Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Is MotorAuthority Best Car To Buy Finalist

The beginning of the year is awards season in the automotive industry. Arguably, the most prestigious award, Motor Trend’s 2025 Car of the Year, has already gone to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. As of this writing, automotive enthusiasts website Motor Authority has not made their final choice yet for their Best Car To Buy award, but they have narrowed it down to six finalists, and Mercedes-Benz of Plano is proud to tell you that two of the six come from Mercedes-Benz.  

Of the two Mercedes-Benz models listed as finalists, one is the G 580 with EQ Technology, which is Mercedes-speak for an EV G-Class. The other Mercedes-Benz model, and the subject of this blog, is the AMG® CLE 53, the only finalist on Motor Authority’s list that runs on gasoline. 

At one time, a sporty performance car was expected to be either a coupe or convertible, and Mercedes-Benz has supplied plenty over the years. Sport sedans and high-performance SUVs have given buyers more performance options in the past few decades. While Mercedes-Benz has always been bullish on coupes and convertibles, it saw fit to combine the C-Class and E-Class coupes to create the CLE, some of which they handed to AMG® to perform their performance magic. 

“…it goes for space and stealth and nails both.” is Motor Authority’s initial description, followed by “The AMG®-badged variant brings big coupe fun in a tidy two-door package.” 

The core of that fun comes from a 3.0-liter inline-6. It is twin-turbocharged but in quite an unconventional manner. One turbocharger is electrically operated.  The boost comes instantaneously because it doesn’t rely on engine rpm. When the engine rpm is up to speed, an exhaust-flow-driven turbocharger takes over. The engine produces 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. An overboost function allows 443 lb-ft of torque for 10-second bursts.  

In addition, this is a mild hybrid powertrain, with a 48-volt starter generator located between the engine and transmission. With 151 lb-ft of torque, the motor assists the engine with smooth low-speed starts and subsequent acceleration. An 8-speed transmission controls power before being sent to all four wheels through the standard 4MATIC® system.  Consequently, the AMG® CLE 53 will reach 60 from a standing start in an even four seconds.  

When it comes to handling, Motor Authority describes it this way: “The chassis is neutral and the sport-oriented all-wheel-drive system is fine letting the tail hang out. Both on the track or a backcountry dirt road, the CLE 53 is comfortable and controlled.” 

Inside, the AMG® CLE 53 benefits from the elegant yet sport-leaning C-Class dash and AMG® sport steering wheel. Outside, its looks continue the great Mercedes-Benz coupe proportions of the two cars from which it emerged, with sharp character lines on the hood and sides and the distinctive AMG® vertically slatted grille.  

With a starting MSRP* of $73,950 (including destination charge), the AMG® CLE 53 is certainly no economy car, but it can be considered quite reasonable for an AMG® coupe.  

By the time you read this, Motor Authority will have selected their Best Car to Buy. Simple probability favors one of the EVs. However, if you have a place in your heart for a luxury coupe, you already know which is your winner. A test drive will seal the deal, so Mercedes-Benz of Plano invites you to do just that, where our massive inventory has multiple AMG® CLE 53 models from which to choose.  

*Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages, and accessories. Options, model availability, and actual dealer price may vary. See dealer for details, costs, and terms.