2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 unveiled, coming to Australia

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 sports coupe has been unveiled ahead of an Australian launch some time after its European introduction expected next year.

The CLE53 is the first high-performance AMG version of the CLE, the replacement for both the C-Class and E-Class coupe and convertible ranges due in local showrooms in the second half of next year.

With mild-hybrid six-cylinder power, it precedes the flagship CLE63 due sometime next year – with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine developing more power on its own than the CLE53's six-cylinder, and boosted further by plug-in hybrid technology for close to 500kW combined.

Mercedes-Benz Australia says the CLE53 will come to local showrooms, but it has not announced when it is due.

Powering the CLE53 is a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six cylinder engine, said to have been re-engineered compared to its previous applications in cars such as the E53, with higher turbo boost pressure and "optimised" combustion chambers.

It is now fitted with an exhaust-gas turbocharger connected to an electric compressor, which can spool up electrically to feed more air into the engine, producing more power and improving throttle response.

Outputs stand at 330kW and 560Nm in normal driving – up from 320kW and 520Nm in the E53 – or 600Nm in 12-second periods of overboost.

The engine is assisted by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system including a new-generation integrated starter-generator unit, which can provide a boost of up to 17kW/205Nm under hard acceleration, or switch the engine off under low throttle load on the highway to save fuel.

It drives all four wheels through a nine-speed multi-clutch automatic transmission and fully-variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, with a drift mode that disengages the front axle and allows for rear-wheel-drive motoring.

Mercedes-AMG claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds, and an electronically-limited 250km/h top speed which can be raised to 270km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package.

Standard fitment are five AMG Dynamic Select drive modes – plus further customisation for the stability control and all-wheel-drive systems – as well as adaptive dampers, speed-sensitive steering, and 370mm four-piston front and 360mm single-piston rear steel brakes.

The rear-wheel steering system is capable of turning up to 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction to the front wheels at speeds below 100km/h to reduce the turning circle – or 0.7 degrees in the same direction as the front wheels above 100km/h for improved stability.

Buyers can option the AMG Dynamic Plus package, with Race and Drift modes, a microfibre-trimmed steering wheel, red brake calipers, and active engine mounts.

The AMG CLE53 is wider by 58mm up front and 75mm at the rear compared to the Mercedes-Benz version, with unique front and rear fascias, vertical-slatted 'Panamericana' front grille, vented front wheel-arches, a vented bonnet with a 'power bulge', a small rear lip spoiler, and a rear diffuser with four exhaust outlets.

The alloy wheels measure 19 or 20 inches in diameter, while buyers can option an AMG Optics package with aero 'flics' on the wheel arches, a larger rear lip spoiler, and additional trim on the rear diffuser.

AMG Night black-out and AMG Carbon trim packages are also available.

Inside, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster gains an AMG Supersport view, and the 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen adds an AMG app with engine data, a G-force meter, lap timer, and other metrics.

There is a choice of "integral" sports seats with Artico synthetic leather-look and Microcut microfibre seat upholstery – plus red stitching and seat belts – or genuine leather and nappa leather trim.

Optional are "performance" sports bucket seats with a single-piece design and nappa leather trim. An AMG steering wheel – with circular drive mode controls – is standard.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 is expected to go on sale in Europe next year. Australian arrival timing is yet to be confirmed.