Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe: Nought to naughty in 4.2 seconds

Launched at Rs 1.35 Crore Ex Showroom the Mercedes CLE 53 Coupe is the Latest addition to the AMG lineup here in India. The Mercedes CLE Coupe being a brand-new car model from Mercedes infact is the mix of the C-Class and E-Class Coupes. There also is the convertible version of the CLE 300. While the Coupe version gets the much powerful and performance oriented AMG 53-spec with a heart that pumps out 450hp coming from the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder under the bonnet. We get you closer to the two door gorgeously beautiful and beastly powerful German that promises oodles of fun.

Exteriors

In terms of exterior looks and styling the AMG CLE will remind you to an extent of the C-Class, but at the same time it will also influence you with its road presence, muscular beefy stance and the AMG bits that instantly shine out. You get a pair of digital LED headlamps that sport unique eyebrow-like DRLs along with the two new individual LED lighting elements just underneath that also get cool blue inserts in them. What stands out in the face is the signature Panamericana grille with vertical slats and the AMG spec bumper with wide air intakes at either ends. Finished in gloss black, it contrasts really well with the rest of the body on the sporty bright yellow car we reviewed. The bonnet not only gets character lines and also a practical air intake placed on it. From the side profile you can actually notice the large wheelbase of the CLE 53 not forgetting it is a two-door coupe sporting smooth character lines with a long bonnet and a soft sloping roofline. The talking point here is the optional 20-inch AMG spec wheels (as standard, the CLE 53 gets 19-inch wheels) that come with the unique blade design finished in matte black and red AMG brake calipers. You also get the side fins that are finished in gloss black with the frameless doors that add to the sporty character. If you ask me the best profile on the AMG CLE 53 is the rear quarters where you can easily spot the flexed wheel arches and also the sloping rear glass of the car completing the sporty coupe styling of this beauty. If that’s not enough you also get a AMG spoiler finished in glossy black and slim, triangular LED tail lamps with connected black contrasting trim, AMG quad exhausts and a mighty prominent diffuser finished in gloss black that conclude things here. Boot space stands at 410 liters with an electrically opening and closing lid.

Interiors

On the inside firstly you notice the black AMG cabin look while the AMG CLE 53’s dashboard that looks like the one on the C Class. You get a 11.9-inch vertically placed AVN touchscreen, circular AC vents and the 12.3-inch, free-standing digital driver’s display along with ambient lighting and metal inserts that add to the premium feel. What shouts out sportiness in here is the four-spoke AMG-spec steering wheel with the unique two AMG rotary dials to toggle through the drive modes and suspension and exhaust settings, you also get capacitive touch buttons here. Overall the AVN system is joy to use with crisp graphics and also an AMG Track Pace function which lets you access on-board telemetry and even lets you measure acceleration times or lap times along with a dedicated drift mode. Front seats are AMG race seats and come with full electric adjust along with ventilation function too. The rear seats are best left for children for short drives. They come with split/fold functionality which will help increase the boot space when needed. The AMG CLE 53 Coupe gets the premium 3D Burmester surround sound system with 17 speakers making 660 Watts and Dolby Atmos included. Other features include dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation, 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless phone charger. Safety features include 8 airbags, an ADAS suite as well as active parking assist and lots more.

Engine – Power - Specifications

Powering the CLE 53 Coupe is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged, inline six-cylinder petrol engine that generates a massive 450hp and 560Nm & 600Nm with overboost function. You also have a 48V mild-hybrid assist supporting this engine that adds another 23hp during sudden acceleration. The engine is mated to a 9-speed AMG torque converter automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic system. Rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension are also on the feature list for the AMG CLE 53. As per Mercedes the AMG CLE can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.2 seconds with a top-speed of 270kph. At the price of Rs 1.35 Crore the Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe does not have any direct competition here in India, but then you have the BMW M2 that’s priced at Rs 1.03 crore that gets a bit closer.