The CLE has impressed with ordinary powertrains - how does it fare as a fully-fledged AMG?
Driving a car in the UK that’s already been tested abroad often presents an interesting conundrum. As cars become ever more complicated and time with them seemingly shorter, so it can be useful to swot up and not waste any precious minutes fumbling behind the wheel; on the other hand, you don’t want to arrive having pre-judged the car thanks to the stats and someone else’s opinion from thousands of miles away.
Certainly the newcomer passes the showroom test. Or the social media clout check, depending on your age. When so many new Mercs come out looking just plain weird, the CLE pretty much nails the established AMG aesthetic: broad haunches, great wheels, suggestive ride height, a whole heap of menace and a healthy side of attitude as well. Sometimes the old ways can be best, and there remains something very arresting about a big black Benz two-door.
What’s most notable about the CLE on the road is that it always feels like a proper performance product, not a car that needs a set mode or a gimmick to seem special. There’s tangible AMG expertise coursing through it.
Probably the 53 isn’t as sharp as the fully-fledged M cars that its spec and price neatly dissect. Maybe it doesn’t disguise its weight quite as uncannily, thrive near the redline as willingly, or punch from every bend so hard - but you won’t struggle for entertainment. As an early production model, this test car went without the Pro Performance Package that brings Race, Drift Mode and 168mph potential, although on this experience you’ll probably not need it.
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