2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé: A brand-new model in the performance coupé market
2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé: A brand-new model in the performance coupé market
Table of Contents
Six-cylinder inline engine with built-in starter generator and electric secondary compressor in Mercedes
The 3.0-liter M 256 inline six-cylinder turbo engine is a completely redesigned version that powers the new CLE 53 4MATIC+. Above all, the M 256M, the facelift generation of the high-performance engine, impresses with its new exhaust gas turbocharger, new piston rings, optimized injection, and optimized combustion chambers with redesigned inlet and outlet channels.
When combined with the new electric additional compressor, this provides a 0.4 bar to 1.5 bar boost pressure increase, resulting in a higher torque of 560 Nm during continuous operation and 600 Nm during up to 12 seconds of overboots.
Efficiency is also improved by the new, second-generation integrated starter generator (ISG). The gearbox bell housing now incorporates this. It serves as the hub of the 48-volt electrical system, performs hybrid duties, and acts as an electrical generator. These include recuperation, load point shifting, sailing, and the nearly imperceptible engine restart during the start-stop function. Short-term boosting with 17 kW (23 hp) of power and 205 Nm of torque is also included.
The exact bonnet shape, along with the front section’s progressive forward slope (dubbed the “Shark Nose”), guarantee a stylish yet sporty look. Particularly striking are the AMG-only A-shaped radiator grille and the full-LED headlights with their sharply angled, flat lenses. As optional equipment, DIGITAL LIGHT headlights with and without projection capabilities are offered. Their dynamic appearance is further enhanced by the blue lighting on the base of the headlights and the elliptical daytime running light.
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission with adjusted switching times and high efficiency
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which is mated to a 3.0-liter in-line engine, dazzles with its modified shift times, snappy reactions, double-declutching capability, and multiple downshifts. Either a shift up or down is made right away. Particularly when using the manual mode and the “Sport+” driving program, the transmission behaves very erratically.
Depending on the driving program chosen, options include fuel-saving driving, dynamic acceleration maneuvers, and modified shifting times. The galvanized shift paddles behind the steering wheel rim on the left and right can be used to manually shift the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission.
The visually arresting front apron is elevated in the center in the form of an A-shape, or “A-wing.” This permits high air flow through a sizable air inlet. This also holds true for the two cross-slat outer air inlets. The side view is structured by distinct shaped edges.
The new AMG Coupé has a commanding look thanks to its flared front and rear fenders, wide track (which is increased by 58 millimeters in the front and 75 millimeters in the back compared to the Mercedes-Benz model), and 19-inch wheels. Optional 20-inch wheels are offered.
Flowing surfaces, seamless transitions, and the two-part LED lights with three-dimensional light bodies define the muscular back. A dark red design element connects the rear lights to one another. It draws attention to how wide the back is. The round double tailpipe trims are the focal point; they blend in perfectly with the rear apron.
Aerodynamics are improved by their design in the side area behind the wheel arches, which results in better airflow. The trunk lid’s spoiler lip is painted the same color as the car, but the AMG styling package also offers an optional black finish.
AMG Dynamic Select features at your fingertips
The five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs—”Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” “Sport+,” and “Individual”—allow users to easily adjust the features of the new 53 models. The differences range from highly sporty to comfortable and effective. Significant parameters are altered, including the engine, transmission, chassis, and steering response behavior.
The driver can use the “M” button to switch to manual mode and only use the steering wheel shift paddles to shift gears, regardless of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs. If required, the suspension levels can also be chosen individually.
The AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programs incorporate the AMG DYNAMICS driving dynamics control system. For instance, it affects the all-wheel drive or ESP (Electronic Stability Program) control strategies in the “Basic,” “Advanced,” and “Pro” levels. The intelligent pre-control predicts the intended vehicle behavior based on sensor data and the driver’s actions.
The range allows for more comfortable or especially sporty driving, ranging from incredibly stable to highly dynamic. The AMG steering wheel buttons can also be used to directly select the AMG DYNAMICS functions. Depending on the specific needs of each customer, a broad range of sportiness, elegance, and lifestyle are possible thanks to the vehicle’s adjustable features and abundant equipment options.
