Not content with just creating a comfortable, sensible and practical coupe that you’d happily do long distances in, Mercedes decided to add some spice to its replacement for the C and E Class Coupes.

Afterall, the AMG versions of the aforementioned cars (with chassis codes W205 and W213) bowed out with feisty, forced induction V8 engines. It is therefore only logical that an AMG variant be eventually added to the CLE line-up.

But not the variant that you’d expect. In recent years, Mercedes has added a middle-of-the-road variant to the vast majority of its model range. There used to be a gulf between the highest spec non-AMG model, and the full fat ’63’ AMGs. A gap that has since been plugged with the introduction of the ‘43’ and ‘53’ cars.

The CLE in question belongs to the latter.

Make it Wide, But Still Elegant

The standard CLE 200 is a classy and elegant looking machine. It doesn’t want or need to look aggressive or fast, because it needs to appeal to those seeking a two-door car that oozes Mercedes. However, Mercedes-AMG buyers are looking for a product with that X factor – subtlety isn’t very high on their list of priorities.

Unlike some of Mercedes’ previous AMG models, this CLE 53 still actually sports some very similar lines to the regular car. Though some of said lines have been creatively reimagined to better suit both the form and function of a higher-performing vehicle.

For instance, the front-grille still has the same shape as the standard car, but it has grown fairly noticeably. The lower part of the front bumper is also significantly more aggressive and muscular, which then flows into the swollen front arches of the car.

The quarter panels have also been flared out fairly significantly, and meets with a surprisingly restrained rear bumper design. For the most part it looks very similar to the regular car, with the exception of its pair of twin exhaust pipe finishes, and a faux diffusor. A small lip spoiler completes the AMG makeover of the CLE.

The AMG Interior Treatment

At first glance, the cabin looks very similar to the regular car I tested earlier in the year. Well, aside from the obvious penchant for car buyers to choose dark coloured materials for what they perceive as a sportier car.

But there are obviously differences made to turn a regular coupe into a high-performing sports car. Mercedes-AMG has thrown its parts catalogue at the car, with the CLE 53 featuring a flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel with its two additional touch-screen toggles, and a pair of sports seats trimmed in AMG’s Nappa leather.

The display units are identical to the normal CLE 200 electronically, though they come with slightly different software and AMG-specific graphics.

Surprisingly, there’s actually enough space for a grown adult to fit in the back seats too. Aggressively contoured seat backs add some precious knee room for rear-seat occupants, and there’s sufficient space in the footwell for some comfort too. The driver and front passenger will have no issue making themselves comfortable with the space on offer.

Hardened and Stiffened

Of course, the biggest difference between a regular Merc and an AMG variant is in the way it drives. And on that front, the CLE 53 is truly a very capable machine. With 443 bhp and 560 Nm of torque, the car is almost always eager to accelerate. The 3.0 litre Straight-Six also makes a good noise under load too.

This isn’t just a straight-line machine – it can, and will, impress you in the corners too. You’d expect a vehicle that looks as bulbous as itself to clumsily lumber itself when you introduce a sequence of bends into the mix. However, with its quick steering rack, properly meaty tyres and four-wheel drive, it actually has sufficient grip to take almost any corner you want, at any speed you so desire (within reason, obviously).

The rear-wheel steering system probably contributes to this sense of agility too. There’s definitely some evolution to the tech too, as it feels far more progressive than the units fitted to some of Mercedes’ other offerings.

There are some issues however. The steering doesn’t really feel like what you’d expect from a sporty car. Not a lot of feedback makes it through to your hands, a result of the car adding some additional heft artificially. Also, the obsession with overall performance means the suspension, whilst incredibly well suited for runs up and down your favourite bit of road, is very stiff even in its cushiest setting.

The Academic Athlete

Car makers are so focused on making their sporty offerings aggressive looking that it ends up detracting from either their own overall design language, or from the base variant that these cars were built upon.

But this isn’t the case with the CLE 53. It still retains all of the style that the regular CLE 200 has, but it has been tastefully reworked, rejigged and restyled to contain all of the gubbins that make an AMG, an AMG.

Of course, it is nowhere near as refined as the standard car, but what you lose in some comfort and NVH, you gain with oodles of additional power, and plenty of extra cornering grip. It truly is a car with a split personality, managing to look expensive and stylish on the regular, whilst then also being utterly wild when you want it to be!

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