Nearly a decade after its arrival was first rumored; the Mercedes-Benz CLE class debuted in late 2023 as a 2024 model. The enduring German manufacturer’s goal was to streamline its alphabet-and-numeral-overloaded lineup.
The CLE Coupe replaced the C-Class and E-Class coupes. The more performance-centric AMG version, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, was announced in quick order.
High-performing coupes aren’t common in the automotive collective, but the new choice, now also available in a 2025 model, arrived with bravado. Both model years are the same, with the newer year also available as a soft-top convertible.
Mercedes equipped its newbie with 3.0-liter, inline six-cylinder engine producing 443 horsepower. Its performance prowess also includes a 12-second overboost function that pushes the standard 413-pound-feet of torque to 443 lb-ft.
The CLE53 advances with a nine-speed automatic transmission with an integrated 48-volt electrical starter-generator. The latter helps smooth starts and shifts. Gas mileage averages are 20 miles per gallon in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway. Mercedes’ all-wheel driving system, 4Matic, is standard.
The additional convenience and comfort standard features list is expansive and features: heated front seats, a Burmester sound system, ambient lighting, three USB-C ports, SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Standard safety features include: blind spot assist, an e-call emergency system, LED headlamps and taillamps, a surround-view camera and an adaptive highbeam assist.
Beyond two stablemates, the CLE53 is matched against the Audi RS 5 ($80,695 starting MSRP), BMW M3 ($77,175), BMW M4 ($80,875) and the much-touted Cadillac CT4-V Blacking ($63,900). The AMG coupe begins at $72,880, but it approaches $85,000 with performance-emphasized options.
The Driver Assistance Package (a dozen driving safety functions) adds $1,750. Twenty-inch, five-spoke black wheels ($1,150) and the Night Package is $750. It accentuates the sporty demeanor with darker exterior trim and carbon fiber on the dash. The trio is the gist of the exterior price-hiking culprits, but there’s other stuff; a performance steering wheel, red contrast stitching and additional red accents.
Mercedes introduced the CLE53 as a vehicle combining performance with elegance. The coupe’s interior design and architecture define the concept well.
Red Nappa leather seating ($2,950) highlights the interior and it also features the carmaker’s MBUX infotainment system. It combines an 11.9-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The latter offers a layout featuring a prominent round tachometer in the center of the cluster flanked by customizable displays for the engine’s effort, suspension settings and other monitoring.
Driving the CLE53 is a mixed experience, but it’s all positive. It’s not the fastest sports coupe, but it’s sufficiently quick, accelerating from 0-to-60 miles per hour in 4.2 seconds. Its persona is more open road cruiser with a little attitude. A brisk, country road cruise is just as enjoyable as a long-haul trek. The standard all-wheel-drive system adds road confidence, notably in inclement weather.
Since it’s slightly longer than its BMW rivals, the interior room and trunk space are correspondingly larger. The CLE53 isn’t spacious but the cargo area is sufficient for several bags of groceries. The rear seats fold, adding room for one set of golf clubs and small accessories. Back seat occupants have adequate entrance and exit room, but larger or taller adults may find the area tight.
Front seat occupants ride in comfortable surroundings with one exception. The cupholders are pinched together and awkwardly positioned. Two large cups don’t work well in the compartments at the same time.
The vehicle’s overall comfort adds to the AMG’s engine prowess and driving versatility. Strong lumbar support and seat bolstering is a Mercedes signature. There’s little wind rush or road noise. Road imperfections are mastered with little effort.
Approaching its two-year tenure, the CLE53 has accomplished what Mercedes desired. It reduced its jumbo-sized fleet in quantity without any reduction in quality. The nearly 100-year-old manufacturer is celebrating well with its new vehicle.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, also contributes business, lifestyle and sports content to several print and online publications. E-mail: [email protected].