MERCEDES-AMG CLE 53 COUPE

Extra 67bhp and dynamic upgrades for angrier-looking version of new two-door

- SAM PHILLIPS

TESTED 15.4.24, TENERIFE, SPAIN ON SALE NOW

Serving as an indirect successor to the E53 Coupé, the CLE 53 Coupé is for the moment the hottest two-door Mercedesbut while it wears AMG badges, it isn't quite a full-bore, Affalterbachmade model. A CLE 63 is on its way, but it remains to be seen what will power it: the latest C63 saloon fell way short of the mark after swapping its roaring V8 for a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system.

The 53 looks meaner than regular CLE models and gets a suite of powertrain, suspension and interior upgrades to give it a more dynamic and sporting character.

Among the visual changes is the adoption of a new front bumper, AMG's Panamericana grille, a large rear spoiler and a decorative diffuser. Also, thanks to wider wheel arches, it's 58mm wider at the front and 75mm wider at the rear.