2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Brings 443-HP Straight-Six and Sweet Wheels

Naturally more powerful than the base CLE, the 53 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged mild hybrid straight-six making 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. A temporary overboost function lets it make 443 lb-ft for 12 seconds at a time. The car gets from zero-to-60 mph in a Mercedes-estimated four seconds flat while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The engine is upgraded with optimized combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels, new piston rings, better injection, and a new exhaust gas turbocharger with 5.8 psi more boost. The electric auxiliary compressor is said to be improved for more torque over more of the rev range, allowing for the bigger turbo. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system provides as much as 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque and lets it travel at low speeds without burning any fuel.

CLE53 gets a nine-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and rear-axle steering of up to 2.5 degrees. That AWD system is fully variable, meaning the car is essentially rear-drive unless the situation calls for more traction. There's even a drift mode that locks power to the rear. Adaptive dampers and three-stage speed-sensitive steering allow the CLE to be hard and sporty when you want it to be, but soft and easy the rest of the time.

On the outside, the fenders are wider to accommodate wider tracks—growths of 2.3 inches up front and 3 inches in the rear over the regular CLE—as well as standard 19-inch wheels. Bigger 20s are optional. Peeking through those wheels are 14.6-inch front brakes and 14.2-inch rear brakes.

Pricing is TBA while arrival timing for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe is vague, and right now the automaker is only saying that it will come to U.S. dealers sometime next year. You're not likely to miss it with wheels like these.

Got a tip or question for the author about the CLE53? You can reach him here: chris.tsui@thedrive.com