Mercedes-AMG has whipped the wraps off the CLE 53 4Matic+ Limited Edition coupé and cabriolet models, each of which sporting distinct design items and equipment packages.
The Limited Edition coupé model includes the German marque’s AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II and AMG Styling Package — all of which are exclusive to the fixed-top derivative. The AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package I is exclusive to the cabriolet. However, the AMG Exterior Carbon-Fibre Package II, AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and AMG Driver’s Package are available on both variants. The coupé rides on a set of 20-inch forged wheels with a distinctive cross-spoke design, replete with yellow accents, while the cabriolet features similar-sized, polished light-alloy items.
As a reminder, the current local CLE line-up comprises the CLE200 and CLE300 4Matic, both of which available in coupé and convertible body styles. The CLE200 and CLE300 employ 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines, producing 150 kW/320 N.m and 190 kW/400 N.m, respectively. However, thanks to the incorporation of 48 V mild-hybrid technology, a boost of 17 kW/205 N.m is available for short durations.
The (rear-wheel-drive) CLE200 coupé and cabriolet dispatches the 0-100 km/h dash in a claimed 7.4 seconds and 7.9 seconds, respectively, before topping out at 240 km/h (coupé) and 236 km/h (cabriolet).
The CLE300, which sends drive to the Three-pointed Star brand’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system via the same nine-speed automatic transmission as its CLE200 siblings, reaches the one-tonne from a standstill in 6.2 seconds (coupé) and 6.6 seconds (cabriolet). The CLE300 coupé and cabriolet’s top speed is rated at 250 km/h.
However, it is worth noting that, in the coming months, the German marque will introduce the CLE 53 4Matic+ derivative to its South African portfolio. Available in both coupé and cabriolet formats, the AMG derivative is equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, which produces a healthy 330 kW and 560 N.m of torque. According to AMG, these figures allow for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h. However, specifying the AMG Driver’s Package lifts the latter to 270 km/h.