The middle of the pack Mercedes AMG, the CLE 53, proves that it can hang around the big boys in recent long-term testing.

Mercedes AMG CLE 53 – Long-Term Test: Key Points

Goldilocks Package: Slots perfectly between C-Class and E-Class in size and price
Power Beast: 3.0-liter inline-six engine delivers potent 443bhp and 413lb-ft of torque
Tech-Forward: Includes rear-wheel steering and adaptive sports suspension as standard
Luxe Interior: Night Edition Premium Plus trim pushes price to over $85,000
Daily Driver: Balance of performance and practicality for everyday use

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 is like that chill friend who turns heads without trying. It just crushes everything it does!

Autocar just wrapped up their long-term test of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53, and I’ve gotta say, this thing is basically the Goldilocks of the Mercedes lineup. Not too small, not too big, not too soft, not too hardcore – just right. And I mean that in the best possible way.

If you’re scratching your head wondering, “Wait, what the heck is a CLE?” – don’t worry, you’re not going crazy. Mercedes created this model to replace both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets. It’s a smart move that streamlines their lineup while still giving buyers what they want: a gorgeous two-door with serious presence.

Under the hood, you’ll find a 3.0-liter inline-six that’s pushing out a meaty 443bhp and 413lb-ft of torque. That’s enough juice to make this thing properly quick, but not so much that you’ll feel like you’re trying to tame a wild animal on your morning commute. It’s the perfect balance of “This is insane” power and “I can actually use this daily” practicality.

What really sets this car apart is the standard tech. Mercedes didn’t cheap out here – rear-wheel steering and adaptive sports suspension come standard. If you’ve never experienced rear-wheel steering before, just know it makes the car feel smaller and more nimble than it actually is, which is a total game-changer in tight parking garages or winding back roads.

The nine-speed automatic transmission is slick and intelligent, rarely putting a foot wrong whether you’re cruising or pushing hard. It seems Mercedes has finally sorted their transmission programming after some hit-or-miss efforts in recent years.

Inside, it’s typical modern Mercedes – which means it’s gorgeous but also a bit screen-heavy. The ambient lighting effects are like having your own personal nightclub, and the seats strike that perfect balance between support for spirited driving and comfort for long hauls. My only gripe? The touch-sensitive controls that sometimes require more attention than they should.

Price-wise, you’re looking at an MSRP of $74,300 to start, but let’s be real, nobody buys a base model AMG without splashing on some extras (I think). The Night Edition Premium Plus trim and a couple of extra options pushes things north of $85,000, which puts it in some seriously competitive territory. Things can get wilder and more expensive with the Manufaktur special edition CLE 53.

Where does it fit in the market? It’s a more mature alternative to the BMW M4, which is more aggressive but also more demanding to drive daily. It’s less boat-like than the 8 Series, offering a more engaging experience when the roads get twisty.

After months of daily use, Autocar concluded that the CLE 53 manages that rare feat of being both special enough to make you feel something when you drive it, but practical enough that you’ll actually want to use it every day. And in a world of increasingly specialized vehicles, that versatility might be the most impressive feature of all.

Interesting Facts

The CLE name is part of Mercedes’ effort to simplify their model lineup, which had grown unwieldy with too many niche vehicles
The inline-six engine configuration is a return to Mercedes’ heritage – they were famous for their straight-six engines before switching to V6s in the 1990s
Rear-wheel steering can reduce turning circle by up to 3 feet, making parking significantly easier
The “53” AMG designation indicates the middle performance tier – not as wild as “63” or even the 63s models but more potent than “35” or “43” versions