The CLE-Class is Mercedes-Benz's mid-size two-door coupe model. It secured a solid customer base, with 2,805 units sold in 2024, when it first debuted in Korea, and 3,316 units last year. In the imported car industry, it is evaluated as a model that combines sports car driving performance with quietness and a premium feel.
In Sep. last year, Mercedes-Benz added the high-performance AMG lineup to the existing CLE-Class. Introducing the AMG CLE 53 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz emphasized that it is a "high-performance coupe model that can be enjoyed in daily life without burden." The AMG CLE 53 Coupe was test-driven on an approximately 200 km section in Seoul and the capital area.
On the exterior, the AMG-specific "shark nose" shape stands out. The shark nose features a low, long front-end design that evokes a shark. AMG's unique radiator grille and the lower bumper air intakes also underscore the image of a high-performance vehicle.
The side profile emphasizes coupe-specific curves, giving a more dynamic impression than a sedan model. The AMG CLE 53 Coupe measures 4,855 mm in length, 5 mm longer than the CLE-Class, and 1,455 mm in height, up 35 mm.
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe widens toward the rear, leaving a strong impression. The 20-inch AMG Y-spoke lightweight alloy wheels and brake calipers reiterate that this is a high-performance model.
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe is 1,935 mm wide. Its wheelbase (the distance connecting the centers of the front and rear wheels) is 2,875 mm, a mid-size between the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class. It is larger than the BMW 4 Series Coupe, M4, and Genesis G70.
Inside, the low, deep-set driver's seat was striking. The driver's eye level sits lower than that of most vehicles on the road. The Nappa leather seats felt firm. The seats combine leather and carbon, emphasizing a premium image.
The center fascia (the area between the driver and passenger seats that houses climate controls, etc.) features only the minimum buttons for hazards and ignition. Climate control and other functions can be adjusted on the 11.9-inch portrait LCD central display.
Sitting in the second row, the space between my knees and the front seat was about the width of a fist. My head touched the headliner, giving the impression that sitting there for a long time would be difficult.
Thanks to the longer wheelbase, the trunk space is generous. Mercedes-Benz Korea said the cargo space is 410 L (liters) and can easily fit about three golf bags without folding the second row.
The AMG CLE 53 Coupe's strength is its driving performance. When the engine started, a refined exhaust note came from beneath the car. Pressing the accelerator delivered a hefty feel. It was not to the level of the AMG GT, but it felt heavier than other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The steering wheel was the same—unlike other cars that turn lightly at low speeds, it felt heavy.
This vehicle is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system. In particular, when driving through curves, it controlled the tendency to lean from centrifugal force well, and in sharp cornering sections, it exited smoothly with a small steering angle. The AMG Ride Control suspension and rear-axle steering, which allow the rear wheels to turn up to 2.5 degrees, come standard to enhance driving stability.
Switching to Sport Plus mode at high speeds, the car leapt forward immediately with a hefty engine note. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine delivers a maximum output of 449 horsepower and peak torque of 57.1 kg·m.
The AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission also operated smoothly. Even when exiting corners at high speed, the body dug into the inside of the corner without wobble. The AMG 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system distributes driving force between the front and rear wheels depending on conditions.
However, the driver assistance system responded somewhat slowly. Also, the cameras monitoring the vehicle's surroundings were overly sensitive, and the warning chimes that other vehicles were close in congested sections sounded quite frequently, which was bothersome.
After the test drive, the combined fuel economy shown on the instrument cluster was 8.2 km/L. Because of sporty driving and congestion, it was measured lower than the official combined fuel economy (9.6 km/L).
The starting price of the AMG CLE 53 Coupe is 107.7 million won (including VAT).