The high-performance version of the stylish coupe has been announced. Meet the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 with a hybrid 6-cylinder turbo engine!

We’ve already seen the Mercedes-Benz CLE, a coupe that blends the C-Class and E-Class in one very pretty package. Now there’s the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, which brings a whole lot of firepower.

Visually, it has so much going for it. A long coupe body, big wheels with AMG brakes, quad exhausts, rear diffuser, boot spoiler, Panamericana grille and subtle AMG badges separate it from the lesser CLE models.

Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine which makes 330 kW and 600 Nm. Power goes to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. Of course, it has to have the go to match the show, and Mercedes-AMG claims the new CLE53 will sprint to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds.

This engine is an enhanced version of the old 53 motor and features a new exhaust gas turbocharger, new piston rings, new combustion chambers and optimised injection. As a reminder, this powertrain also features a 2nd-generation integrated starter generator and 48V electrical system that can produce 17 kW and 205 Nm for short bursts of time.

The vehicle features Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual modes and the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering response can be adjusted. There’s also a drift mode. The new CLE53 4Matic+ also features rear-wheel steer that sees the rear wheels turn up to 2.5 degrees at speeds of up to 100 kph.

Climb inside and you get the usual high-end AMG treatment, like the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel in black leather and Alcantara with its driving mode dials. There’s an abundance of carbon fibre and red contrast stitching to be found, and those AMG performance seats look lovely.

When will the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 go on sale in South Africa?

Mercedes-Benz has not confirmed when its new sporty coupe will go on sale or shown any indication of pricing, but understand the new CLE coupe should be making its way to South Africa during the course of 2024.

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