The Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 is the top-shelf CLE, for now
It’s the only finalist powered by gas
A Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53 costs $73,950
Mercedes has done addition by means of subtraction.
The CLE combines the E-Class and C-Class coupes into one midsize vehicle—and it does an admirable job in a shrinking segment. The AMG-badged variant’s even better: it goes for space and stealth and nails both.
The AMG-badged variant brings big coupe fun in a tidy two-door package—and it’s bested over a dozen nominees to be named a Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025 finalist.
2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53
Can it win? Well, it’s the only finalist with a tailpipe. The AMG badge brings two turbos to the table, but not in the usual way. The 3.0–liter inline-6 gets an electric turbocharger, which uses boost pressure to fill the gaps until the exhaust gas turbo spools up. It’s rated at 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, but that can rise to 443 lb-ft of torque for 10-second bursts thanks to an overboost function.
The entire powertrain is a mild hybrid thanks to a 48-volt starter-generator. It’s sandwiched between the transmission and engine adding 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque at lower speeds. It’s capable of aiding take-off during low-speed starts. That transmission is a 9-speed automatic with a torque converter rather than a more AMG-like wet clutch.
Sport+ is where things really wake up with snaps, crackles, and pops when overrun kicks in. Between gearshifts there’s a quick burp that pairs with the engine’s growl. Power is plentiful and comes on quickly thanks to that electric turbo, but the fire and fury of AMG hair-raising V-8s is notably absent.
The AMG CLE 53 checks in mid-pack among our finalists, with a 0-60 mph sprint of 4.0 seconds.
The chassis is neutral and the sport-oriented all-wheel-drive system is fine letting the tail hang out. Both on the track or a back country dirt road, the CLE 53 is comfortable and controlled.
2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53
2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53
Inside, AMG lays on the luxury treatment with available high-back sport bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, and AMG-specific software. AMG steering wheel knobs control the drive modes, suspension, and exhaust.
The AMG CLE 53 isn’t cheap at $73,950 including a $1,150 destination charge. That’s far from expensive in this year’s competitive set. The question comes down to whether the junior AMG with only a 53 on its trunklid instead of a CLE 63 badge can take the crown.
Can the luxury Mercedes coupe with its F1-like turbocharger tech and luxurious interior take the win? Will it be named Motor Authority Best Car To Buy 2025? Can it beat an electric sports car from Hyundai, a sporty electric Porsche SUV, and electric SUVs from Acura and Rivian? Check back Jan. 6 when we reveal the winner, along with the champs from our other sites, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.
