Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé Launched in India: Price, performance and features

The Hindu

a day ago

The latest arrival from Affalterbach has just touched down on Indian shores, aiming squarely at the sweet spot between style and speed. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is the newest star in the brand's top-end performance portfolio — a low-slung, two-door machine that looks just as comfortable parked outside a five-star hotel as it does carving through a series of switchbacks. It's a car for those who live for the driving experience, yet refuse to compromise on luxury.
Its proportions are pure coupé theatre: long bonnet, short overhangs, a flowing roofline, and that unmistakable AMG stance. Beneath the skin, the CLE 53 is every bit as serious as it looks. The heart of the matter is a reworked 3.0-litre M 256M inline-six petrol engine, fed by twin turbochargers and good for 449 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque — with a brief overboost nudging that to 600 Nm when the moment calls for it. That's enough to launch it from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, and while the top speed is pegged at 250 km/h, ticking the AMG Driver's Package box lifts it to 270 km/h.
It's not just brute force. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system adds a 17 kW (23 hp) and 205 Nm boost via an integrated starter-generator, making the throttle response instant and the power delivery silk-smooth. Paired with AMG's SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed gearbox, shifts are both lightning fast and satisfyingly precise, whether you're in relaxed Comfort mode or flicked into Sport+.
AMG's fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system makes sure every ounce of performance is transferred to the road with precision. In everyday driving, it can operate purely as a rear-wheel-drive car for efficiency and that classic AMG feel. Push harder and it seamlessly brings the front axle into play, giving you maximum grip when you need it. The chassis is equally adaptable, thanks to AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension with adaptive damping. One moment it's soaking up city bumps in Comfort mode, the next it's tightening its muscles for fast, flowing roads in Sport or Sport+. Standard rear-axle steering — turning opposite to the front wheels at low speeds and in sync at higher speeds — adds another layer of agility and stability.
Open the frameless door and the CLE 53's cabin makes it clear this is as much about the experience as it is about the numbers. The latest MBUX system is presented through a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, both featuring AMG-specific graphics and functions. Supersport mode puts a big, bold rev counter in the centre with performance data on either side — a digital nod to analogue sportscar dials. The seats, upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT microfibre with AMG graphics and red stitching, strike a fine balance between long-distance comfort and tight corner support. Ambient lighting in 64 colours lets you set the mood, while the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel positions drive mode selectors and key performance functions literally at your fingertips.
As expected from a Mercedes-AMG, the CLE 53 doesn't compromise on safety. Its array of driver-assistance systems work in the background, complemented by strong braking performance and a chassis tuned not just for thrills, but also for reassuring stability in all conditions.
AMG models have steadily gained traction in the Indian luxury performance space, with an expanding range that caters to enthusiasts across segments. The CLE 53 slots neatly into this portfolio, offering a balance of usability and performance that broadens AMG's appeal. With its arrival, Mercedes-AMG continues to strengthen its position in a market where demand for high-performance luxury cars is on the rise, and where discerning buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that deliver both speed and sophistication.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is priced at ₹1.35 crore (ex-showroom).
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