Skip to main content

In this article:

The Mercedes-Benz CLE-class had big shoes to fill upon its release last year; it replaced the time-honored C and E-Class coupes. However, Stuttgart conceived a performance version of the still-new CLE class: a 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe. Before we all get too excited, the new AMG Merc is missing two things. More specifically, it goes without two very important cylinders.

What engine does the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 have?

A 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 shows off its coupe proportions.
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 | Mercedes-Benz

The upcoming 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 packs a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine with an exhaust gas turbocharger. What’s more, the new widebody AMG model will send extra power via a 48-volt hybrid drive system at low revs. 

However, the new AMG Merc goes without the thunderous pantomime of the 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63. The reason is apparent: the two Mercs have different hearts. Specifically, the AMG C63 packed a savage-sounding 503-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine. Yes, it’s a dinosaur’s complaint to reject the merits of the inline-six. Still, the swivel-eyed lunacy that fans expect from a contemporary AMG Merc loses a sense of theatre when it ditches two cylinders. 

How much horsepower does an AMG CLE 53 have?

A new Mercedes-AMG shows off its interior.
The new AMG model’s interior | Mercedes-Benz

Despite packing the same 3.0L inline six as the Mercedes-Benz CLE 450, the CLE 53 boosts power up to 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. That puts the new AMG at around 68 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque ahead of its Benz-based sibling. Moreover, the overboost will build torque output to 443 for 12 seconds, per Mercedes-AMG Media.

It turns out there is a replacement for displacement. However, driving a car like a sports coupe is a full-spectrum experience: speed, cornering force, feedback, and, of course, soundscape. We all have our favorite musical inline-six engines. But there’s something about tire smoke scored with V8 thunder.   

While the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 might drop a couple of cylinders, it promises to be a handful

Although the new CLE 53 won’t be a V8 coupe like so many before, it promises to be an absolute scalpel. For instance, Mercedes-AMG installed rear-wheel steering and the marque’s 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system. It might not sound like a 2023 C63 S, but it will be much more sure-footed. 

Keep up with MotorBiscuit for the latest car content!

Related

These 2 Celebrities Totaled McLaren F1s

Best in News
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).