Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe (2025) Review

According to the brand, the Mercedes-AMG CLE blends the best attributes of the C-Class and E-Class two-door models into one dynamic package. I spent a week with the six-cylinder-powered model and emerged with mixed feelings.

Fast facts

Pros:

• Potent performance 

• Luxurious and technologically advanced interior
  

• Agile handling 

• Stunning exterior design with aggressive AMG styling cues

• Surprisingly practical

Cons:

• Pricing places it firmly in the premium performance bracket
  

• Some interior quality issues persist
  

Related: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S coupe (2025) Review

Is this what the new C63 should have always been?

Before you write me an angry email, let me explain. During my time with the CLE, it became clear that while it lacks the outright pace of the now-discontinued four-cylinder C63, it has more character than its four-door sibling, purely because of that more sonorous six-cylinder engine. This had me thinking, should the C63 have featured this drivetrain, but been badged the C53? Should AMG have fitted the six-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain from the latest E53 into the C63 and transitioned from eight to six-cylinders instead of straight to four? Food for thought, but based on the market reception to the latest C63, I think either of these options would have been better, despite how impressive I find the outgoing C63's performance.

Is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 a good-looking car?

The CLE 53 is one of the best-looking press cars I've tested recently. It features an AMG-specific front apron with larger air intakes and the signature vertical-slat Panamericana grille. The flared wheel arches add a muscular stance, while the coupé silhouette is beautifully proportioned. At the rear, the quad-exit exhaust pipes and a prominent spoiler lip confirm its performance credentials.

The CLE is one of the best-looking cars you'll encounter on the road

What's the interior of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 like?

The CLE 53's cabin blends tech and luxury, but some issues exist. The main attraction is the dual-screen setup, featuring a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, both with AMG-specific displays. The AMG Performance seats offer excellent support during dynamic driving while remaining comfortable for long journeys. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and I found the system to be fast and easy to pair with my phone, and the audio system to be top quality.

The cockpit feels driver-focused; however, some poor-quality materials are present, and various interior parts occasionally squeak and groan, which is a disappointment for a vehicle in this price bracket. 

While tech-packed and aesthetically pleasing, some interior material quality issues are evident

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 engine and gearbox

Powering the CLE 53 is a 3.0-litre inline-six turbopetrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system. The internal combustion engine produces 330kW and 560Nm, while the integrated starter-generator adds an extra 17kW and 205Nm boost when needed.  Paired with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift TCT automatic transmission and the AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive, claimed performance is strong, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds. 

Here's why a straight-six makes sense for AMG

• Inherent Balance and Smoothness- The most fundamental advantage of a straight-six engine, with pistons moving in opposing pairs, is its perfect natural primary and secondary balance. This means it doesn't require complex balance shafts or heavy counterweights on the crankshaft, which are necessary for V6 engines to mitigate vibrations. The result is an incredibly smooth and refined power delivery, a hallmark of luxury and high-performance vehicles.
• Modular design and manufacturing efficiency—Mercedes's M256 straight-six engine is part of a modular engine family. It shares a typical architecture with the company's four-cylinder and three-cylinder engines. Mercedes can manufacture these different engine types on the same production line using the same bore, stroke, and cylinder distance. This significantly reduces production costs and complexity, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process.
• Packaging and Ancillary Integration- While an inline-six is longer than a V6, its narrower profile offers modern engine bay packaging advantages. Placing a turbocharger and other performance-enhancing components is easier with the intake and exhaust manifolds on opposite sides of the engine. This is especially true for the M256, which was designed from the ground up to integrate a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The electric motor/generator, electric supercharger, and other electrically-driven accessories can be neatly packaged, helping to reduce clutter and improve overall efficiency.
• Emissions and fuel economy—Downsizing from a V8 to a straight-six, combined with the efficiency gains of turbocharging and hybridisation, improves fuel economy and reduces CO2 emissions. This is crucial for a company like Mercedes-AMG, which must meet increasingly strict global emissions regulations. The straight-six allows them to deliver impressive performance while conforming to ever more stringent legislation.
  

What is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 like to drive?

On the road, the CLE takes some adjusting to. Despite this six-cylinder engine being used in other AMG models, it's still strange to hear an AMG make the distinctive sound of a straight-six. The fact that some of that sound is artificial and piped into the cabin doesn't help. After a quick ear recalibration, you're greeted with a pukka modern AMG experience, where the product isn't just a one-trick pony, but one that handles well, brakes well and goes really well in a straight line.

Before my road test, I had a chance to drive the 53 around Zwartkops raceway at an event, and I was very impressed with how well the car disguises its weight (1900+ kg) while providing near instant power and torque, considering this is still a combustion-powered car. The AMG Ride Control suspension offers a balanced ride, firming up in Sport+ mode for maximum handling while still being compliant for daily commuting. The standard rear-axle steering improves manoeuvrability at low speeds and makes the car more keen to turn-in at high speeds. The variable all-wheel-drive system provides phenomenal grip in all conditions. While the engine's sound is refined rather than raw, its performance is undeniable, making it an incredibly satisfying car to drive fast.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 fuel economy

As a high-performance vehicle, fuel economy is not the primary selling point. The claimed combined fuel consumption is 8.6 L/100km, a respectable figure for a car of this power. In real-world driving with a mix of spirited and relaxed conditions, expect consumption to be closer to the 11-12 L/100km range, which is still reasonable given its capabilities.

Is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 safe?

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are renowned for their safety, and the CLE 53 is no exception. It is equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including 7 airbags, Pre-Safe anticipatory safety systems, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind Spot Assist. Since the CLE is based on the same architecture as the C-and-E-Class, which are both Euro NCAP 5-star cars, it's safe to assume that the CLE coupe would perform similarly in a crash test scenario.

How much does the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 cost?

With a starting price of R 2 086 466, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Coupe is quite expensive. This places it squarely against rivals in the upper end of the two-door performance segment.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 competitors

• BMW M440i xDrive Coupe (R 1 499 607): The M440i xDrive is arguably the most direct competitor, sharing a similar philosophy of a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and all-wheel drive. It offers 285kW and 500Nm, allowing for a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds. While slightly less powerful on paper than the CLE 53, the M440i is an impressive piece of kit. 

• Ford Mustang Dark Horse Fastback (R 1 523 500): The Mustang Dark Horse represents an entirely different philosophy. Powered by a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, it delivers 334 kW and 540 Nm of torque. With a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, it matches the BMW and comes very close to the AMG's acceleration, but does so with a rear-wheel-drive character. It trades some of the German rivals' interior refinement and technological sophistication for an old-school, thrilling driving experience and V8 engine note.

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a stellar example of modern performance engineering. It successfully merges thrilling performance and luxurious grand touring attributes into a beautiful package. Unfortunately, its pricing is steep. With a BMW M4 available for not much more money or the M440i coming in at over R500 000 less, it becomes a tough sell. For those who take the plunge, it is a great car to drive, and the performance is impressive, both on the road and on a circuit.