If you’re not caught up to speed, the C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe are no more. Instead, Mercedes have fused them together into one offering, the CLE Coupe, now unveiled in AMG guise.

As the -53 suffix suggests, the CLE 53 will use a 3.0-litre inline-six engine, modified with both an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor. Total output will be 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, with an overboost function ramping that up to 443 lb-ft for up to 12 seconds. Mercedes estimates it will hit 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 249 km/h. That should line up nicely against the BMW M440i xDrive Coupe, Audi S5 Coupe, and Lexus RC 350.

Tagging along is a 48-volt integrated starter generator that assists with energy recuperation, start-stop operations, and low-speed acceleration, providing a supplementary 23 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Completing the powertrain is a 9-speed automatic transmission and fully variable all-wheel drive.

The CLE 53 Coupe is equipped with an adaptive suspension and three different modes of adjustment, which should allow for a good balance between comfort and sporty ride qualities. Also in the mix are variable steering ratios, and standard rear-axle steering (up to 2.5 degrees), the latter of which effectively shortens its turning radius, and also improves high-speed stability.

As with every other AMG on tap, the CLE 53 offers many different driving modes to choose from: Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Drivers can also adjust the dynamic control system, from Basic, Advanced, and Pro levels, each influencing the stability control and the all-wheel drive system for how much grip and electric assistance is desired on the road.

Of note, this is a completely different powertrain that what’s on the C 43 AMG we drove recently, which makes use of an electric turbocharger instead sourced from Formula 1 technology. And we’re surprised it wasn’t used here.

Up front, the CLE receives the expected AMG treatment with flared fenders, a large air inlet on the front hood, a wider track (+58.4 mm front, +76.2 mm rear) compared to the regular CLE, and standard 19-inch wheels with optional 20s. It’s not an eye-opening or even substantial visual upgrade over the outgoing E 53 AMG, but the subtle sharpening of its silhouette and broadening of its shoulders gives this new CLE more road presence. Of note, the official AMG badge is now perched on the nose, rather than the traditional silver star.

The rear end is a clever mix of the outgoing C- and E-Class Coupes, with its sloped trunk lid and rear spoiler. We’re glad they didn’t go the full unibrow route with the LED lights, as it seems to be the norm with lazy automotive design these days. Quad exhaust pipes round out the rear.

Inside is a familiar affair to the C-Class and GLC-Class. A large 12.3-inch driver’s display flanks an even larger steering wheel with more spokes than you can imagine. Each are loaded with haptic touch sensors instead of real buttons and dials, which still irk us to this day. A sizeable 11.9-inch touchscreen lies in the center in portrait format, and based on our prior experience with this screen in the C-Class, it’s a vibrant and high-definition system with zero lag but a moderate learning curve.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 will be available in Canada in the second half of 2024. Pricing has yet to be announced.