Anyone who plunders their account in order to immerse themselves in the world of sports cars from Affalterbach in Swabia can expect a cultivated understanding. Everyone can see what a powerhouse you have standing there in the driveway – but it must under no circumstances appear flashy. The new Mercedes AMG 53 Coupé, built in 2024, rolls in with appropriate brakes. Well: at least externally. Good. The long bonnet with the two powerful power domes, the four lush round tailpipes, a few additional air inlets, the spoiler lip at the rear, the significantly wider track and various diffusers give you an idea that not everything is normal with the two-door car.
But the true values only become apparent as soon as you press the start button. Then the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine comes to life at the front and presses the typical AMG sound through the tailpipes. The starter generator is part of the 48-volt electrical system and integrated into the transmission bell housing. A revised turbocharger plus an additional electric compressor ensure an output of 330 kW / 449 hp and a maximum torque of 560 Nm. If you need more for a short time, the overboost function provides 40 Nm plus for up to twelve seconds.
The driving data is corresponding: It goes from zero to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, at 250 km/h it is limited, and at the customer’s special request also only at 270 km/h. Corresponding to the thirst of the “small” AMG: Mercedes itself states the consumption as an average of just under ten liters per 100 kilometers. Deceleration is provided by opulently dimensioned, internally ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear.
The drive is appropriate. About permanent all-wheel drive as standard. At least in principle. Because exactly how the power is distributed to the wheels is relative. Relatively dependent on how sporty you are. In the more relaxed everyday mode, for example, the front axle is decoupled from the drive, the power lies entirely on the rear axle.
Otherwise everything is possible. Right down to the neat drift mode. The three-stage parameter steering adapts to the driving program selected (five can be set at the push of a button on the steering wheel, from comfortable to sport), the rear axle steering (maximum steering angle: 2.5 degrees) ensures safe cornering and a small turning circle. The damping of each wheel is individually adjusted to the current driving style and road conditions. The nine-speed automatic transmission features short shift times, double-declutching function, multiple downshifts and short reaction times. Switch manually? Sure, it works as usual using the two paddles on the steering column.
Inside? Everything largely as usual. A flat-bottomed steering wheel with plenty of function buttons. Large display in front of the driver and a second, almost as large one in portrait format centrally above the center tunnel. Optional ambient lighting with 64 colors all around, integral seats in artificial or real leather, optional performance seats with particularly strong lateral support. Rear? Two seats with apparently acceptable lateral support, but hardly suitable even for medium-sized adults. Not to mention climbing there through the two doors.
Electronically, the AMG CLE 53 Coupé comes with improved voice control, a new MBUX system and the assistance systems already known from the S-Class.
How much will the fun cost? Still unclear. Mercedes is keeping a low profile with its prices. As a point of reference: The CLA Coupé from AMG is currently on the list from 65,462 euros, the 381 hp CLE 450 Coupé from Mercedes at 100,793 euros.
