The auto market might heavily favor SUVs and pickup trucks, but luxury automakers remain steadfastly committed to smaller, sportier cars. Mercedes-Benz’s car lineup is quite robust, and it’s getting a new model for 2024 in the upcoming CLE Coupe. The automaker says the car blends elements from the C-Class and E-Class models; it lands initially with an AMG-tuned CLE 53 model.
The CLE will eventually be available in several configurations, ranging from the entry-level CLE 300 to the AMG variant. Mercedes equips the AMG with plenty of tech, including two massive display screens and a standard Burmester stereo. Mercedes hasn’t nailed down a specific release date yet but says the AMG 53 will be available on dealers’ lots in early 2024.
Mercedes notes that the CLE borrows elements from the C-Class and E-Class cars, which is especially apparent in the new coupe’s styling. Its front end—sporting aggressive air intakes and a menacing grille—blends the two cars’ shapes. The CLE 53’s hood features two “power domes” to accommodate the engine underneath. Mercedes says the front fascia shape helps direct air to the engine for better cooling and performance. The rear has 2-piece LED taillights with 3-dimensional (3D) lighting effects. The automaker also says the rear wheel arches aid in aerodynamics by directing air smoothly around the back of the car. Buyers can add an AMG Performance Studio package, which brings a more aggressive rear lip spoiler and a diffuser between the tailpipes.
The AMG CLE 53 gets sport seats wrapped in synthetic leather and microfiber with red contrast stitching. Mercedes offers Nappa leather with AMG embossing, performance seats with more aggressive bolstering, and 64-color ambient interior lighting comes standard. The sport seats get open spaces for better ventilation and weight savings, and buyers can choose a contrasting stitching color when upgrading to Nappa leather upholstery.
Though some AMG models have moved to smaller engines, the CLE 53 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder, making 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque in normal operation. The car offers a temporary boost function that increases turbo pressure from 5.8 to 22 psi, which bumps torque to 443 pound-feet for up to 12 seconds. Power reaches all four wheels through an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission.
Five drive modes let the driver dial in the car’s behavior for specific road and driving conditions. Modes include Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus, and Individual; each alters the suspension, engine, steering, and other settings. Speed-sensitive rear-axle steering comes standard, bringing up to 2.5 degrees of rotation.
Mercedes hasn’t yet outlined the full line of safety equipment for the CLE but says it will offer numerous driver-assistance features. As standard kit, expect to see automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. The automaker also notes a driver monitoring system, active brake assist, and a parking assistance package.
The new CLE 53 has two large displays: a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The car runs the latest MBUX infotainment system, which brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced voice controls with artificial intelligence assistance, and more. Mercedes also equips a standard Burmester 3D surround-sound stereo system. The driver can configure the touchscreen with three modes that alter colors and display functions. Class, Sport, and Supersport modes change the gauge cluster look and graphics on the central touchscreen. The screen also shows AMG-specific functions like drive mode and vehicle performance data.
The CLE 53 doesn’t have much direct competition, though the Audi S5/RS5 and M-tuned BMW 4 Series are more than enough. They both offer the coupe experience, and the performance tuning makes them solid rivals to the AMG. That said, the CLE will be newer and more advanced when it arrives, likely placing it ahead of the others in the class. Of course, the AMG’s strongest alternatives come from within Mercedes’ catalog, as the automaker offers a variety of hotted-up coupes, including the new C 63 S and E 53.
Mercedes-Benz is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of December 11, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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