If you read the review of the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 that my colleague Samuel Tremblay-Michaud wrote, it is easy to see that this is the basic version. It was expected that a version would be developed AMG, and that’s exactly what the manufacturer did. Today it launches the first AMG version of the CLE series, the KEY 53 4MATIC+ that adds performance and style.
Several aspects were changed in the transition from CLE 300 to CLE 53. What stands out most and has an impact on style and performance are the flared fenders. The respective extension dimensions for the front and rear are 58.4 millimeters and 76.2 millimeters. Aside from this aspect, the front of the car has been completely redesigned, with a grille with vertical slats, a bumper allowing a larger air intake and the addition of ground effects. The rear part is embellished by a diffuser that reveals four exhaust pipes, while the trunk can be equipped with a spoiler depending on the vehicle’s equipment. Several option groups, including the “AMG Performance Studio Package”, the two “AMG Night Packages” and the two “AMG Carbon Fiber Packages”, give future owners free rein. 19-inch wheels are standard, 20-inch wheels are optional.
The passenger compartment receives the same treatment with specific seats for the AMG version, whose reinforcements and coverings are exclusive. There are various covers to choose from, such as suede or even nappa leather. Also on board is an AMG steering wheel that contains buttons for adjusting various vehicle parameters as well as some specific AMG applications in the 12.3-inch MBUX interface for the instrumentation and 11.9-inch for the center. Among other things, we can view the performance data of the mechanics. In the example shown, the build quality was very good, as was the space in the rear seats, which also accommodates tall adults.
technical changes
The stylistic devices only set the tone, as the mechanics have also been adapted. The 300’s four-cylinder is replaced by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that delivers an additional 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet, as well as an electric supercharger. Total output peaks at 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, which can reach 443 pound-feet for 12 seconds with an overpower function. With the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G nine-speed automatic transmission and the 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, which can vary the power distribution at the rear from 50/50 to 100%, the car reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in 4.2 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ 2024 Photo provided by: Mercedes-AMG
5 driving modes allow you to benefit from the vehicle’s dynamic qualities, including Sport+ mode, which promises a better driving experience by configuring the suspension, transmission, steering and engine. The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS option package also includes a RACE mode that helps maximize performance. In Canada, as elsewhere, four-wheel steering is standard to improve performance and reduce turning radius in city traffic. The angle of the rear wheels can be 2.5 degrees when turning in the opposite direction as the front wheels (under 100 km/h), or 0.7 degrees when turning in the same direction as the front wheels.
While the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 will arrive in Canada this spring, we’ll have to wait a little longer for the CLE 53 version. It is expected to arrive in the second half of the year, at an as yet undisclosed price. According to the folks at Mercedes-AMG, this new version is intended to be “the entry-level AMG in the CLE lineup,” meaning additional, more efficient versions will be added to the lineup at some point.
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