Brutish performance car has arrived! 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 53 4MATIC+ stuns with rapid acceleration, 330kW of power and a price tag to challenge the BMW M440i and Audi RS5 Coupe

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed pricing for its new CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe, which has officially arrived in Australian showrooms.

Starting at $158,900, before on-road costs, the updated model boasts a "significantly upgraded” double-charged in-line six-cylinder engine with 48-volt mild-hybridisation. It provides a hefty 330kW/560Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.0 seconds flat.

That puts it at $5,800 more expensive than its main rival, the BMW M440i xDrive (285kW/500Nm), which starts locally at $153,100, before on-road costs. The BMW provides 45kW/100Nm less than the Mercedes, though, and is 0.1 seconds slower off the line.

It falls just short of the outgoing Audi RS5, which delivers outputs of 331kW/600Nm and a sprint time of 3.9 seconds. Prices are listed at $168,015, before on-road costs, on remaining stock.

The CLE 53 shares the same engine as the CLE 450, which is yet to be confirmed for Australia, but adds double charging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an additional electronic compressor that increases boost pressure from 0.4 to 1.5 bar.

Power and torque is directed to all four wheels through a nine-speed automatic transmission, while an integrated starter generator (ISG) can temporarily boost torque to 600Nm for a period of 12 seconds. Mercedes also said the ISG can briefly supply an extra 17kW/205Nm.

Standard rear-axle steering allows for more precise steering inputs at high and low speeds, particularly when power and torque are being maximised, while AMG-tuned suspension offers high agility and strong traction, according to Mercedes.

To compensate for the increased performance, Mercedes has given the CLE 53 a more aggressive design. That includes a raked bonnet, an AMG-specific front grille and large front and side air intakes for increased air flow.

At the rear the CLE 53’s design is characterised by two-part LED tail lights, twin double tailpipe trims, a diffuser-style lower apron and a spoiler lip mounted to the boot lid.

It has a wider track than its CLE counterparts, with an additional 58mm at the front and 75mm at the rear. As such, it carries larger 20-inch AMG Y-spoke alloy wheels that house red AMG brake callipers.

As standard the CLE 53 comes equipped with AMG Night Package I and II, which adds a smattering of high-gloss black trims.

Inside there is a 11.9-inch Tablet-style multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display.

Mercedes has standardised its AMG Dynamic Plus packaging, which adds a selectable ‘Race’ driving program in addition to ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport+’ when cycling through the drive mode selector on the AMG Performance steering wheel. It comes wrapped in Nappa leather and synthetic microfibre.

AMG-specific seats come standard in black leather with red stitching and AMG graphics. There’s also 64-colour ambient lighting, glossy carbon trims, AMG-branded door sills and floor-mats, as well as microphones and sensors placed in the exhaust to enhance the engine’s noise in the cabin.

Safety equipment includes a surround-view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, active brake assist, traffic sign assist and evasive manoeuvre support.

Customers can further customise their CLE 53 through the Plus Package, Carbon Package and AMG Performance seat package.

The CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe is available to order from dealers now.