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 switch. 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. Geared up with one in every of AMG’s non-obligatory Evening 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 sporting black leather-based with sky-high heels, cosplaying as the final word German villain.

Then it’s in regards to the width. Stuffed beneath the fenders are a set of Michelin Pilot S5 summer season tires wrapped on non-obligatory 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 count on this automotive measures any in another way. Regardless, it permits for an extended dash-to-axle ratio, putting the motive force behind the midpoint of the automotive. The again permits for the most effective view of the automotive’s hips, making the greenhouse appear downright pinched. The non-obligatory 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 non-obligatory entrance AMG Efficiency seats look like snug, if closely bolstered. The coupe’s sloping roofline means the 2 rear seats can 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 would possibly hinder straightforward packing. 

I’m a sucker for a black inside with crimson accents and this preview mannequin delivers. It has crimson seat belts and crimson 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 part 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, but it surely’s the portrait-oriented 11.9-inch infotainment display that takes heart stage. Tilted towards the motive force only a contact, it runs the most recent 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 Basic, Sport, or the AMG-specific Supersport types. My solely quibble right here is that it seems prefer it was simply plunked down behind the steering wheel. I need one thing built-in into the sprint a bit extra. 

As for the declare of dealing with like an AMG C-Class, that time remains 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 computerized 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 straightforward.

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

For those who’ve by no means pushed a Benz, to say nothing of an AMG, the corporate permits drivers to dial in journey 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 non-obligatory 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 clean, shifts are sharp, and turn-in is crisp. I see no cause for this automotive 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 count on costs to start out round $80,000. Search for it in the course of subsequent yr, and let’s hope it drives in addition to it seems.

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