Mercedes-AMG E53, CLE53, SL63 & GT63 S: Launch Review

We drive the latest additions to the South African Mercedes-AMG line-up – the E53, CLE53, SL63 and GT63 S E Performance coupe – in the Western Cape.

Considering the less-than-enthusiastic reception to its complicated 4-cylinder turbopetrol PHEV powertrain, Mercedes-AMG is all too aware that its next product releases will be closely scrutinised.

Sure, the C63 S E Performance and its GLC63 S E Performance executive SUV sibling are brutally quick machines, but they lack character – a shortcoming that these new Mercedes-AMGs hope to address!

Mercedes-Benz South Africa recently hosted us at a 1-day event to showcase its latest performance vehicles; all of them are electrified Mercedes-AMGs, not to be confused with its EQ all-electric cars.

These still pack a punch from petrol powertrains, and there wasn’t a 4-cylinder engine in sight! Here are some quick thoughts on the Mercedes-AMG E53, CLE53, SL63, and GT63 S E Performance coupe.

Mercedes-AMG E53

Do you miss a thundering Mercedes-AMG E63 S with a mighty V8? Yep, so do we, but the Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach division hopes its new E53 (pictured above, on the right) will win some fans with its 330 kW 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol engine, which is augmented with a 120 kW electric motor.

The E53 is a proper plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a 28.6 kWh battery, an impressive all-electric range of around 90 km. The newcomer produces total system outputs of 430 kW/750 Nm, and if you activate Race Start, the power climbs to 450 kW, good enough for a claimed 0-100 kph sprint time of 3.8 sec!

When the heavens opened while we piloted the E53 (as they’re wont to do in the heart of the Western Cape winter), we appreciated the abundant grip provided by the Benz’s 4Matic+ all-wheel drivetrain.

While the E53 cannot emulate the feral fury of the previous-gen E63 S, there’s a maturity to the way that the ‘Benz performs. If you utilise its sportiest drive mode, the E53 may surprise you with its instant urge, but because it’s a new E-Class, you get a refined ride and premium experience first and foremost.

We did note quite a lot of synthesised sound in the cabin, which gets piped in via the audio system; it detracts from the overall experience, because the inline-6 produces a satisfying soundtrack on its own.

Mercedes-AMG CLE53 coupe

The CLE is the result of the C-Class- and E-Class Coupe ranges being merged. The result is one of the prettier vehicles on the roads today, with a long bonnet, elegant side profile and fleshy rump with smart-looking taillights. Of course, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 needs some glorious go to match the show…

To that end, the CLE53 coupe’s 3.0-litre inline-6 turbopetrol produces peak outputs of 330 kW and 560 Nm (with 600 Nm on overboost), giving the ‘Benz a claimed 0-100 kph time of 4.2 sec. That’s rapid, but best of all, the coupe makes a good noise, with great percussion courtesy of the quad exhaust system.

The CLE53 is refreshingly simple to drive too, with its all-wheel drive system allowing you to explore the limits of the car’s handling ability – and your driving talent – safely. Pity about the tyre/road noise filling the cabin, but perhaps we were spoilt by the excellent refinement of the E53 just a few minutes earlier…

Mercedes-AMG SL63

Finally, the R323-series SL has the engine to match its breathtaking looks. We didn’t mind the SL43’s 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol, but the 7th-gen SL, which was developed by Mercedes-AMG after all, was practically begging for a V8 powerplant – its storied lineage demanded it! So, in went the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine that produces peak outputs of 430 kW and 800 Nm.

The SL63 is claimed to sprint from zero to 100 kph in 3.6 sec and go on a limited top speed of 315 kph. So it certainly has the necessary performance chops, but how does it perform as a reasonably practical proposition? Handily, you can open/close the roof in around 15 seconds and up to speeds of 60 kph.

While its direct predecessor was a rapid cruiser when needed, Mercedes-AMG has transformed the SL63 into a ballistically quick and luxurious sportscar. Granted, we’re not sure how many customers will make full use of the performance, but it is pretty special and involving car to drive quickly. Better yet, the ‘Benz can revert to a comfortable grand tourer if you’re simply out to admire the scenery.

Mercedes-AMG GT GT63 S coupe

The Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance coupe is Mercedes-Benz’s Affalterbach-based division’s answer to the Porsche 911 Turbo, replete with active aerodynamics! Its outputs are simply mind-blowing: 600 kW and 1 420 Nm from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 combined with a plug-in hybrid system.

The electric motor (fed by a 6.1 kWh battery) sits on the rear axle, complete with its own 2-speed gearbox. It sharpens throttle responses and fills any gaps before the petrol engine spools up. You get the bonus of some noise-free motoring for short stints, but let’s be honest – it’s all about the power.

AMG claims a 0-100 kph sprint in just 2.8 sec for the GT63 S coupe, and believe us, the ‘Benz feels – and sounds – that quick. Our short blast up and down Franschhoek Pass reminded us that our bravery topped out long before this machine ran out of talent. If you utilise Race Start, the apex Mercedes-AMG will hurtle toward the horizon like an interceptor jet, and the exhaust crackles are simply glorious.

It demolishes corners with precision – the steering setup is among the finest we’ve experienced in modern machinery. Yet the GT63 S coupe’s ride quality remains supple enough for real-world, day-to-day use. With this model, Mercedes-AMG has well and truly earned a place among the supercar elite.