Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic＋ Coupe
Turbo, supercharger and motor
Another feature is the wide range of driving experience depending on the driving mode. There are six modes: “Slippery,” “Individual,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Race.”
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[1] The engine is the “M256M,” an improved version of the “M256” engine found in the previous AMG E 53 Coupe. The electric supercharger increases the maximum boost pressure from 0.4 bar to 1.5 bar. [2] If you choose the Leather Exclusive Package, the tires and wheels will be 20 inches. The tire sizes are 265/35R20 in the front and 295/30R20 in the rear.
To be honest, I underestimated it, thinking it was just a Go-San, but the CLE 53 Coupe that appeared before my eyes exuded a strange awe-inspiring presence that couldn’t be explained by the vertical AMG Panamericana grille alone. Looking more closely, I noticed that the front and rear fenders jutted out significantly. As you know, AMG has a hierarchy of models: 63, 53, and 43, and until now, only the top-tier 63 had been given wider tread and overfenders. But with the CLE, it’s now down to the 53. There must be some deeper reason behind this.
As you know, the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe were combined to form the CLE Coupe. This time it’s the AMG version. The engine is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbo, and it’s even equipped with an electric supercharger for low speeds and a motor for boosting the ISG. In other words, it’s the same as the previous E 53 Coupe, but thanks to improvements to the intake and exhaust systems, pistons, turbo, etc., it produces 449 PS (+14 PS) / 560 Nm (+40 Nm). The ISG has also evolved into its second generation.
The drive system is AWD, and it is equipped with “AMG 4Matic+” which changes the front/rear torque distribution from 50:50 to 0:100 depending on the driving conditions. The transmission is a torque converter type 9-speed automatic “AMG Speedshift TCT” which has faster shifting speed.
A sportiness unlike anything before
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[1] The test vehicle was equipped with the Leather Exclusive Package (400,000 yen). Unlike the previous E-Class Coupe, there is a center pillar, which gives the body a high sense of rigidity, which also has a positive effect on driving. [2] The instrument panel is modeled after the C-Class. The carbon panel on the test vehicle was optional. The 11.9-inch center monitor, tilted approximately 6 degrees toward the driver’s seat, allows for detailed adjustment of the driving mode.
When you set the driving mode to “Comfort” and start driving, the ride feels just like an elegant coupe, typical of the CLE. Not only is the straight-six engine smooth to begin with, but the ISG does a great job of keeping the engine almost vibration-free when it wakes up after returning from idle stop. It also fully meets the luxury you expect from a Mercedes. This is where you can really feel the true essence of the 53 series AMG.
However, when you drive it in “Sport” or “Sport+” mode, a sportiness that is on a different level from the previous 53 becomes apparent. This is especially true in its handling. The CLE’s wheelbase is actually exactly the same as that of the previous E-Class Coupe. So it’s by no means compact, but it turns into tight corners with the same agility as the previous C 63 Coupe. I was curious and looked up the wheelbase/tread ratio, and it was 1.79 for the previous E 53 Coupe, 1.76 for the previous C 63 Coupe, and 1.74 for this CLE 53 Coupe. The wide tread really helps.
Heavy yet agile
The body size is 4855mm long, 1935mm wide, and 1435mm high. The wheelbase is 2875mm.
Furthermore, there’s rear-axle steering, which takes advantage of the short wheelbase. At speeds below 100km/h, the steering can be turned up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front, resulting in sharper, sharper turns that belie the solid, solid ride and stability you get when going straight. The moment you turn the steering wheel, it’s as if the car has been transformed into a completely different vehicle. This car weighs two tons…it’s hard to believe. On top of that, the 4Matic+ actively distributes torque to the front wheels, so stepping on the accelerator when exiting a corner further increases the car’s turning power. And what’s great about this is that it handles these movements with such ease from turn-in. The handling, which delivers a gentle reaction force and is considered to be a modern wet driving style, also adds to the car’s “sporty yet refined” character.
The engine is undeniably powerful. With three stages of boost from the motor, supercharger, and turbo, it delivers torque from very low speeds, giving it the feel of a large-displacement naturally aspirated engine. The exhaust sound is quite sporty, with powerful bass or bubbling depending on the driving mode, but the sound insulation is so good that it feels like it’s coming from somewhere far away. It’s a bit of an understatement these days.
As I was writing this, I finally realized something. This CLE 53 Coupe was developed by using new technology to maximize the merits of the previous E 53 Coupe and C 63 Coupe. It’s sporty for a 53, and high-quality for a 63. And this approach seems to have created an unexpected chemistry.
REPORT / Naohide Ichihara
PHOTO / Daijiro Kori
MAGAZINE / GENROQ November 2024 issue
SPECIFICATIONS
Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic Plus Coupe
Body size: Length 4855mm, Width 1935mm, Height 1435mm,
Wheelbase: 2875mm
, Vehicle weight: 1970kg
, Engine: Inline 6-cylinder DOHC Turbo + Supercharger,
Total displacement: 2996cc,
Maximum output: 330kW (449PS) / 5800-6100rpm
, Maximum torque: 560Nm (57.1kgm) / 2200-5000rpm,
Transmission: 9-speed AT,
Drive system: AWD,
Suspension type: Front 4-link, Rear multi-link,
Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs,
Tire size: Front 265/40R19, Rear 295/35R19,
Top speed: 250km/h,
0-100km/h acceleration: 4.2 seconds,
Vehicle price: 12.9 million yen
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