I stroll into the stark Caja Granada Cultural Heart in Granada, Spain, and firm public relations people shuttle me over to get a glimpse of the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLE 53. I don’t even actually just like the AMG C-Class or AMG E-Class coupes, the 2 discontinued vehicles that this one is meant to interchange. They drive simply fantastic and dandy, however neither impress me visually. Frankly, I don’t have nice expectations for regardless of the heck this mishmash is meant to be.

Then I see it. Located in an outside courtyard surrounded by spiraling walkways, the midsize coupe is a stunner. What hits me first is its stealth. Outfitted with one in every of AMG’s optionally available Night time packages, this factor is a lesson in covert ops with its matte black paint, black wheels, and black AMG-specific grille. I’m picturing myself beside it carrying black leather-based with sky-high heels, cosplaying as the last word German villain.

Then it’s in regards to the width. Stuffed below the fenders are a set of Michelin Pilot S5 summer time tires wrapped on optionally available 20-inch black wheels. The sizes are staggered, measuring 265/35 within the entrance and a beefy 295/30 within the rear. That pushes the entrance fenders out 2.3 inches in comparison with the non-AMG CLE, and the rear will increase by 3.0 inches. She’s a curvy woman. 

A sculpted and vented hood tucks into that AMG grille, highlighted with only a contact of chrome. Flanked by tightly designed LED headlamps, the entrance fascia is extra menacing than the variations on the outgoing C- and E-Class coupes. Mercedes hasn’t introduced simply how lengthy the AMG CLE 53 is, however the usual CLE spans 112.8 inches between the tires, and I don’t anticipate this automobile measures any in another way. Regardless, it permits for an extended dash-to-axle ratio, inserting the motive force behind the midpoint of the automobile. The again permits for the perfect view of the automobile’s hips, making the greenhouse appear downright pinched. The optionally available AMG Efficiency Studio Bundle provides a rear diffuser and a extra pronounced rear spoiler.

Mercedes says the AMG CLE coupe is supposed to deal with like an AMG C-Class whereas sustaining the room of an AMG E-Class. I don’t get to take a seat within the factor, however the optionally available entrance AMG Efficiency seats look like comfy, if closely bolstered. The coupe’s sloping roofline means the 2 rear seats might be greatest for smaller passengers, however these rear seats can fold down in a 40/20/40 configuration to develop the cargo area within the trunk. Nevertheless, horizontal bracing behind the rear seats may hinder simple packing. 

I’m a sucker for a black inside with purple accents and this preview mannequin delivers. It has purple seat belts and purple contrasting stitching and trim all through with AMG badges scattered about. The sprint has carbon-fiber trim and the usual flat-bottom steering wheel is crowded with controls for every little thing from adaptive cruise management to the radio to driving dynamics. 

Nevertheless, the general inside design mimics that of the usual CLE and that isn’t a nasty factor. The cool-looking turbine air vents are right here, however it’s the portrait-oriented 11.9-inch infotainment display that takes middle stage. Tilted towards the motive force only a contact, it runs the newest model of the MBUX infotainment system with wonderful navigation expertise and a strong voice assistant. The gauge cluster will get into the tech sport, too, measuring 12.3 inches and configured in Traditional, Sport, or the AMG-specific Supersport types. My solely quibble right here is that it appears to be like prefer it was simply plunked down behind the steering wheel. I would like one thing built-in into the sprint a bit extra. 

As for the declare of dealing with like an AMG C-Class, that time continues to be up for debate till we drive the AMG CLE 53. This new mannequin actually has extra energy than the outgoing AMG C 43, however its turbocharged, mild-hybrid 3.0-liter inline-6 can’t maintain a candle to the facility and fury of the V-8 within the outgoing AMG C 63. 

Nonetheless, it’s sufficient for 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque going to all 4 wheels via a 9-speed automated transmission. This powerplant will get a brand new exhaust gasoline turbocharger that pairs with a brand new electrical auxiliary compressor offering as much as 22 psi of enhance stress. That in flip ups the torque to 443 lb-ft for as much as 12 seconds. This could make freeway merging and passing fairly simple.

However an AMG automobile must be enjoyable to drive, proper? Driving impressions must wait till after my villain cosplay getaway goals come true, however I could make some educated guesses. The all-wheel-drive system is biased towards the rear, and Mercedes says it could seamlessly change between the 2 axles. The usual rear-wheel steering ought to hold issues good and tight within the switchbacks whereas permitting for extra stability throughout high-speed cruising. Straight-line velocity is fast if Mercedes is to be believed: 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds. 

When you’ve by no means pushed a Benz, to say nothing of an AMG, the corporate permits drivers to dial in experience preferences six methods to Sunday. There are Slippery, Consolation, Sport, Sport+, and Particular person drive modes, however consumers can go one step additional to Race mode with the optionally available AMG Dynamic Plus Bundle. Inside these modes drivers can dial within the stability management and all-wheel drive system—the Race program even has a Drift setting—and the steel-sprung suspension has three totally different ranges of damper customization. 

Previous experiences with AMG have left me with excessive expectations for the CLE 53. In different fashions energy supply is easy, shifts are sharp, and turn-in is crisp. I see no cause for this automobile to be any totally different, however I must get a while behind the wheel to make sure. 

Pricing has not been introduced for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, however the present AMG C 43 begins round $63,000, whereas the AMG E 53 begins round $85,000. We anticipate costs to begin round $80,000. Search for it in the course of subsequent 12 months, and let’s hope it drives in addition to it appears to be like.

Mercedes-Benz paid for journey and lodging for Motor Authority to deliver you these firsthand impressions.