Yahoo Autos 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 First Drive Review: Big-powered coupe tackles volcano
TENERIFE, Canary Islands – The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class has a lot on its plate. Not only does it replace both the C-Class and E-Class coupes, but it also has to fill the role of a convertible. As I experienced on the Spanish volcanic island of Tenerife off the coast of Africa, the CLE 450 4Matic Cabriolet is a delightfully comfortable and calm way to take in the scenery. It performs on a level that is well beyond what most drivers will ever desire, but we're not like most drivers, are we?
For drivers like myself who crave more excitement, there's yet another piece in the CLE puzzle: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. It takes the CLE 450's 375-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder and increases output to 443 hp and 413 pound-feet of torque. With an overboost function, torque peaks at 443 lb-ft for 10-second bursts. Borrowing from Formula 1, an electric auxiliary compressor contributes to that overboost when needed. On top of that, you get another 23 hp and 151 lb-ft from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. AMG’s nine-speed multi-clutch automatic is standard along with AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.
The changes aren't limited to the powertrain, either. The AMG CLE 53 gets vertical grille slats and a more rounded nose to blend in with its higher-performance brethren. The hood features more muscular bulges and a functional heat extraction vent. More significantly, the fenders are flared out to cover wider wheels and tires. The rear track is stretched 3 inches while the front gains 2.3 inches. Parked next to the standard CLE, the AMG variant benefits from a more athletic stance that is enhanced by some subtle aerodynamic flourishes. On its own, the AMG CLE 53 is tastefully sporty.
