TENERIFE, Canary Islands – The novel 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has a lot on its plate. Not only does it replace the C- and E-Class coupes, but it is also intended to function as a convertible. As I discovered on the Spanish volcanic island of Tenerife off the coast of Africa, the CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet is a delightfully comfortable and leisurely way to enjoy the scenery. He performs at a level far beyond most drivers’ expectations, but we’re not like most drivers, are we?
For drivers like me who crave more thrills, there’s one more piece to the CLE puzzle: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It uses the CLE 450’s 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder engine, boosting power to 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the overboost function, the maximum torque is 443 Nm in 10-second bursts. Borrowing from Formula 1, an electric auxiliary compressor contributes to excess boost when needed. What’s more, you get another 23 HP and 51 Nm from the 48-volt mild-hybrid system. A nine-speed AMG multi-clutch automatic transmission with 4Matic+ AMG all-wheel drive is standard.
The changes aren’t circumscribed to the powertrain either. The AMG CLE 53 has vertical grille slats and a more rounded front end to blend in with its higher-performance competitors. The hood has more muscular bulges and a functional opening for heat dissipation. More importantly, the fenders are flared to cover wider wheels and tires. The rear track is stretched by 3 inches and the front track gains 2.3 inches. Parked next to the standard CLE, the AMG variant gains a more athletic stance, enhanced by subtle aerodynamic accents. The AMG CLE 53 itself is tastefully sporty.
Inside, the cockpit mirrors the standard CLE, which in turn mimics the C-Class interior with a cascading dashboard, tacked-on instrument panel and immense central touchscreen. AMG adds sports seats with deep side bolsters, artificial suede upholstery inserts and distinctive red stitching. Rounding out the differences in the interior is a sports steering wheel with a drive mode button that allows additional sport and track settings.
It all blends in nicely on the road. The raise in power is noticeable, as are louder and more inspiring engine and exhaust sounds. The ride quality is also firmer, but not to the point of being overly stiff or intrusive, as I still made it to the end of the Tenerife ride without feeling tired. The AMG CLE 53 corners with much more confidence and precision than the CLE 450, which encourages me to push a little harder with each subsequent corner. Four-wheel steering (max. 2.5 degrees of rear axle steering) is standard, but it’s only really noticeable when maneuvering in tight spaces, and that’s a good thing. When you’re having fun on a winding road, you don’t feel any difference from time-honored front-only steering.
In Sport driving mode, the gearbox selects the appropriate gear flawlessly. It downshifts exactly where I would normally press the left throttle and stays in gear high in the rev range to extract the most performance. I still like to choose my own gears, and the quick response of the paddles confirms my preference. The aggressive side bolsters hamper my elbows, however, forcing me to move the handlebar about an inch further than I prefer.
The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system provides plenty of grip as you raise power, and you have to deliberately nudge the wheel for the tires to make any noise. When driven economically, the AMG CLE 53 is well mannered and appropriately comfortable for a sporty variant. For everyday duties, it is as pleasant, comfortable and effortless to operate as the standard CLE.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s clear that the AMG CLE 53 will cost more than the CLE 450 4Matic Coupe, which is priced at $66,800 (including a $1,150 destination charge). This price is similar to the BMW M440i xDrive, so it’s possible that the AMG variant could fall into the $80,000 to $90,000 price range of the BMW M4. I’m sure the M4 would outperform the AMG CLE 53 on a winding road or track, but the Benz has the edge in terms of interior comfort, luxury and refinement. I also consider the CLE’s styling to be an advantage compared to the BMW.
Judging by the CLE’s engine bay, it doesn’t seem likely that the eight-cylinder AMG 63 would fit in it, so I wouldn’t stick with this potential beast. On the other hand, the upcoming AMG GT would probably be a better choice for performance drivers anyway. It’s unclear whether Mercedes will offer the AMG CLE 53 as a convertible, but one can hope. Taking into account the existing modifications to the AMG body, it certainly won’t be as elementary as sawing off the roof.
Overall, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a logical and welcome addition to the touring-focused CLE lineup. It delivers plenty of excitement that other models lack, while still providing impressive comfort and refinement. It’s a classier alternative to the sharper BMW 4 Series, as well as the comparably anemic Audi S5 coupe. Price may be the only variable that makes or breaks the decision whether it’s as high-priced as the BMW M4 or Audi RS5. If performance priorities come second to luxury and refinement, the AMG CLE 53 is a clear winner.
