Six in a row

New launch: Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Coupé - Six in a row

Anyone who plunders their bank account to immerse themselves in the world of sports cars from the Swabian town of Affalterbach expects a cultivated understanding. Everyone is allowed to see what kind of powerhouse you have in your driveway - but it mustn't look ostentatious. The new Mercedes AMG 53 Coupé, built in 2024, rolls up with the appropriate restraint. Well, at least on the outside. Good. The long hood with the two powerful powerdomes, the four lush round tailpipes, a few additional air intakes, the breakaway edge at the rear, the significantly wider track and various diffusers give a hint that not everything is business as usual with the two-door model.

But the true values are only revealed as soon as you press the start button. That's when the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine comes to life at the front and pushes the typical AMG sound through the tailpipes. The starter-generator is part of the 48-volt on-board electrical system and is integrated into the transmission bell housing. A revised turbocharger plus an electric auxiliary compressor provide an output of 330 kW / 449 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm. If you need more for a short time, the overboost function provides an extra 40 Nm for up to twelve seconds.

The driving data are corresponding: from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, with the speed limit set at 250 km/h, or at 270 km/h on special customer request. The "little" AMG is correspondingly thirsty: Mercedes itself states average fuel consumption of just under ten liters per 100 kilometers. The deceleration is provided by opulently dimensioned, internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear.

The drive is accordingly. Permanent all-wheel drive comes as standard. At least in principle. Because how exactly the power is distributed to the wheels is relative. Relatively dependent on how sporty you like to drive. In the more relaxed everyday mode, for example, the front axle is decoupled from the drive, with all the power going to the rear axle.

Otherwise, everything is possible. Right up to the sophisticated drift mode. The three-stage parameter steering adapts to the selected driving program (five can be set at the touch of a button on the steering wheel, from Comfort to Sport+), while the rear axle steering (maximum steering angle: 2.5 degrees) ensures safe cornering and a small turning circle. The damping of each wheel is individually adapted to the current driving style and road conditions. The nine-speed automatic transmission boasts short shift times, an intermediate throttle function, multiple downshifts and short response times. Manual shifting? Sure, it can be done as usual using the two paddles on the steering column.

Inside? Everything largely as before. A steering wheel flattened at the bottom with plenty of function buttons. Large display in front of the driver and a second, almost as large in portrait format centrally above the center tunnel. Optional ambient lighting with 64 colors all around, integral seats in artificial or real leather, optional performance seats with particularly strong lateral support. In the back? Two seats with apparently reasonable lateral support, but hardly suitable even for medium-sized adults. Not to mention the climb through the two doors.

Electronically, the AMG CLE 53 Coupé comes with improved voice control, a new MBUX system and the assistance systems already familiar from the S-Class.

How much the fun will cost? Still unclear. Mercedes is keeping its prices under wraps. As a guide: the CLA Coupé from AMG is currently listed from 65,462 euros, the 381 hp CLE 450 Coupé from Mercedes from 100,793 euros.