Mercedes-AMG has announced that the AMG CLE53 will be coming out. This comes less than a year after the launch of the new CLE-class coupe to replace the C-class and E-class coupes. There are shots of the European version of the CLE53, but we think the same body will come to the US with the CLE53. The AMG coupe still has the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine that comes with the regular Mercedes CLE450, but it now makes 443 horsepower. As each Mercedes-Benz model comes out, an even more powerful AMG version will follow, just like winter comes after spring. AMG has announced the CLE53 AMG version. This comes less than a year after Mercedes-Benz announced the CLE-class would replace the C-class and E-class with two-door cars in 2024. The CLE53 car will have the same amount of power as the 402-horsepower C43 sedan and the amazing 677-horsepower C63. The CLE still has a six-cylinder engine, but both models have a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with different levels of hybrid help. The CLE has a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged engine that makes 443 horsepower. At low engine speeds, a 48-volt hybrid system adds more power. As we tested the less powerful C43, which could reach 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, we thought that it would be beaten. Mercedes says the engine can reach 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. In comparison to previous inline-six engines, AMG says that this one has gone through a lot of changes. New piston rings, updated inlet and exit channels, and a better turbocharger have been added to the combustion chambers to make them different. Together with the turbo, an electronic secondary compressor raises the boost pressure to 22 psi and lets you over boost for up to 12 seconds at a time. Mercedes’ rear-biased 4Matic all-wheel-drive technology is built into the CLE53. When not in use, the front axle is disconnected. The base transmission is the same nine-speed automatic that was in earlier AMG cars. Instead of a torque converter, there is a clutch pack. The rear-wheel steering is another thing that the CLE53 has. Wheels that are 20 inches are offered as an option, but 19-inch wheels come with it. A Different View You could have thought that the CLE53’s back end looked like the back ends of other CLE classes. This is because there are few changes to the back’s look other than the badges and the bigger rear track. The spoiler lip, back diffuser board, and front and rear fascia trim pieces shown here are all part of the optional AMG Performance Studio package. With its muscular hood, front bumper, and grille that look like they came from an AMG, the CLE53 looks more threatening than the first model. The changes at the start are much bigger and more noticeable. Front and back fenders are both 3.0 inches wider than on a regular CLE coupe. Front fenders are 2.3 inches wider. The regular coupe’s 11.9-inch central display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster are still inside. The seats come with MB-Tex and microfiber cloth as standard. You can choose to have Nappa leather with AMG logos pressed into the front headrests instead. There are basic bucket seats, but if you choose the AMG Performance Seat Package, you can get seats with stronger belts instead. In place of the old steering wheel, an AMG flat-bottom steering wheel with aluminum shift buttons and Nappa leather wrapping is used. Even though Mercedes hasn’t said when the CLE53 will be delivered, we think it will happen in 2019. The price will be between the C43 and C63 list prices when it does go on sale, maybe around $85,000.
