Launched: Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe – RM722,888

The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe debuts as the first AMG-badged CLE model in Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) today has launched the latest version of its AMG-badged coupe duo, one of which is the all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe. Priced at RM722,888, this is the first AMG-badged version of the new C236-gen CLE coupe, which first debuted here in its CLE 300 form.

Compared to the CLE 300, the new CLE 53 is powered by AMG’s upgraded 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six M256M engine that produces 449 PS and 560 Nm (600 Nm in overboost mode), while a 48-volt integrated starter generator system provides an additional boost of 23 PS and 205 Nm.

Said engine setup is then mated to a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG 4Matic+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system to allow a rapid century sprint time of 4.2 seconds and a V-max of 250 km/h, or 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

With added power, the CLE 53 also benefits from a beefier set of AMG brakes with four-pot front callipers and single-piston rear ones. Typical of an AMG model, the CLE 53 also rides on the AMG Ride Control suspension with steel springs and adaptive adjustable dampers, while rear-wheel steering also comes standard with this coupe.

Design-wise, the CLE 53 is a full-blown AMG model, featuring tons of cosmetic upgrades over its vanilla twin. Key exterior highlights include the signature AMG Panamericana front grille, a new AMG-specific front bumper with larger air inlets, flared front and rear fenders, a more aggressive rear bumper with quad tailpipes, and new 20-inch AMG Y-spoke light-alloy wheels with red-hued AMG callipers hiding beneath them.

Besides those AMG bits, MBM has also specced the local-spec CLE 53 with several styling packages as standard, including the AMG Exterior Night Package, AMG Night Package II, and the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I. For maximum aggressiveness, there’s also the AMG Optics package that adds flicks on the front and rear aprons, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the boot lid, and a diffuser board between the tailpipe trims.

The AMG-fication continues inside the new CLE 53, where it gets tons of AMG parts like the AMG Performance front seats wrapped in Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre inserts, an AMG badge on the front dash, AMG sport steering wheel, as well as AMG-specific graphics for both its 12.3-inch digital display and the 11.9-inch central infotainment screen.

Mind you, those AMG-specific graphics on the screens are not just for show, as they also include the AMG Track Pace app that allows drivers to record lap times, acceleration times, as well as live telemetry data for analysis on closed circuits.

Rounding off the cabin amenities list are the small panoramic sunroof, a wireless charger, multiple USB-C ports, and the Burmester 3D surround sound system.