Is It Just Me Or...The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe

Driving 104 cars a year exposes me to a lot of automobiles. I'd like to think it gives me some pretty good insights.

Still, I'm aware that it's a life unmoored from some fundamental realities---like, y'know---actually paying for these vehicles with my own hard-earned money.

So that said---is it just me or is the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe a bargain...maybe even a steal?

Yeah, I know that, on paper, the CLE 53 Coupe (there's a convertible too) is competitively priced against its natural competitors (like the BMW M4 and Lexus RC F), but just going over the cars I've reviewed recently---there are a lot of ways to spend the same amount of money and not have nearly as much fun.

Under the hood, an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six with hybrid assist. 443 horsepower, 413 lb-ft of torque, with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension and rear-axle steering.

Put that all together and you have 0-60 times of four seconds flat, nimble steering and agressive handling. You also have a respectable EPA fuel economy estimate (20 city/27 highway/23 combined).

Sure, the trunk is small...9.8 cubic feet. And the rear seat legroom, well, it's adequate at 34.2 inches...but to twist a Bruce Springsteen line, Mama, that's not where the fun is:

Let me just say up front: There has been no color retouching done here. This is the actual interior of the CLE 53 I drove. That Power Red/Black Nappa leather upholstery is $2,590, but the metal weave trim and console are no extra charge---nor is the ambient lighting.

Back to price. As I write this, tariffs have been announced. By the time you read this, the prices quoted here may be very different.

The base price of the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is $74,300 ($75,450 including destination). It includes everything we've already discussed apart from the upholstery, as well as a Mercedes me Connected Services trial period (it's a subscription thereafter), a Burmester surround sound audio system with a SiriusXM Platinum Plan trial, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android auto, power heated front seats with lumbar support, LED side mirror logo projectors, a panorama roof, high-performance tires and a comprehensive suite of active safety features.

Our tester did have some extra-cost options...the MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey paint ($1,750), the 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke wheels ($1,150), AMG Real Performance Sound---enhanced in-cabin engine sounds ($550), multicontour front seats with massage function ($950), ventilated front seats ($450), a heated steering wheel ($250), an advanced USB package ($300), the Driver Assistance Package ($1,950) and the AMG Night Package ($750).

The bottom line on the window sticker: $86,140. Again, that's the pre-tariff price. By the time you read this, it could be considerably higher, as the CLE 53 is assembled in Germany and has exactly zero percent U.S. parts content.

Frankly, it's just stunning. Lustworthy. I want one. It's six figures worth of fun for (at least pre-tariff) a lot less than six figures.