The people at Mercedes’ performance division have been busy lately, recently dropping details of the upcoming SL and GT cars.

They’ve also been busy on the company’s entry-level rocket, the CLE Coupe.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupe will be available in Canada in the second half of 2024.

So, what is it?

Traditional Mercedes sedan naming uses single letters for each class, so A, C, E, and S classes. For coupes, including four-door “coupes,” the company tends to use a three-letter naming convention, such as CLA, CLS and now the CLE.

Here’s what Mercedes says about the new vehicle: “The sporty two-door model combines the best of two worlds: agility and sportiness of the AMG C-Class with the interior space and elegance of the AMG E-Class.”

What makes it go?

The CLE Coupe comes with an AMG-enhanced 3 L inline-six engine with turbocharging via an exhaust gas turbocharger and an electric auxiliary compressor.

It produces 443 hp and 413 lb. ft. of torque (443 lb. ft. for 12 seconds with overboost).

A 48-volt integrated starter generator allows the car to operate as a mild hybrid. It provides support at lower engine speeds with 23 hp and 151 lb. ft. of torque, along with recuperation, load point shifting, gliding, and a seamless operation of the start-stop function.

You also get fully variable all-wheel drive and a TCT 9G automatic transmission.

Mercedes estimates zero to 100 km/h sprints in 4.1 seconds.

What’s on the inside?

The 2+2 coupe comes with the latest generation MBUX infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a vertical 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display, and 64-colour dynamic ambient lighting, Mercedes says.

The CLE gets exclusive materials and customers can choose from several optional leather upholsteries, including Nappa leather embossed with an AMG crest on the front headrests.

Sporty seats are intended to provide lateral support. A double-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with flattened bottom comes standard.

What gives it its handling dynamics?

The CLE comes with speed-sensitive steering and rear-axle steering. It comes standard with 19-inch wheels and 20-inch wheels are available as an option.

An AMG Ride Control suspension is designed for agility, more neutral cornering and greater traction, Mercedes says.

Adaptive adjustable damping is intended to combine excellent driving dynamics and a high level of comfort. The damping on each wheel adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions via separate valves for rebound and compression in each damper. The driver can select damping between Comfort, Sport or Sport+.

Canadian pricing has not been provided.