Interior featuring separate apparatus and designated exhibits
Passengers are greeted inside by special furnishings, high-quality materials, and the newest MBUX infotainment system. The 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display in a user-friendly portrait format, the free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, and the dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colors are the focal points. It sweeps sweepingly, if desired, from the center console to beneath the exterior ventilation vents. A strip of light extends into the back area of each door, following the armrest and beltline’s contour lines.
The integral seats in ARTICO man-made leather and MICROCUT black microfiber, featuring AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting topstitching, are another highlight. They have robust lateral support along with sportiness. Shiny carbon trim and red seat belts are additional interior features. On request, a wide selection of Nappa and leather upholsteries are offered. The AMG crest is engraved into the front headrests when Nappa leather is selected.
As an option, the AMG performance seat is offered. It stands out in especially for having more prominent seat bolsters that provide even better lateral support. In addition to adding visual interest, vertical openings reduce weight and improve back ventilation. They also stand out in a different color when Nappa leather is used.
AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive with full variable control as standard
In both dry and wet conditions, the fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive provides excellent traction for thrilling driving experiences while maintaining a high standard of safety. The intelligent control is integrated into the entire vehicle system architecture, allowing for a continuous transition from rear to all-wheel drive and vice versa.
Differentiated application of the force distribution is made. The front axle is completely decoupled when driving at a moderate speed or in circumstances where all-wheel drive is not necessary. As a result, efficiency is raised. When using the ESP Sport setting, the driving style becomes more rear-focused. Additionally, the new AMG CLE Coupé is configured as a rear-wheel drive vehicle over the whole speed range when in drift mode.
AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension that is independent for excellent driving dynamics
Affalterbach developed the AMG RIDE CONTROL chassis, which provides increased traction, agility, and neutral cornering behavior. The steel suspension offers a high degree of ride comfort along with exceptional driving dynamics thanks to its adaptive adjustable damping and sporty spring-damper setup. Every wheel’s damping adjusts to the driving circumstances and the state of the road.
Via distinct damper valves for the tension and compression directions, this is accomplished swiftly and precisely. Furthermore, three pre-selected levels of the damper characteristic curve—”Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Sport+”—allow for a discernible separation between high long-distance comfort and sporty driving dynamics.
AMG speed-sensitive steering with three stages and rear-axle steering as standard
Increasing comfort and dynamics is also facilitated by the steering layout. Three-stage AMG parameter steering on the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé adjusts to the driving program that is chosen. Relatively little work is needed when parking and maneuvering. The modified steering characteristic gives the driver even more feedback at higher speeds, particularly when using the “Sport” and “Sport+” suspension settings.
The maximum steering angle that can be achieved with standard rear-axle steering is 2.5 degrees. Up to this point, depending on the AMG DYNAMICS setting, the rear wheels can spin at speeds of up to 100 km/h in the opposite direction from the front wheels. This causes the wheelbase to be virtually shortened, which improves turning agility, requires less steering effort, and increases maneuverability.
This indicates that when turning or parking, the turning circle is significantly smaller. The rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels at speeds greater than 100 km/h (which varies based on the AMG DYNAMICS setting), with a maximum 0.7-degree turn. Driving stability is improved by the wheelbase’s virtual extension: When changing directions, it builds up the lateral force faster, allowing the car to respond to steering commands more quickly. The chosen AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving program determines how the rear axle steering responds.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé is a stunning car that offers the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and technology. If you’re looking for a coupé that will make a statement, the CLE Coupé is the car for you.
- Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé website: https://media.mbusa.com/releases/release-da1366e0243935a3990ec43586b3f25d-the-new-mercedes-amg-cle-coupe
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé review: https://www.mbusa.com/en/future-vehicles/2024-mercedes-benz-cle-coupe
- 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé vs. BMW M4: https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/4-series
