Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Coupe review: fast coupe misses mark

This two-door looks every inch the star and has all the mechanical hardware it needs to delight performance car enthusiasts.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 has stunning proportions. Picture: Supplied.

Imagine how horrible is must be being Hugh Jackman’s brother.

If it wasn’t the Greatest Showman actor’s ocean-view mansion in Bondi, penthouse in New York, house in the Hamptons, or bolthole in Hollywood that really grated, perhaps the most miserable part of being Wolverine’s sibling would be the fact that not only is the man genuinely talented but he’s likeable too.

In the automotive world, the nearest thing is a Mercedes coupe forced to live in the shadow of an AMG 63 model.

The C43 and E53 were OK in isolation but never came close to delivering the full A-list Hollywood sparkle of the more muscular C 63 S Coupe.

That’s because Benz’s performance division threw everything at the flagship 63, leaving little in the tank for the lesser models.

Mercedes’ latest coupe has movie-star looks. Picture: Supplied.

It feels like that’s all changed with the new AMG CLE 53. If you don’t believe us, just look at it.

Introduced to replace both the baby AMG versions of the C-Class and bigger E-Class, the new CLE 53 packs a far bigger visual punch.

There’s a wider body incorporating more pronounced front fenders and broader arches. The bonnet features a large vent and has prominent power domes, there’s an entirely new front bumper, while at the rear there’s a ducktail spoiler, large diffuser and quad pipes.

For those who think the CLE 53 is still too subtle, two further styling packs will make it look like a track-bred Black Series.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 stands out from the crowd. Picture: Supplied.

The weedy-looking BMW M440i and the anonymous Audi S5 don’t compete for looks and the Benz’s and its beauty is more than skin deep.

The CLE 53 is the recipient of AMG’s latest 4MATIC+ variable all-wheel drive that can channel all its torque to the rear wheels in its Race mode, while adaptive dampers, and agility-boosting rear-wheel steer are standard-fit.

Under the bonnet there’s still no twin-turbo V8 for the baby AMG but few will complain at the performance delivered by the turbocharged 3.0-litre in-line-six that has mild-hybrid tech and an electric supercharger to boost power to 330kW.

The CLE 53 can launch to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds. Picture: Supplied.

Narrowing the gap further between the 63 and 53, the hot CLE can launch from 0-100km/h in just 4.2 seconds and top out at 270km/h if you tick the box for the optional AMG Dynamics Pack. That makes it just three-tenths slower than the old C 63 S.

Of course, you’ll miss the raucous V8 soundtrack, but the in-line-six still sounds decent.

Behind the wheel, you’ll love the CLE 53 cabin and how special it is, but note the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and AMG Performance bucket seats will both probably be costly options.

Find your favourite country road and the CLE 53 is far faster and feels less of a blunt object than the old C 43 and long-legged E 53 cruiser. The ride is well-judged and, initially at least, the AMG coupe doesn’t feel like the big heavyweight coupe it is.

It’s more precise but less engaging than the old C 63 S. Picture: Supplied.

That said the fast CLE is neither as engaging or thrilling as the old C 63 S, although some will prefer its more precise, less-wayward dynamics.

Push too hard, though, and eventually its two-tonne mass will catch up on you.

Our car cooked its brakes after a dash up and down a mountain, which is disappointing and suggests you’ll need costly carbon-ceramic stoppers if you ever dare to indulge in a track day.

Another question that hangs over the CLE 53 is pricing, with concerns Benz might price it between $160,000-170,000 in our market.

That would make it more a BMW M4 alternative and at that money it isn’t a match.

It’s a good car but once again runs the risk of being upstaged by a more talented and charismatic sibling.

The interior is a stunning mix of luxury and technology. Picture: Supplied.

MERCEDES-BENZ CLE 53 4MATIC+

PRICE From about $160,000+ (estimated)

WARRANTY/SERVICING Five yrs/unlimited km, price not available yet

SAFETY 12 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, rear and front cross-traffic alert, rear auto braking, driver monitoring, safe exit assist, speed-sign recognition

ENGINE 3.0-litre in-line-six cylinder mild-hybrid, 330kW combined output

THIRST 9.3L/100km

SPARE Repair kit

BOOT 420 litres

Originally published as Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 Coupe review: fast coupe misses mark