CLE53 vs 450
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2025 CLE 450, 2023 GLC 300
CLE53 vs 450
Depending upon the disposition on my non operable CLE 450, I might opt to step up to a CLE 53 instead of getting another CLE 450.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.
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Joined: Oct 2025
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So I test drove both and really preferred the CLE 450. The ride was just more comfortable and I preferred the steering feel. The 53's steering feel was stiffer, more like a BMWs; which I bet a lot of people would like, I'm just not one of them. The 53 is also wider, and definitely feels bigger, which I don't like. That being said it is a beautiful exterior design.
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As mentioned. The CLE 53 compromise is the stiff suspension not as smooth transmission. Other than that it is still a great daily and dual personality at a switch of the button. The CLE 450 is your typical everyday commuter.
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From: Utah
2025 CLE AMG 53 Coupe
For me - my choice of the AMG 53 over the 450 was based on looks. The AMG has a much more sporty look that grabbed my attention and apparently to those who see the car on the road.
The ride is comfortable in Comfort Mode. I have driven 13-hour trips in this car with zero fatigue or discomfort.
I did not get the motor-noise-in-the-cabin option so the car is quiet as well.
The ride is comfortable in Comfort Mode. I have driven 13-hour trips in this car with zero fatigue or discomfort.
I did not get the motor-noise-in-the-cabin option so the car is quiet as well.
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From: Naples, FL
2025 AMG CLE53, 2025 Range Rover P550E, 2025 Ford F150 Raptor
We got ours for the looks and (medium-ish) performance, quality/price ratio, and some other little items. We never even looked at the 450 or 300 at all, as to me they don't grab me.
The "loud engine" feature, you can turn off. Ours came with it and I cannot stand it being so fake.
You're doing the best thing - go drive it, go over the features it has over the 450 (if any) and see how it fits with your vibe, lifestyle, and expectations.
The "loud engine" feature, you can turn off. Ours came with it and I cannot stand it being so fake.
You're doing the best thing - go drive it, go over the features it has over the 450 (if any) and see how it fits with your vibe, lifestyle, and expectations.
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Yup I kept reading complaints of it being too quiet, I guess the CLE 53 targets a certain demographic: https://mbworld.org/forums/cle-class...ound-lame.html
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From: Utah
2025 CLE AMG 53 Coupe
Just finished a 763-mile leg of my current California trip that took 12-hours with stops. Nice quiet ride that allowed me to play my high dynamic range music. And I got 33mph on one long run.
I like this car…
I like this car…
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Massachusetts
CLE53 Cab
Witch CLE 53?
Yup I kept reading complaints of it being too quiet, I guess the CLE 53 targets a certain demographic: https://mbworld.org/forums/cle-class...ound-lame.html
Comfort or Sport mode?
Last edited by jerrya; Oct 27, 2025 at 09:39 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2013
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G42
Depending upon the disposition on my non operable CLE 450, I might opt to step up to a CLE 53 instead of getting another CLE 450.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.
I recently did back to back test drives of the X6 40i and M60i to answer that very same question, Is the M60i performance gain worth the extra price for admission. I had nothing but praise for the 40i, very sufficient performance but when I drove the M60 I was completely blown away by the performance gain. IMO it is worth the extra price of admission. Hopefully your test drive answered that question for you.
Last edited by Gidrow; Oct 27, 2025 at 11:08 AM.
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13.5 months ago I looked at both, chose the 450 because it was so much more comfortable. The 53 in comparison is very stiff and jerky, both ride and drive. Also I don't like the 53 baleen-whale grill.
Last month, because I really want the Pinnacle package, I revisited the whole thing and checked both ago. (Yeah, it would mean trading in a pretty new low-mileage car. No worries.) I still really dislike the ride and the grill of the 53.
The hips of the 53 look a bit more aggressive though.
Last month, because I really want the Pinnacle package, I revisited the whole thing and checked both ago. (Yeah, it would mean trading in a pretty new low-mileage car. No worries.) I still really dislike the ride and the grill of the 53.
The hips of the 53 look a bit more aggressive though.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 33
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From: Cleveland
CLE 53
13.5 months ago I looked at both, chose the 450 because it was so much more comfortable. The 53 in comparison is very stiff and jerky, both ride and drive. Also I don't like the 53 baleen-whale grill.
Last month, because I really want the Pinnacle package, I revisited the whole thing and checked both ago. (Yeah, it would mean trading in a pretty new low-mileage car. No worries.) I still really dislike the ride and the grill of the 53.
The hips of the 53 look a bit more aggressive though.
Last month, because I really want the Pinnacle package, I revisited the whole thing and checked both ago. (Yeah, it would mean trading in a pretty new low-mileage car. No worries.) I still really dislike the ride and the grill of the 53.
The hips of the 53 look a bit more aggressive though.
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2023 Mercedes s580
I had the previous e450 I now have the CLE53. The CLE 53 has plenty of wow factor and blows the 450 away In every metric. It's so much faster, has great steering, etc. Just look at the two cars. Almost all of the external panels in the CLE53 are completely different than the 450. It looks beefy and muscular.
I love my CLE 53 pounded honestly blows way the 450.
QUOTE=jpowell29;9225441]Depending upon the disposition on my non operable CLE 450, I might opt to step up to a CLE 53 instead of getting another CLE 450.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.[/QUOTE]
I love my CLE 53 pounded honestly blows way the 450.
QUOTE=jpowell29;9225441]Depending upon the disposition on my non operable CLE 450, I might opt to step up to a CLE 53 instead of getting another CLE 450.
I absolutely loved my 450 when it was running, but I’m wondering if the CLE 53 will have a enough wow factor to justify the associated increase in price, maintenance, and insurance.
I hope to test drive one next week, but that isn’t really an opportunity to explore its capabilities.
Has anyone been able to clock some driving time in both models? Is the performance behind the wheel significantly better in the 53?
I’m coming from a few years of driving a Challenger R/T and a C8. The 450 felt good on a recent drive on the Blueridge Parkway - I’m just wondering if the 53 will produce a few more smiles on the same drive.[/QUOTE]
Member
Joined: May 2025
Posts: 106
Likes: 66
From: Utah
2025 CLE AMG 53 Coupe
DannyBoy1979 - take a look at my post regarding long distance trip experience:
https://mbworld.org/forums/cle-class...ip-report.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/cle-class...ip-report.html
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