TENERIFE, Canary Islands – The brand new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has loads on its plate. Not solely does it exchange each the C-Class and E-Class coupes, nevertheless it additionally has to fill the function of a convertible. As I skilled on the Spanish volcanic island of Tenerife off the coast of Africa, the CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet is a delightfully snug and calm method to soak up the surroundings. It performs on a stage that’s properly past what most drivers will ever want, however we’re not like most drivers, are we?
For drivers like myself who crave extra pleasure, there’s one more piece within the CLE puzzle: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It takes the CLE 450’s 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder and will increase output to 443 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. With an overboost perform, torque peaks at 443 lb-ft for 10-second bursts. Borrowing from System 1, an electrical auxiliary compressor contributes to that overboost when wanted. On high of that, you get one other 23 hp and 151 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. AMG’s nine-speed multi-clutch computerized is commonplace together with AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.
The adjustments aren’t restricted to the powertrain, both. The AMG CLE 53 will get vertical grille slats and a extra rounded nostril to mix in with its higher-performance brethren. The hood options extra muscular bulges and a useful warmth extraction vent. Extra considerably, the fenders are flared out to cowl wider wheels and tires. The rear monitor is stretched 3 inches whereas the entrance positive aspects 2.3 inches. Parked subsequent to the usual CLE, the AMG variant advantages from a extra athletic stance that’s enhanced by some refined aerodynamic thrives. By itself, the AMG CLE 53 is tastefully sporty.
Inside, the cockpit mirrors the usual CLE, which in flip mimics the C-Class’ inside with a cascading dashboard, a tacked-on instrument panel, and a big central touchscreen. The AMG does add sport seats with deep aspect bolsters, fake suede upholstery inserts and racy purple stitching. Rounding out the inside variations is a sport steering wheel with a drive mode button that permits for added sport and monitor settings.
This all comes collectively fairly properly on the street. The facility enhance is noticeable, as are the louder and extra inspiring engine and exhaust noises. The trip high quality can also be firmer, however to not the purpose the place I might contemplate it too stiff or intrusive, as I nonetheless arrived on the finish of the drive round Tenerife with out feeling taxed. The AMG CLE 53 slices by way of turns with rather more confidence and precision than the CLE 450, encouraging me to push only a bit more durable with every successive bend. 4-wheel-steering (maxes out at 2.5 levels of rear-axle steering) is commonplace, however you solely actually discover it once you’re maneuvering in tight spots, and that is an excellent factor. If you’re having enjoyable on a twisty street, it would not really feel any completely different from conventional front-only steering.
Within the Sport drive mode, the transmission does an impeccable job of choosing the correct gear. It downshifts exactly the place I might usually faucet the left paddle and stays in gear excessive into the rev vary to extract as a lot efficiency as attainable. I nonetheless like selecting my very own gears, and the short response from the paddles reinforces my choice. The aggressive aspect bolsters do get in the best way of my elbows although, forcing me to maneuver the steering wheel about an inch additional ahead than I want.
The 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system delivers an abundance of traction when pouring on the ability, and also you’d should intentionally nudge the wheel to get the tires to make any noise. When pushed conservatively, the AMG CLE 53 is well-mannered and appropriately snug for a sport-focused variant. For on a regular basis duties, it is simply as pleasurable, handy, and simple to reside with as the usual CLE.
Pricing has not but been introduced, nevertheless it’s apparent the AMG CLE 53 will value greater than the CLE 450 4Matic Coupe that rings in at $66,800 (together with $1,150 in vacation spot charges). That value is correct there with the BMW M440i xDrive, so it is attainable the AMG variant may land close to the BMW M4’s value vary between $80,000 and $90,000. I am assured an M4 would outperform the AMG CLE 53 on a winding street or monitor, however the Benz holds a bonus in regard to consolation, luxurious, and inside refinement. I additionally rely the CLE’s styling as a bonus when in comparison with the BMW.
Judging from the CLE’s engine bay, it would not appear possible that an eight-cylinder AMG 63 would match, so I would not maintain out for that attainable beast. Then once more, the forthcoming AMG GT would possible be a better option for high-performance drivers, anyway. It is unclear if Mercedes will provide the AMG CLE 53 as a convertible, however one may hope. Contemplating the present AMG physique modifications, it is definitely not going to be as simple as sawing off the roof.
General, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a logical and welcome addition to the touring-focused CLE lineup. It delivers loads of pleasure that the opposite fashions lack, whereas nonetheless offering spectacular consolation and refinement. It is a classier various to the edgier BMW 4 Sequence in addition to the comparably anemic Audi S5 coupe. Value often is the one variable that makes or breaks the choice if it is as costly as a BMW M4 or Audi RS5. In case your efficiency priorities come second to luxurious and class, the AMG CLE 53 is the clear winner.
