Four Key Takeaways
- India debut: The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé arrives at ₹1.35 crore (ex-showroom).
- Performance heart: 3.0-litre inline-six with twin turbocharging and electric boost delivers 449 hp and up to 600 Nm torque.
- Track-inspired tech: Features AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, rear-axle steering, and AMG-specific driving modes.
- Luxury inside: AMG-themed MBUX infotainment, high-quality materials, and 64-color ambient lighting.
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz has once again raised the bar in India’s performance luxury segment with the arrival of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé. This striking two-door machine is a rare blend — carrying the nimbleness of a C-Class, the presence of an E-Class, and the raw soul of AMG’s racing DNA.
Positioned at ₹1.35 crore, it’s aimed at buyers who want more than just speed. They want the drama, the tech, and the everyday usability that makes it just as rewarding on a highway cruise as it is on a winding mountain road.
Expanding Mercedes-Benz’s Top-End Luxury Portfolio
2025 has been a busy year for Mercedes-Benz India, and the CLE 53 is its latest statement of intent. With eight top-end launches this year alone, the brand is clearly focused on capturing the hearts of enthusiasts who want nothing less than the best.
Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, calls it “a perfect balance of driving performance, unmatched executive presence, and a sense of occasion.” In other words — it’s designed to turn heads while thrilling its driver.
The Heart – An Engine with Two Souls
Under its sculpted bonnet lies a heavily reworked 3.0-litre M 256M inline-six engine. It’s not just turbocharged; it also packs an electric additional compressor for instant boost. The result?
- 449 hp between 5,800–6,100 rpm.
- 560 Nm of torque — with a temporary spike to 600 Nm under overboost.
An Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) adds a short burst of 23 hp and 205 Nm, smoothing acceleration and powering the car’s 48V electrical system.
It’s an engine designed not just for outright speed, but for responsiveness. Medium-speed overtakes feel effortless, and the 0–100 km/h dash takes just 4.2 seconds.
Power Delivery – AMG SPEEDSHIFT and 4MATIC+ Magic
The engine is paired with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, tuned for rapid gear changes, double-declutching, and multiple downshifts when you want instant acceleration.
Drive goes to all four wheels via AMG Performance 4MATIC+, a fully variable all-wheel-drive system. It can send power entirely to the rear wheels for a sportier feel, or balance it between axles for maximum grip. On dry tarmac, wet monsoon roads, or even loose gravel, the system adjusts instantly for optimum traction.
Handling – Rear-Axle Steering and Adaptive Suspension
The CLE 53 isn’t just about straight-line speed — it’s engineered to carve corners with confidence. The AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension blends sporty spring and damper tuning with adaptive damping that can switch between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+.
Then there’s rear-axle steering:
- Below 100 km/h – rear wheels turn opposite to the fronts, making tight turns and parking much easier.
- Above 100 km/h – rear wheels turn with the fronts, boosting stability during high-speed lane changes or sweeping bends.
The Interior – Luxury Meets Motorsport
Slide into the driver’s seat and you’re in AMG’s world. The 12.3-inch digital driver display and 11.9-inch central touchscreen are as much about theatre as they are about information, with AMG’s Classic, Sport, and Supersport themes — the last one dominated by a bold central rev counter daring you to push harder.
The ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfibre seats with red stitching grip you in place through corners while keeping you comfortable on long drives. The flat-bottom AMG steering wheel places drive mode toggles and performance settings right under your thumbs.
At night, the 64-colour ambient lighting transforms the cabin into an intimate lounge, making even a quick grocery run feel like an event.
Drive Modes for Every Mood
With AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, drivers can choose from five distinct personalities:
- Slippery – for wet or low-grip roads.
- Comfort – smooth, relaxed cruising.
- Sport – sharper engine and gearbox response.
- Sport+ – track-style performance.
- Individual – your custom mix of settings.
For purists, there’s also a manual mode for full control via paddle shifters.
Conclusion: A Coupé That Commands Respect
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé is not just a new model — it’s a finely tuned experience. It brings together AMG’s motorsport engineering, Mercedes-Benz luxury, and the kind of everyday usability that means you don’t need a racetrack to enjoy it.
For India’s growing band of performance-luxury buyers, this is a machine that doesn’t force a choice between power and polish. It delivers both — with a side of pure visual drama.
In short, it’s a coupé that looks just as good pulling up to a five-star hotel as it does disappearing into the horizon on a Sunday morning drive.