We've only just had our first drive of the Mercedes CLE, a car which replaces two model lines with just one, but already the much-expected high-performance derivative from AMG has been confirmed. This, then, is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic.
Up to 449hp and 600Nm
Powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged petrol engine in the main, the CLE 53 is augmented by 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. A 17kW (23hp) and 205Nm integrated starter-generator can add in its outputs as and when required to bolster the 449hp and 560Nm the six-cylinder unit makes - which even rises to 600Nm on a 12-second overboost phase.
That's enough for the four-wheel-drive CLE 53 to run 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, while its top speed of 250km/h can be increased to 270km/h with the optional AMG Driver's Package.
Sending all that power to the 4Matic AWD system is a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT dual-clutch 'box, while braking is handled by an AMG high-performance system with 370x36mm front discs clamped by four-piston callipers, with 360x26mm rear ventilated items and single-piston floating callipers.
If required, that AMG 4Matic+ set-up can decouple the front axle to save fuel, with AMG Ride Control suspension providing three levels of different damper comfort or firmness. Another trick to enhance the agility of the CLE 53 is that it is fitted with rear-axle steering, as standard.
Drift Mode enabled
To further sharpen the AMG CLE 53's handling, the AMG Dynamic Plus Package includes a 'Race' driving setting, complete with a 'Drift Mode' to allow for lurid oversteer (where safe, of course). It also bundles in a microfibre multifunction steering wheel, red-painted brake callipers with AMG lettering, and a set of active engine mounts as well.
For those who opt to do without the Dynamic Plus Package, five basic driving modes of 'Slippery', 'Comfort', 'Sport', 'Sport+' and 'Individual' are provided in the Mercedes-AMG.
As with all AMGs, the CLE 53 has a more muscular, enhanced appearance compared to the regular car on which it is based. The bonnet is an easier identifier, as it has two longitudinal ridges on it, which Mercedes-AMG calls 'powerdomes'.
Underneath this, the radiator grille is A-shaped and specific to the AMG model, while large air intakes provide the cooling for the 3.0-litre turbocharged engine. Full LED headlights are standard, but clever matrix-dipping 'Digital Light' clusters are an optional upgrade for the CLE 53.
Wide are the wings
One obvious feature of the AMG CLE 53 is its blistered wheelarches. These are flared out to sit over a wider track, up by 58mm at the nose and a whopping 75mm on the rear axle, in order to enhance the Merc's stability. As standard, 19-inch alloys reside in those arches, although 20-inch items are an option.
At the back, two-part LED clusters with three-dimensional light signatures are joined by a dark-red design strip. These sit above a chunky rear diffuser, in which the quad exhausts are situated - Mercedes-AMG says these are positioned in an aerodynamically optimised place, as they help airflow around the rear wheelarches.
The CLE 53 has a discreet lip spoiler on its bootlid, although this can be switched from body-coloured to black for greater aesthetic contrast if owners so desire. An AMG Optics package adds even more aggression to the CLE's standard, equipping the 53 with flics on the front and rear aprons, as well as a bigger rear spoiler and a diffuser board between the tailpipes. AMG Night and AMG Carbon styling packages will also be offered.
Screen-heavy cabin
Inside, the CLE 53 AMG is a strict four-seater - 2+2, really - with a deeply sporty ambience to highlight its (current) flagship status. It employs a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside an 11.9-inch central touchscreen which is angled towards the driver. A further tech highlight is 64-colour ambient interior lighting.
The integral bucket seats are trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Microcut black microfibre, with the liberal use of red featured as a contrast to the darker materials. So all of the topstitching, the panels in the seats and even the seatbelts are finished in the colour.
Upgrades will include the choice of leather or Nappa leather, and if customers go for the latter then the AMG crest is embossed into the front head restraints.
The driver of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic enjoys the use of a flat-bottomed, two-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel, which has selected switchgear on it as well as paddle shifts for the 9G TCT.
No word yet on prices or Irish specifications for the CLE 53, so we'll bring you those as and when we have them. For now, it's worth noting that for all its power, Mercedes-AMG claims reasonable eco-stats for the 53 as a result of its mild-hybrid status. So expect fuel consumption in the official range of 9.7-9.3 litres/100km, along with CO2 emissions in the 212-220g/km bracket.