2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe Bows With 449 HP Plus Drift Mode

New 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe is the first of two planned AMG performance variants of the C236 CLE-Class.

Positioned to replace the C213-gen E-Class Coupe and C205-gen C-Class Coupe models, the new C236 CLE-Class Coupe from Mercedes-Benz sees its range grow this week with the global debut of its first AMG performance variant.

Pictured here is the new 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe. Predictably, the tweaks performed by the Mercedes-AMG performance division are evident – both inside and out.

Under the hood, the CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe packs a performance-tuned version of Mercedes-Benz's signature 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl MHEV turbo mill rated at 449 HP.

Said MHEV powerplant, paired with a trick AWD and 9-speed DCT automatic, sees 0-100 KM/H despacthed in just 4.2 seconds.

We’ll start with the heart of the CLE 53, and it employs the three-point star’s familiar 3.0-litre in-line 6-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with a 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system. The latter hardware consists of Mercedes-Benz’s second-gen integrated starter generator (ISG).

The AMG treatment sees this mill gain optimised combustion chambers, redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings, improved injection, plus a larger exhaust gas turbocharger paired with a new electric auxiliary compressor.

Altogether, it provides peak power output of 449 HP and 560 NM of twist, with the latter raised up to 600 NM thanks to a brief 12-second ‘overboost’ ability granted by the MHEV system. Managing it all is a trick AMG all-wheel-drive (AWD) setup and 9-sppeed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Predictably, said powertrain package sees the CLE 53 Coupe able to chart respectable speeds evident through its claimed 0-100 KM/H sprint time of 4.2 seconds. Opt for the optional AMG Driver’s package and the electronically capped 250 KM/H V-max is raised to 270 KM/H instead too.

Notably, Mercedes-AMG have also added a 'drift' drive mode that turns the CLE 53 into a pure RWD machine.

Other notable performance chassis features include rear-axle steering, three-stage AMG steering, and AMG Ride Control suspension.

Promising to be a true driver’s delight, Mercedes-AMG have even added a ‘drift’ mode that switches to full-time rear-wheel-drive (RWD). This comes on top of the usual choices of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.

Besides that, added agility is promised through the CLE 53’s adoption of a rear-axle steering suite that turns the wheels up to 2.5-degrees at speeds of up to 100 KM, and up to 0.7-degrees in parallel with the front wheels at speeds beyond 100 KM/H.

Also primed in the chassis is a trick three-stage AMG steering and AMG Ride Control suspension. Combined, these also promises enhanced handling and agility without compromising on comforts.

The AMG treatment sees the CLE 53 gaining the signature Panamericana grille plus more aggressive front and rear bumpers. The LED taillights also gain a connecting dark red element.

19-inch wheel are standard kit, but a larger 20-inch option is available. Also, the AMG treatment adds flared wheel arches that widens the CLE 53 by 58 MM (front) and 75 MM (rear).

As for style and aesthetics, key AMG traits include the signature AMG Panamericana grille, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, flared wheel arches that widen the car by 58 MM (front) and 75 MM (rear), as well as 19-inch (standard) and 20-inch (optional) AMG alloy wheels.

Notable too is the slightly revised LED taillights with a dark red element connecting both sides. New at the rear too are the subtle bootlid spoiler and twin tailpipes. Opt for the AMG Optics pack as it adds a more prominent rear diffuser, lip spoilier, as well as front and rear aerodynamic flics.

On board, the cabin also see the usual AMG affair with plenty of carbon fibre trims plus contrast red stitching motif.

The AMG Performance steering comes wrapped in black leather and alcantara. Custom or Performance seats can eb optioned, along with a variety of upholstery types.

On board, it’s the usual Mercedes-AMG affair here led by traits like the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel wrapped in black leather and alcantara, the rich use of carbon fibre trims like the dash, as well as sporty red contrast stitching motif.

Additionally, both custom and performance seat options are available, the former offered with a variety of leather, nappa leather, and combination leather and microfibre upholstery choices. Similarly, there are also two AMG Night packages plus an AMG Carbon exterior package options available.

For the moment, the CLE 53 is set to go on sale in select markets starting next year. Also, a more powerful - and pricier - 63-guised version is set to debut later too.

Apart from the North American and (presumably) selected key European markets, Mercedes-Benz has yet to confirm which other markets will see this new 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe go on sale.

It’s also worth nothing that this 53-trimmed variant is the first of two planned AMG performance variants for the CLE-Class. A more powerful – and pricier – 63-guised variant will come later.