Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Review & Prices

The Mercedes CLE Coupe is comfortable, handsome and drives nicely - but it’s been missing a high-performance model until now. The gurus at AMG have got their hands on the CLE and have turned it into the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 - a slinky alternative to other posh coupes such as the Audi S5 and BMW M440i.

What it’s not is a full-fat super-coupe - think of it as one rung down from the likes of the Audi RS5 or BMW M4. It’s like opting for a Madras or a Jalfrezi instead of a Vindaloo - you’re still getting loads of heat and lots of flavour, but it’s a bit easier to deal with, especially on a regular basis.

The CLE 53 has undergone a bit of a visual makeover in the transition from a plain old Mercedes to a Mercedes-AMG. It’s a lot wider, for a start, with wider tyres and beefier wheel arches. There’s the typically aggressive AMG bodykit with a shark-like grille, plus black trim on the mirrors, wheels and boot lid.

Inside, there are fewer changes. It’s still a four-seater, though like any coupe of this size the rear seats are really best either for occasional use or as supplemental luggage space. The CLE 53 retains the regular CLE’s 11.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch driver information display, but adds on Nappa leather upholstery, carbon trim and some AMG-specific tweaks.

There are two extra switches on the steering wheel for quick access to driving modes and suspension settings, while the software includes features like a G-meter and race timers.

The heart of the CLE 53 is the six-cylinder petrol engine. It’s pretty old-fashioned - no plug-in hybrid nonsense here, though there is a 48V mild hybrid system which improves the engines reponses and helps with fuel economy. It’s a reworked version of the engine you get in the CLE 450, and here it outputs a beefy 449hp and 560Nm of torque, or up to 600Nm on a special ten second ‘overboost’ function when you put your foot down.

That means it’s good for 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph - making it quite a bit quicker than either the Audi S5 or the BMW M440i. Point, Mercedes.

Though we’ve not been behind the wheel of the CLE 53, AMG’s playbook is pretty well-known at this point. We’d expect the CLE to have plenty of auditory drama courtesy of a loud exhaust system, suspension that can be tweaked from pretty comfortable in its softest setting to uncomfortably firm at the other end, and a very capable of not necessarily the most fun demeanour in the corners.

What you can be sure of is that Mercedes-AMG hasn’t given the CLE 53 all it’s got - the door remains open for an even more hardcore CLE 63 model, possibly with a V8 engine.

If this tickles your fancy, find out how much you could save with our Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 deals. You can also browse used Mercedes models here, and remember that Carwow can even help when it’s time to sell your old car.

The CLE 53 starts at more than £73,000, which is a significant chunk more than a BMW M440i - in fact, it’s getting pretty close to the price of a more powerful and hardcore Audi RS5.

You do get a very plush interior for your money though, with just about all the equipment you could want - Mercedes’ hugely clever matrix LED lights, 5G connectivity, a full suite of safety features and a full Nappa leather interior all feature as standard.