We take a close look at the exterior and interior of the newest AMG in India.
The Mercedes CLE 53 Coupe is the newest AMG to have launched in India at Rs 1.35 crores (ex-showroom). The CLE Coupe is a brand-new car which is a spiritual successor to the previous-gen C-Class and E-Class Coupes, and in India, we also have the convertible version of this on sale in CLE 300 AMG Line guise. The coupe, however, comes in AMG 53-spec with a 450hp, 3.0-litre inline six under the hood. Here, we are taking a close look at the exterior design as well as interior and features on offer.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe exterior design
Visually, the CLE does have some resemblance with the C-Class, but it also does look very individual in its own right. The digital LED headlamps continue with the brow-like DRLs, but there are also two new individual LED lighting elements just underneath. But what really grabs your attention, is of course, the signature Panamericana grille and the AMG spec bumper with wide air intakes at either ends. Finished in gloss black, it contrasts really well with the rest of the body. There’s also a scoop in between the power bulges on the bonnet.
Digital headlamps get two new LED lighting elements under the brow-like DRLs.
In profile, the CLE 53 has a quintessential two-door coupe silhouette with a long bonnet and a sloping roofline. The most striking detail has to be the optional 20-inch AMG spec wheels (as standard, the CLE 53 gets 19-inch wheels). There’s also a side fin finished in gloss black, and the doors are frameless.
20-inch AMG-spec wheels are optional extras.
The best angle to view the CLE 53, in my opinion, will be from the rear quarters where you can appreciate the pronounced haunches of the car. It curvy, yet muscular, and lends the car a very purposeful stance. There’s also a ducktail spoiler; slim, triangular tail lamps that are connected by a black contrasting trim, quad exhausts and a prominent diffuser finished in gloss black.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe interior
Dashboard design has some resemblance with the C-Class.
On the inside, the CLE 53’s dashboard looks very similar to that of the C-Class with the 11.9-inch portrait oriented central touchscreen, the circular AC vents and the 12.3-inch, free-standing digital driver’s display. What is different, though, is this four-spoke AMG-spec steering wheel. Like every other AMG car, the steering gets two rotary dials to toggle through the drive modes and suspension and exhaust setting. The steering also houses capacitive touch buttons which we are not a fan of – they are quite fiddly to operate.
Rear seats are tight on space; best left for children for short rides.
What is slick, though, is central touchscreen which has fantastic graphics and functionality is first rate, too. This being an AMG, there’s also a Track Pace function which lets you access on-board telemetry and even lets you measure acceleration times or lap times; there’s also a dedicated drift mode.
Mercedes calls the CLE 53 a 2+2 Coupe, but the rear seats are best left for children for short drives. However, the rear seats have split/fold functionality which can help open up a lot more boot space.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe features
11.9-inch central touchscreen has fantastic graphics and usability.
The CLE 53 Coupe comes equipped with a 3D Burmester surround sound system, dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, augmented reality navigation, 360-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof and a wireless phone charger. Safety features include 8 airbags, an ADAS suite as well as active parking assist.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe engine and specs
Powering the CLE 53 Coupe is a 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, inline six-cylinder petrol engine that produces 450hp and 560Nm (600Nm with overboost function). It also gets a 48V mild-hybrid assist that adds another 23hp during hard acceleration. The engine is coupled to a 9-speed torque converter automatic gearbox and power is sent to all four wheels via the 4Matic system. Rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension are also standard with the CLE 53.
3.0-litre, twin-turbo, inline six-cylinder engine produces 450hp and 560Nm.
Mercedes claims a 0-100kph sprint time of 4.2 seconds and a top-speed of 250kph which can be taken up to 270kph with the optional AMG driver’s package. For its price, the Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupe does not have any direct rival in India, but the closest that matches it in terms of specs is the Rs 1.03 crore BMW M2.
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