Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe: ‘Throttle House’ Approved

Is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe the perfect blend of performance and luxury, or an unfulfilling compromise?

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is here but what is it exactly? It is not a full-bore, go for broke performance car that seeks out the fastest lap time. With it being a coupe it is not as practical as a sedan. But the 3.0L six-cylinder engine with hybrid assist makes good power. It has all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering to improve handling and grip. It is bigger than a C-Class but smaller than an E-Class. So, again what the heck is this thing? Is it the perfect blend of performance, style and luxury? Or is it a compromise that doesn’t do anything exceptionally well and leaves you wanting for more?

A video was recently posted on the Extra Throttle House YouTube channel that attempts to answer these same questions. The guys talk about the specs of the new car, give an overview of the features and then get it out on the road for some real-world testing. The car might not be perfect (no car is) but it seems to offer enough to make it a compelling choice for those looking for a sporty Mercedes-AMG that won’t break the bank.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe

The CLE 53 Coupe is powered by a 3.0L inline-6 turbo with hybrid assist. It produces 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. That is enough to get the car to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat according to Mercedes. That is solid performance given the car tips the scales at about 4,400 pounds and has a 27-mpg highway rating. With a starting price of $72,800 nobody is going to call the car inexpensive. However, all things considered it represents decent value in the Mercedes lineup. That value equation will come up again later.

Style & Content

The car looks great. Both inside and outside Mercedes nailed the design. However, getting in and out of the car is a bit of a challenge as the doors are extremely heavy. But once you are seated, the interior of the CLE 53 Coupe is a nice place to spend time. Yes, it has large areas of piano black trim that will show every fingerprint and never look clean. But it is the same story with many modern Mercedes models, so it is not something unique about this car.

On the Road

What really matters is how the car performs on the road. And the CLE 53 Coupe shines here. If you know what to expect. It is quick. About as quick as any reasonable person would ever need. But you are always aware of the boost and the torque converter automatic transmission can be a bit jerky while going up and down the gears on the back roads. The steering is sharp and light. Just don’t expect this car to be a pure bred athlete. I

t is sporty but not a sports car. If you understand that going in, you will be happy with this machine. The highest praise given in this video review comes at the end when the guys mention that this car feels very much the same as the $100K-plus more expensive Mercedes-AMG S63.

When you think of it like that, the CLE 53 Coupe is a winner.

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Joe Kucinski

Joe has been obsessed with cars since he got his very first Matchbox toy in the ‘70s. In 2003, he found a new obsession in track days that led to obtaining his SCCA competition license in 2015. In 2019, he became a certified driving instructor for the National Auto Sport Association. His love for all things four wheels has never wavered, whether it’s driving some of the best cars in the world on the racetrack, tackling 2,000-mile road trips in 2-seat sports cars or being winched off the side of a mountaintop in a Jeep. Writing for the suite of Internet Brands Auto Communities sites, including Rennlist.com, Ford Truck Enthusiasts, 6 Speed and more allows him to share that knowledge and passion with others.