Table of Contents
Mercedes-Benz India has expanded its performance portfolio with the launch of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, priced at ₹1.35 crore (ex-showroom). This two-door luxury sports coupe blends C-Class agility with E-Class comfort, offering Indian enthusiasts an irresistible mix of speed, style, and technology.
Positioned between the compact AMG C-Class and the larger AMG E-Class Coupe, the CLE 53 brings fresh appeal to buyers looking for something dynamic yet practical enough for daily use.
Luxury Performance
Under the sculpted hood lies an enhanced 3.0-litre M256M inline-six turbocharged petrol engine. This unit has been refined with:
- Redesigned combustion chambers
- Optimised inlet/outlet channels
- Improved piston rings and injection systems
- An upgraded exhaust turbocharger
The result is a maximum power output of 449 hp and 560 Nm of torque under normal driving. A temporary overboost function pushes torque up to 600 Nm for short bursts of extra thrill.
One of the engineering highlights is the Electric Auxiliary Compressor, which increases boost pressure from 1.1 bar to 1.5 bar, improving low-end response and mid-range punch.
Acceleration and Speed
Paired with an AMG-tuned 9-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system, the CLE 53 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds.
Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h, but opt for the AMG Driver’s Package and you can push that to 270 km/h. This makes it a true grand-touring coupe capable of holding its own against German and British rivals alike.
AMG Ride Control and Driving Modes
Performance is not just about straight-line speed. The CLE 53 comes with AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension as standard. This adaptive system adjusts damping on the fly, providing a comfortable city ride while keeping body roll in check during aggressive driving.
Another standout feature is rear-wheel steering, which improves agility in tight turns and enhances stability at high speeds.
Drivers can choose between five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT modes:
- Slippery – for wet or low-traction surfaces
- Comfort – for relaxed daily driving
- Sport – for a more engaging feel
- Sport+ – for maximum performance response
- Individual – to customise engine, suspension, and steering settings
A Bold, Muscular Design
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53’s exterior design strikes a perfect balance between elegance and aggression. The front fascia is dominated by the Panamericana grille with vertical slats, flanked by sleek LED headlights.
Flared wheel arches, a sculpted bonnet, and aerodynamically optimised bumpers add visual muscle, while the sloping roofline and frameless doors emphasise its coupe identity.
At the rear, quad exhaust tips and a subtle boot-lid spoiler make it clear this isn’t just another luxury coupe—it’s an AMG thoroughbred.
Interior: Sporty Yet Luxurious
Inside, the CLE 53 blends AMG sportiness with premium craftsmanship. Key highlights include:
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for driver information
- 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment display running the latest MBUX software
- AMG-specific graphics and performance data readouts
- Sport seats upholstered in ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfibre, with contrast red stitching and AMG logos
The cabin design cocoons the driver, with controls and screens angled towards them for a cockpit-like feel. Ambient lighting, high-quality trim inserts, and premium audio complete the experience.
Technology and Safety
The CLE 53 is loaded with advanced tech features:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Over-the-air software updates
- Navigation with augmented reality overlays
- Voice control via “Hey Mercedes”
On the safety front, it includes multiple airbags, active brake assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree parking camera.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 vs BMW M2 – A Quick Look
While the BMW M2 offers a more compact, purist driving feel with a manual gearbox option, the CLE 53 plays to a broader audience by balancing performance with everyday luxury. The M2’s 460 HP slightly edges out the AMG’s 449 HP on paper, but the CLE’s all-wheel drive system and higher refinement give it an edge in all-weather usability.
For buyers wanting a stylish, tech-laden, and all-season performance coupe, the CLE 53 may feel like the more versatile choice.
Final Words,
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is more than just a new model – it’s a statement. With its potent engine, high-tech suspension, dynamic handling, and luxurious interior, it delivers on AMG’s promise of “Driving Performance” while offering the refinement Mercedes-Benz is known for.
At ₹1.35 crore (ex-showroom), it’s certainly an investment, but for enthusiasts who want a car that’s thrilling on twisty roads, stable at high speeds, and comfortable on long drives, the CLE 53 fits the bill perfectly.