Dreams are a rather useful source of energy. For people who like cars, a dream car is hope and the future.
Mercedes-Benz Korea has been introducing the Mercedes-Benz dream car CLE lineup to the domestic market starting in February 2024. Last year it introduced the "Mercedes-Benz CLE coupe and cabriolet," and in February this year it launched the high-performance open-top "Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ cabriolet."
In particular, the CLE coupe leads the domestic coupe market with its elegant yet confident design, sporty driving performance and cutting-edge digital specifications. The CLE coupe's share of the domestic coupe market was about 35% from Jan. through Sept. this year (according to Kaizyu Data Research Institute and Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association (KAIDA)), once again proving the value of Mercedes-Benz's three-pointed star as a luxury brand.
Mercedes-Benz Korea, buoyed by this high demand, strengthened its leadership in the coupe market by adding the high-performance model Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe in September.
Mercedes-Benz Korea offers a total of nine trims for the CLE vehicles (including both the 2025 and 2026 model years), covering high-performance coupe and cabriolet models and design trims such as AMG Line, completing a lineup that meets diverse dream car customer demands.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe, newly launched in September, is offered as a standard model and a limited edition, with domestic prices of 107,700,000 won and 131,300,000 won respectively (including VAT and reflecting the reduced special consumption tax).
▲Amg-exclusive driving functions that satisfy powerful performance, dynamism and stability
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine with an upgraded twin-scroll turbocharger, producing a maximum output of 449 horsepower (ps) and peak torque of 57.1 kg·m, and it provides up to an additional 17 kW of power at start via a second-generation integrated starter generator. The engine is paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which features short shift times, quick responses and a double-declutch function, and the vehicle received low-emission vehicle category 2 certification, offering benefits such as reduced congestion charges and public parking fees.
It also features AMG driving functions that deliver dynamic yet stable driving. Standard equipment includes the variable all-wheel-drive AMG Performance 4MATIC+, which provides optimal traction and high driving safety across various road conditions; AMG Ride Control suspension, which adjusts damping at each wheel to driving and road conditions for excellent handling and a high level of ride comfort; and rear-axle steering supporting up to 2.5 degrees of rear-wheel steering angle. AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, which allows adjustment of engine, transmission, suspension and steering responses, is also included.
▲Sporty AMG design added to CLE's refined family look, with exclusive packages that add personality
The exterior highlights the proportions unique to a two-door coupe combined with AMG design elements. First, the long hood in a "shark nose" shape designed to sit low to the ground and the air vents on the bonnet complete the CLE's family look. Extended front and rear fenders, 20-inch AMG Y-spoke lightweight alloy wheels and a wide track realize dynamic proportions. The rear completes a refined silhouette with flowing lines, two three-dimensional LED rear lights and a spoiler lip.
The interior emphasizes a strong impression with a power red and black color combination. Integrated headrest sport seats in two-tone nappa leather make a presence, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch vertically oriented central LCD display focused on the driver, and metal weave trim to enhance sporty appeal.
In addition, Mercedes-AMG CLE coupe and cabriolet offer the Seoul Mobility Show package and Dark Night design package as options to add a more dynamic appeal. Both packages include MANUFAKTUR graphite grey magno exterior color, AMG Night Package and AMG black radiator grille, among other features.
▲Third-generation MBUX infotainment and convenience driving-assist features
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe equipped with the third-generation MBUX infotainment system allows access to a variety of third-party apps both domestic and international, from YouTube, Apple Music, Webex and Zoom to Essential, Flo, Wave and Melon, which can be used via in-vehicle data. In addition, "T map Auto," custom-designed for the third-generation MBUX system, is applied, enabling use of the linked head-up display and augmented reality navigation.
Convenience features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a toll settlement system that displays highway toll payment amounts and balances on the central display, ventilated and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield washer system. In addition, the Burmester® 3D surround sound system featuring Dolby Atmos® sound technology and the Air Balance package are offered to provide a more convenient vehicle experience.
Other standard driving-assist features that enhance convenience while driving include Driving Assistance Package Plus, Digital Light with a projection function that projects lane-keeping symbols onto the road via the headlamp to improve nighttime driving safety, and a parking package that includes a 360° camera.
▲The online special limited edition stands out with yellow color details and exclusive limited options
Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz Korea launched the "Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe limited edition" as an online-only model for its Oct. online special campaign on the morning of the 2nd. The 15-unit limited-run vehicles were all reserved in about two hours, proving the brand's standing in the dream car segment.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ coupe limited edition emphasizes unique character by adding contrasting point colors and limited-edition exclusive options based on MANUFAKTUR color. The vehicle uses the MANUFAKTUR graphite grey magno color with yellow lines and AMG lettering film applied to express a sporty yet youthful sensibility. Yellow accents are also added to the 20-inch forged wheel rims and gray brake calipers add elegance, while the interior combines black nappa leather with yellow stitching and belts.
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