► 442bhp 3.0-litre AMG coupe
► 0-62mph in 4.2sec, 155mph
► Adaptive suspension, RWS
So, there’s now an AMG version of the Mercedes-Benz CLE – the half-way house replacement for both the C-Class Coupe and the E-Class Coupe. Given its general straddling persona, perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised to discover this is a CLE 53 model, meaning it dodges the four-pot bullet but doesn’t quite get the kick in the arse an AMG V8 would deliver.
Still, 442bhp isn’t too shabby. And you do get ‘double turbocharging’ (more on that in a minute), ‘fully variable’ all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering. As standard.
What’s under the bonnet of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 then?
An evolved version of the 3.0-litre straight-six turbo – previously the M256, now the M256M. As well as changes to the combustion chambers, inlet and outlet plumbing, piston rings, injection and conventional turbocharging, this engine range boasts a second electrically driven turbo for increased response. Hence double turbo.
Compared with the original, boost pressure goes up 0.4 bar to 1.5 bar overall and there’s further assistance from the 48v mild-hybrid system – worth 22bhp and 151lb ft on its own. Once Mercedes has done all the calculations on this, in addition to the 442 horse there’s 413lb ft in total available 2200-5000rpm, with overboost to 442lb ft on demand.
Top speed is the usual electronically limited 155mph and the official 0-62mph time is 4.2sec.
How’s the rest of it shaping up?
Compared with the standard car, the AMG CLE53 has a 58mm wider front and 75mm wider rear track width, and the flared bodywork to match. Those are 20-inch wheels, should you be worried.
AMG Ride Control combines steel springs with variable damping, where the ‘damping on each wheel adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions.’ This happens regardless of driving mode, but you do also get a choice of Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. Mercedes-AMG claims a ‘noticeable differentiation’.
You also get three-stage speed sensitive steering, plus rear-wheel steering with a standard maximum operating angle of 2.5 degrees. The AMG 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system is fully variable, with a heavy rear bias, especially when the ESP Sport setting is engaged. And obviously when you’ve gone to the shops in Drift Mode – although you’ll need an optional upgrade to the AMG Dynamic Plus package to access that.
The whole character of the car is managed by the AMG Dynamic Select system, which has five basic programs – Slippery, Comfortable, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – and a further AMG Dynamics levels. These are Basic, Advanced and Pro.
Most of this can be controlled directly from the steering wheel using the dedicated AMG buttons. These look gimmicky but are neat to use, based on our experience in other models.
Is it well equipped?
Reasonably. You get high-tech digital headlights, lots of interior screens, ambient lighting, and leather.
There’s still scope for a tasty upgrade, though, courtesy of the UK-specific Pro Performance package.
This combines the AMG Optics package – a bunch of visual mods that make the exterior more aggressive and the interior more racy – and the AMG Dynamic Plus package. As well \as Drift Mode, the latter also includes a Race setting and active engine mounts to achieve tighter agility.
How much does the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 cost?
No official announcement on that just yet, but with the AMG A45 S over £60k this sizeable coupe is surely going to be another £20k above that. At least.