowess with a 48-volt hybrid system, courtesy of the Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). Notably, the ISG can temporarily add up to 17 kW and 205 Nm of torque, allowing for effortless bursts of speed and overtaking finesse .
To pull off this exhilarating performance with both ferocity and finesse, Mercedes-AMG has coupled its engine with a Mercedes-AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. With rapid shifts, multiple downshifts, and a double-declutching function, this transmission ensures that the CLE 53 responds to driver inputs with razor-sharp clarity, especially in its rowdy Sport+ mode. Not enough adrenaline? The RACE driving mode unleashes the beast further, making racetrack performance attainable at the push of a button.
Where luxury meets technology, the CLE 53 Coupé unveils a cabin straight out of a science-fiction movie set—luxurious without pretense, futuristic without complication. The MBUX infotainment system steps in as a digital masterclass, offering AMG-specific displays that cater to performance enthusiasts. Secondary perks like wireless charging, dual-zone climate control, and Burmester® 3D surround sound make long journeys feel as indulgent as a spa retreat, especially considering its wide range of customizable ambient lighting options with 64 colors .
So, while you grip the sporty AMG Nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre steering wheel, sipping on digital adrenaline from the AMG TRACK PACE function—which tracks over 80 data points on a racetrack—you’ll know that this is no ordinary cockpit. This is precision engineering offering not just speed but an experience.
4MATIC+ all-wheel drive doesn’t just ensure power delivery—it crafts a symphony of agility and traction by seamlessly shifting power between the wheels. Combine this with the standard rear-axle steering, and cornering agility at low or high speeds is as sharp as the car’s design language. Throw in a clever suspension setup called AMG RIDE CONTROL, and the CLE 53 becomes an all-season performer, equally at home in hairpins as it is in urban sprawl.
The CLE 53 pushes boundaries with features like dynamic engine mounts, which adapt to either soak up bumps for comfort or provide a stiffer connection for more precise handling. While purists might cry, “Give me analog simplicity!” one lap with Mercedes-AMG’s AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving modes will have them rethinking their philosophy. The difference between “Sport” and “RACE” modes isn’t just noticeable—it’s transformative, allowing drivers to feel at one with the car no matter the terrain or pace.
All of this cutting-edge technology and luxury does, of course, come at an appropriate price. At an MRLP of AU$158,900, the CLE 53 Coupé delivers a formidable mix of equipment, performance, and prestige. Those hungering for more can add options like the Plus Package ($2,100), Carbon Package ($8,900), or AMG Performance Seat Package ($5,400), tailoring their car into an emblem of personal taste.
But there’s a catch—prices exclude on-road costs, leaving buyers to calculate how much their state’s fees might add to the final bill. At least the exclusivity of owning what is arguably the coupé of 2025 makes this a small price to pay.
