Mercedes-Benz has a long history of producing sporting coupes. Earlier this year the automaker combined the C- and E-Class coupes to bring us the CLE. This sleek two-door model has now spawned a performance derivative badged as the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe.

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Sleek

The CLE-class range has a sleek appearance. A bowed roofline and sharp detailing create a shape that looks fast, even when standing still. The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe ramps up that sensation with AMG-specific touches. 

These include a set of racy 19-inch alloys that are housed under wider fenders than cooking variety CLEs. The AMG signature Panamericana ie vertical slat grille takes pride of place up front. There are also different bumpers at both ends, the rear has a quartet of pipes poking out, as well as a pair of domes on the bonnet.

And Quick

Under that domed bonnet is an AMG-tuned M256M engine. This 3,0-liter inline-six features turbocharging as well as a hybrid component. Peak power is rated as 330 kW along with a maximum torque value of 600 N.m. The latter is available via an overboost function for up to 12 seconds at a time.

A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels. The system is fully variable and continuously apportions power as conditions require. Up to 100 per cent torque can be sent to the rear axle under normal condition and there is even a ‘drift mode’ for tail-out antics.

The Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe is said to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,2 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h, but that can be lifted to 270 km/h if desired.

Our sources at Mercedes-Benz SA tell us that the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe will probably only be available locally at the very end of the 2024.