Mercedes-Benz launches new AMG CLE Coupe in South Africa – Pricing

Mercedes-Benz is continuing its streak of new releases with the AMG CLE 53 Coupe – a two-door performance model that combines the best aspects of the C-Class and E-Class into one.

The new CLE has a starting price of R2,065,982, which includes a 5-year/100,000km PremiumDrive Comfort Care Service and Maintenance Plan.

Performance

The CLE marks the entry point to the performance coupe segment, though there’s nothing basic about its stats.

The new AMG features a 3.0-litre, six-cylinder petrol engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric compressor.

This double charging method means the sports car produces 330kW and 560Nm, which can temporarily be increased to 600Nm for 12 seconds using an overboost function.

Like most Mercedes these days, the coupe also has 48V mild hybrid technology with an integrated starter generator that can briefly supply an extra 17kW and 205Nm.

All of these elements combine to give the CLE a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.2 seconds and an electronically capped top speed of 250km/h, which can optionally be raised to 270km/h.

The German car also makes use of the AMG Speedshift TCT 9G automatic transmission, which connects the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system.

Owners can select one of five AMG Dynamic driving programmes for Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual, which will adjust the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering to suit the situation.

It also has a manual gear selection mode that drivers can access via the paddle shifters on the multifunction steering wheel.

AMG’s Ride Control chassis and suspension are also included to improve traction and ride comfort through the use of adaptive adjustable damping.

Another useful addition is rear-axle steering, which turns the back wheels by 2.5 degrees in the opposite direction at speeds up to 100km/h.

This has the effect of virtually shortening the wheelbase for more agile cornering and a reduced turning circle when parking.

At speeds over 100km/h, the rear wheels run parallel to those in the front to improve stability.

Features

As you’d expect, the coupe has a sleek design that borrows elements from both the C-Class and the E-Class.

It has a long “Shark Nose” bonnet that ends in an AMG-specific radiator flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights.

Digital Light headlights with a projector function are also available as an extra.

The front apron employs an “A-wing” shape for better air flow, and the car sits atop a set of 19-inch alloy rims, which can be optionally upgraded to larger 20-inch wheels.

Another option is the AMG Optics package, which adds sportier accents from flics on the front and rear apron to a more pronounced spoiler lip on the rear truck, and a new diffuser between the tailpipes.

Inside, the dashboard is dominated by the brand’s signature MBUX system comprising a free-standing 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen.

It also has 64-colour ambient lighting, and integral seats with Artico man-made leather and Microfuct black microfibre upholstery with AMG graphics and red contrasting topstitching.

Several panels have a glossy carbon finish, and customers can optionally replace the seats with AMG performance chairs with Nappa leather covers.

There’s a double spoke leather AMG Performance steering wheel with a double spoke design, and the digital display keeps track of racing data such as a G-metre, race timer, and warm-up parameters.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe