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The saying goes, "The one who returns home in the evening, even if he left in the morning, is not called lost." This perfectly encapsulates the Mercedes-AMG story, particularly with the introduction of the CLE 53 AMG.
For a while, to meet environmental regulations, Mercedes-AMG downsized its famed engines—most controversially bringing the mighty C63 AMG from an eight-cylinder to a mere four. This move left many AMG purists disappointed. The CLE 53 is Mercedes' answer, an olive branch offered in the form of a glorious six-cylinder option.
🔥 A Thrilling Drive:
Engine and Performance
The CLE 53 AMG is powered by an inline straight-six cylinder engine with a 3-liter displacement. While I've only driven the '53s, not the '63, the exhaust note alone hints at its capability.
What truly sets this engine apart is its smooth and consistent power delivery. It pairs a turbocharger with an electric supercharger. Everyone calls this "electric assist," but that term is misleading. The electric supercharger’s job is to give the engine extra power at low engine RPMs.
This clever setup virtually eliminates the infamous turbo lag felt in most turbocharged cars. You put your foot down, and the car simply goes. The transition between the low-speed supercharger and the high-speed turbocharger is incredibly smooth, resulting in constant, usable power.
* 0 to 100 km/h: Approximately 4.4 seconds
* Power: 450 BHP
The car also features a specially tuned nine-speed gearbox (different from regular Mercedes models) with multiple clutches. This design ensures gear shifts are significantly smoother and faster, eliminating the jarring brake-like feeling sometimes associated with standard nine-speed Mercedes gearboxes.
🛣️ Handling and Daily Driving.
In Comfort Mode, the CLE 53 drives much like a regular, competent Mercedes. The handling is precise, making it a very convenient choice for a daily driver. It remains relatively quiet, too.
However, it is still an AMG, and its suspension is notably stiff. You will feel the potholes on rough city roads.
A major feature that aids city maneuverability is rear-axle steering. Despite the car being physically longer than a Fortuner, this system allows the rear wheels to turn up to 2.5 degrees at low speeds, making city turning surprisingly easy. At speeds over 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn up to 0.75 degrees for increased stability. One minor drawback at low speeds is the steering's weight, which can feel heavy.
As a long-distance cruiser, this car excels. It is perfectly capable of being a grand tourer, easily accommodating two people for long road trips, like a drive from Mumbai to Delhi.
🎨 Design and Interior Features.
The CLE is a brand-new coupe that slots between the C-Class and E-Class in Mercedes' lineup. It is primarily available as a coupe in India for the AMG variant (a Cabriolet option exists internationally).
Exterior Highlights:
* Length: Longer than a Fortuner (despite being a two-door).
* Aero: Functional air scoop on the front bonnet and working air inlets.
* Lighting: Digital LED headlamps.
* Wheels: Standard 20-inch wheels.
* Details: Frameless doors, rear diffuser, and four exhausts.
* Practicality: Boot space is compromised due to the presence of the spare wheel.
Interior Features (Closer to a C-Class):
* Cockpit: Three AC vents, a large touchscreen, and a carbon fiber-look trim.
* Steering: AMG specification steering wheel with carbon fiber and suede leather.
* Seating: The front seats prioritize luxury with a sporting flair (not hardcore AMG buckets). They include both heating and cooling, and adjustable thigh support. A handy feature is the automatic seat belt presenter that moves the belt forward when the door is closed.
* Rear Space: The rear seat space is surprisingly accommodating for headroom and knee room, though the thigh support could be better.
🎯 Who is the CLE 53 For?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 strikes a perfect balance of performance and luxury.
Its direct competitors, like the BMW M2 and M4, typically focus on hardcore performance with less emphasis on luxury. For someone looking for an outstanding weekend car that can also handle comfortable, long-distance touring, the CLE 53 is a stellar choice.
It currently faces no direct competition from Audi or Porsche in this specific segment.
Pricing Note: The CLE 53 is currently priced close to ₹1.9 Crores (on-road) in India, a very special offering from Mercedes. For those who want similar power in a four-seater SUV, the GLE 53 AMG is an alternative, priced around ₹1.9 Crores on-road.
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