Mercedes‑AMG has introduced the CLE 53 Edition R coupe in Australia, pricing it at $159,900 before on‑road costs, a modest drop from the standard model.
The new price undercuts the regular CLE 53 by $827, while adding a suite of visual and equipment upgrades not previously offered locally.
Styling upgrades and interior touches
Most noticeable is the AMG styling package, debuting in the market with a more aggressive front apron, aerodynamic side flares, a high‑gloss black rear apron and a larger rear‑spoiler lip.
Standard wheels are 20‑inch forged AMG cross‑spoke alloys finished in matte black, paired with AMG “track pace” telemetry software that records performance data.
The performance seat package equips the front seats with Artico synthetic leather and Microcut microfiber upholstery, complemented by vivid red seat belts.
Inside, the variant receives metal‑structure trim and a metal‑effect centre console, reinforcing a driver‑focused ambience.
These additions sit alongside the existing AMG night package and AMG exterior night package II, which provide gloss‑black exterior detailing, black‑chrome badging and darkened trim elements.
Powertrain and handling
Under the hood, the car retains a 3.0‑litre turbocharged inline‑six with 48‑volt integrated starter‑generator technology, delivering 330 kW and 560 Nm of torque.
Power is routed through AMG’s fully‑variable performance 4Matic+ all‑wheel‑drive system and a nine‑speed Speedshift TCT automatic transmission.
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Ride‑control adaptive suspension, rear‑axle steering and the “dynamic plus” mode allow the coupe to blend everyday refinement with high‑performance capability.
Mercedes‑AMG quotes a 0‑100 km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds.
While the CLE 53 competes directly with the BMW 4 Series Coupe, its price point and added equipment give it a distinct value proposition in the Australian luxury‑sports segment.
The edition joins three other AMG models that have received the treatment locally: the A35 Edition R, A45 Edition R+ and C43 Edition R+.
Mercedes‑Benz Australia has indicated an Edition R version of the CLE 53 Convertible is also under consideration.
Customer deliveries of the new coupe are slated to begin in August, with dealerships across the country already taking orders.
Beyond the visual upgrades, the Edition R retains a full set of equipment from the regular specification. The AMG performance steering wheel provides a sport‑focused grip and integrates paddle shifters for rapid gear changes. An immersive Burmester 3D surround sound system delivers concert‑hall quality audio throughout the cabin. The panoramic sliding sunroof adds an expansive sense of space, while digital‑light headlights project adaptive illumination that adjusts to cornering and weather conditions.
The infotainment suite includes MBUX navigation premium, which offers real‑time traffic updates and voice‑controlled destination entry. A head‑up display projects speed, navigation cues and performance data directly onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep eyes on the road. Safety and convenience are further enhanced by active distance‑assist Distronic, which maintains a preset gap from traffic, and active brake assist, which can intervene to mitigate collisions.
The CLE range, launched in Australia in 2023, replaced the former C‑Class and E‑Class coupe and cabriolet line‑ups, consolidating Mercedes‑Benz’s two‑door offerings under a single family. This strategic realignment means the CLE 53 inherits a blend of heritage coupe elegance and modern performance engineering, positioning it as a flagship in the brand’s Australian portfolio.
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