AMG coupe spans C- and E-Class models

PLUGGING a gap in the Mercedes-AMG sports coupe line up and “redefining the entry-level performance coupe segment” is the forthcoming CLE-Class coupe range positioned halfway between the C- and E-Class models.

In fact, the new model replaces two-door models for both ranges.

Mercedes-AMG says the sporty, elegant two-door model combines the best of two worlds: the agility and sportiness of the C-Class with the space and status of the E-Class.

The first one to arrive here at a yet unknown price will be the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe, with other (Mercedes-Benz) variants running different powertrains possibly in the pipeline.

The CLE AMG53 coupe model is powered by a high torque 3.0-litre M256-series inline six-cylinder engine with “double charging” via a conventional exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric turbo with a combined boost pressure of 1.5 bar.

Engine internals have been extensively modified to sustain 330kW and a maximum torque of 560Nm (600Nm on over boost for 12 seconds).

Additionally, a transmission integrated 48V starter generator briefly supplies an extra 17kW of power and 205Nm of torque while simultaneously feeding the 48-volt on-board electrical system.

Mercedes-AMG claims the ‘53 Coupe uses premium unleaded at a combined rate of 9.3 litres per 100km while emitting up to 220 grams per kilometre of CO2.

Feeding this healthy output to the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic + AWD is an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission with dynamics enhanced through the car’s AMG Ride Control incorporating rear steering.

In terms of styling, the new model borrows much of its shark nose front-end design from the W206 C-Class albeit with an AMG specific grille treatment, steeply sloping windscreen, flat rear windscreen, an elongated roofline and two pronounced ‘power domes’ in the long bonnet giving an aggressive appearance.

The muscular rear is characterised by flowing surfaces, smooth transitions, and two-part LED lights with three-dimensional light bodies. The rear lights are connected to each other by a dark red design element that emphasises the width of the rear.

The main elements are the round double tailpipe trims, which are integrated into the rear apron. Their design in the side area behind the wheel arches improves aerodynamics and air flow around the wheel arches is better. The spoiler lip on the boot lid is painted in the vehicle colour.

A tough stance is accentuated by the CLE 53 AMG’s flared front and rear guards, the wide track (+58mm at the front, +75mm at the rear compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class) and the 19-inch wheels with 20-inch wheels optionally available.

The sleek two-door has a longer wheelbase and is longer overall at 4850mm than the C-Class for gains to interior space particularly in the rear seat legroom and headroom measurements.

The interior boasts model specific equipment featuring “exclusive” materials and the latest generation MBUX infotainment system with a focus on the free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, the 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format and the dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours.

Sports seats in a combination of Artico man-made leather/Microcut black microfibre with AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting topstitching grace the hi-po coop. Real leather (Nappa) is available on request with a step up to the AMG performance seat optionally available.

Other AMG specific kit includes the flat bottom steering wheel and AMG exclusive info display styles.