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Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe: All-new high-performance model

Mercedes-AMG is sharpening its product portfolio and redefining the entry-level performance coupe segment with the release of the all-new AMG CLE Coupe, a 449-hp turbo 3.0-L six-cylinder that is a real study in luxury meets gritty power. It skillfully combines the agility and sportiness of the C-Class with the space and status of the E-Class. The car actually has double charging -- one via an exhaust gas turbocharger and the other through an electric additional compressor.

Officially called the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, the sporty and elegant two-door's power plant provides a maximum torque of 560 Nm (with overboost 600 Nm for 12 sec). The integrated starter generator briefly supplies an additional 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque. It also feeds the 48-V on-board electrical system. Other technical features of the new model include the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. The electronically limited top speed of 155 mph can be increased to 168 mph with the optional AMG Driver's Package.

The AMG high-performance brake system is tailored to the power and performance of the coupe: perforated and internally ventilated discs measuring 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are used on the front axle, and internally ventilated discs are used on the rear axle measuring 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating calipers.

Drivers can choose from five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual (personalized). Regardless of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs, the driver can switch directly to manual mode using the M button to shift gears exclusively using the steering wheel shift paddles. The suspension levels can also be selected separately if necessary. All-wheel drive is standard, as is rear-axle steering.

The AMG CLE Coupe sports a shark nose and a long hood embedded in the front end with two powerful power domes. The strongly sloping windshield and the elongated roof that slopes toward the rear also reference this. The passenger cell, which is set far back, leads to the sporty, short rear via the rear window, which is also flat.

Distinctive shaped edges structure the side view. The flared front and rear fenders, the wide track (plus 58 mm at the front, plus 75 mm at the rear compared to the Mercedes-Benz non-AMG model), and the 19-in. wheels give the new AMG Coupe a powerful appearance. Twenty-in. wheels are available as an option.

The main elements in the rear are the round double tailpipe trims, which are harmoniously integrated into the rear apron. Their design in the side area behind the wheel arches improves aerodynamics, making the air flow around the wheel arches better. The spoiler lip on the trunk lid is painted in the vehicle color but is also optionally available in black as part of the AMG styling package. An optional AMG Optics package provides even sportier accents. It includes additional flics on the front and rear apron, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the trunk lid, and a diffuser board between the tailpipe trims. For further individualization, two AMG Night packages and AMG Carbon packages are available.

Inside, the Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe is filled with exclusive materials and the latest generation MBUX infotainment system. The eye-catchers here are the free-standing 12.3-in. fully digital driver display, the 11.9-in. driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format, and the dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colors. If desired, the lighting extends sweepingly from the center console to under the outer ventilation vents. In each door, a strip of light runs along the contour lines of the armrest and the beltline into the rear area.

Another highlight is the integral seats in ARTICO man-made leather/MICROCUT black microfiber with AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting top stitching. Other interior features include red seat belts and glossy carbon trim. Numerous upholsteries in leather and Nappa leather are available upon request. The AMG performance seat is available as an option.

Drivers command a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel in double-spoke design with seamlessly integrated buttons. The buttons have brilliant displays and an intuitive operating logic. With the driver display, the customer can switch between the display styles Classic, Sport, and an AMG-exclusive Supersport. The Supersport mode is particularly striking with a central round tachometer and horizontal displays with perspective that are located to the left and right of the tachometer and create a spatial impression of depth.

Many more features are available in this real stunner.

No pricing has been announced, but the Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupe should run substantially more than the base CLE Coupe, which will start around $64,000. We think this high-performance model will run about $95,000.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

Published December 2023

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