TENERIFE, Canary Islands – The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has a lot to offer. Not only does it replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupes, but it also has to fill the role of a convertible. As I experienced it on the Spanish volcanic island of Tenerife off the coast of Africa, the CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet is a wonderfully comfortable and quiet way to enjoy the scenery. The performance is well beyond what most riders would ever want, but we’re not like most riders, are we?
For drivers like me who want more excitement, there’s another piece to the CLE puzzle: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It uses the 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder from the CLE 450 and increases output to 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. With an overboost function, torque peaks at 443 lb-ft over 10-second bursts. Based on Formula 1, an additional electric compressor contributes to this overboost if necessary. There’s also another 23 hp and 151 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild hybrid system. AMG’s nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission is standard, as is AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.
The changes aren’t just limited to the powertrain either. The AMG CLE 53 gets vertical grille slats and a more rounded nose to harmonize with its more powerful brothers. The hood has stronger curvatures and a functional heat exhaust opening. More importantly, the fenders are wider to cover wider wheels and tires. The rear track increases by 3 inches while the front track increases by 2.3 inches. Parked next to the standard CLE, the AMG variant benefits from a more athletic stance, enhanced by some subtle aerodynamic details. On its own, the AMG CLE 53 is tastefully sporty.
Inside, the cockpit mirrors the standard CLE, which in turn mimics the C-Class interior with a cascaded dashboard, tacked-on instrument panel and large central touchscreen. The AMG has sports seats with deep side bolsters, upholstery inserts made of imitation suede and racy red stitching. The differences in the interior are rounded off by a sports steering wheel with a driving mode button that enables additional sport and track settings.
On the road it all fits together quite well. The increase in performance is noticeable, as are the louder and more inspiring engine and exhaust sounds. The ride quality is also more stable, although not so much that I found it too stiff or intrusive, as I still reached the end of the drive around Tenerife without any overload. The AMG CLE 53 cuts through corners with much more confidence and precision than the CLE 450, encouraging me to push the accelerator a little more into each subsequent corner. All-wheel steering (maximum at 2.5 degrees of rear axle steering) is standard, but you only notice it when maneuvering in tight spots, and that’s a good thing. When you’re having fun on a winding road, it feels no different than traditional front wheel steering.
In Sport driving mode, the transmission does a great job of selecting the right gear. It downshifts right where I normally hit the left paddle shifter and stays in gear well into the rev range to squeeze out as much power as possible. I still like to choose my gears myself and the quick response of the paddles reinforces my preference. However, the aggressive side bolsters get in the way of my elbows and force me to move the steering wheel about an inch further forward than I’d like.
The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive provides plenty of traction when you really step on the gas, and you have to deliberately push the wheel to make the tires make noise. When driving conservatively, the AMG CLE 53 is confident and appropriately comfortable for a sporty variant. For everyday tasks, it’s just as pleasant, comfortable and easy to use as the standard CLE.
Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s obvious that the AMG CLE 53 will cost more than the CLE 450 4Matic Coupe, which costs $66,800 (including $1,150 in destination charges). That price is right on target for the BMW M440i xDrive, so it’s possible the AMG variant could end up close to the BMW M4’s $80,000-$90,000 price range. I’m confident an M4 would outperform the AMG CLE 53 on a winding road or race track, but the Benz has an advantage in comfort, luxury and interior features. I also think the design of the CLE is an advantage compared to the BMW.
Judging by the CLE’s engine bay, it seems unlikely that an eight-cylinder AMG 63 would fit inside, so I wouldn’t wait for that possible beast. On the other hand, the upcoming AMG GT would probably be the better choice for high-performance drivers anyway. It’s unclear whether Mercedes will offer the AMG CLE 53 as a convertible, but one might hope. Given the existing AMG body modifications, it certainly won’t be that easy to saw off the roof.
Overall, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a logical and welcome addition to the touring-oriented CLE lineup. It offers a lot of excitement that the other models lack, while still offering impressive comfort and sophistication. It is a more elegant alternative to the edgier BMW 4 Series and the comparatively powerless Audi S5 Coupé. Price may be the only variable that decides whether it’s as expensive as a BMW M4 or an Audi RS5. If your performance priorities come second to luxury and elegance, the AMG CLE 53 is the clear winner.