The Mercedes-AMG CLE – the successor to the two-door C-Class and E-Class models – has gained a six-cylinder AMG CLE53 variant in Australia to rival the BMW M440i coupe.
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 has launched in Australia as a successor to six-cylinder AMG versions of the C-Class and E-Class coupes.
Priced from $158,900 before on-road costs, the AMG CLE53 slots above the four-cylinder CLE300 launched in Australia almost 12 months ago, ahead of the upcoming AMG CLE63 which could retain V8 power rather than switching to the C63 sedan's four-cylinder plug-in hybrid system.
It is almost $30,000 dearer than the Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe last available to order in Australia in 2023, but nearly $20,000 more affordable than the outgoing AMG E53 Coupe – which is slower than the new CLE in a straight line – with the CLE acting as a successor for both vehicles.
The all-wheel-drive AMG CLE53 4Matic+ costs $22,300 more than a BMW M440i xDrive which retails for $136,600 before on-road costs – but the Mercedes-AMG has an additional 45kW and 60Nm, for a 4.2-second 0-100km/h acceleration time compared to the BMW's 4.5s claim.
Under the bonnet, the AMG CLE53 has a 330kW/560Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine matched to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, with Mercedes-AMG's 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.
A 15-second overboost to 600Nm is available, while the mild-hybrid system's integrated starter generator can momentarily add up to 17kW and 205Nm boost when accelerating.
The inline-six features an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric compressor for a 0.4 bar increase in boost pressure to 1.5 bar for a more responsive feel "particuarly at medium speeds".
Its front and rear track have been widened over a four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz CLE300 – which costs $123,815 in Australia – while styling changes include 20-inch alloy wheels, an AMG bodykit, front wheel arch ventilation, a rear lip spoiler, and four exhaust outlets.
The AMG CLE53 also adds rear-axle steering, adaptive suspension, speed-sensitive steering to offer "even more feedback as speeds rise", and larger front and rear brakes.
Customer orders for the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 will be open at AMG dealerships across Australia from Thursday February 27, 2025.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE price in Australia
Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 standard features:
The optional $2100 Plus Package, available on AMG CLE53, adds:
The optional $5400 AMG Performance Seat Package, available on AMG CLE53, adds:
The optional $8900 Carbon Package, available on AMG CLE53, adds:
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
