Mercedes-Benz has streamlined its lineup by discontinuing the coupe and cabriolet variants of the C-Class and E-Class models. This strategic move created a significant gap in the brand’s portfolio—one that the new CLE is designed to fill. The CLE effectively consolidates four product lines into just two, offering a more focused and versatile range.
At the entry level, the CLE is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering a balance of efficiency and performance. For those seeking greater power and refinement, Mercedes provides six-cylinder options, culminating in the AMG-engineered flagship model: the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+.
Tech Specs
| Model tested | Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe |
| Irish pricing | CLE from €73,215, AMG 53 4Matic+ from €130,440 |
| Powertrain | petrol – 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 17kW EQ Boost hybrid assist |
| Transmission | automatic – nine-speed 9G-Tronic gearbox, 4Matic+ all-wheel drive |
| Body style | two-door, four-seat coupe |
| CO2 emissions | 217g/km |
| Irish motor tax | €1,250 per annum |
| Official fuel consumption | 9.6 litres/100km (29.4mpg) |
| Top speed | 250km/h |
| 0-100km/h | 4.2 seconds |
| Max power | 449hp at 5,800-6,100rpm + 22hp EQ Boost |
| Max torque | 560Nm at 2,200-5,000rpm (600Nm overboost) + 205Nm EQ Boost |
| Boot space | 420 litres |
| Kerb weight | 2,000kg |
Mercedes has divested its C-Class and E-Class families of their formerly more glamorous derivatives, in the shape of the coupe and cabriolet models. That, though, leaves a big gap in the German firm’s portfolio and so the CLE steps into the breach, designed to replace four product lines with just two. As a result, at the bottom of the CLE range, it is powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines, but for those craving a little more oomph there are some six-cylinder options – including an AMG-developed flagship known as the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+.
Further, Mercedes-AMG quotes less than 10 litres/100km (almost 30mpg) officially for fuel economy, although we guess if you’re deploying the full 449hp often then that sort of return will be a pipe dream. On a mixed test route of more than 100km, including motorway, urban and country roads, the CLE 53 used 12.7 litres/100km (22.3mpg) in our hands, which isn’t great but did include plenty of periods of revving the 3.0-litre straight-six to a notable degree. We reckon regular cruising and steadier driving should see those numbers improve quite significantly in the real world.
The reasons you’d buy a Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
Fans of Mercedes-AMG who lament the fact the current C 63 is a plug-in hybrid based on a four-cylinder engine will like the fact that there’s now a de facto coupe replacement for the old 4.0-litre V8 model, one with a big-hearted engine and plenty of style. For everyone else, the CLE 53 4Matic+ is – weird steering feel aside – a thoroughly capable and highly desirable sports car, which can do many things well while still giving the impression it’s something a bit special and out of the ordinary. It’s a likeable, distinguished alternative to the BMW M4 and, for that reason alone, we’re glad the Mercedes-AMG CLE exists.
Ask us anything about the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53
If there’s anything about the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ we’ve not covered, or you’d like advice in choosing between it and other cars, you can avail of our (completely free) expert advice service via the Ask Us Anything page.
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