Six‑cylinder Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 revealed

Fitting a turbine-smooth six should grant Merc's new two-door an added sophistication next to the C43 saloon's hybridised four-cylinder. The CLE's motor is full of tech. It's a mild hybrid featuring exhaust turbocharging and an electric compressor with 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque that can over-boost to 600Nm (443 lb-ft) for 12-second bursts.

The mild-hybrid system – an electric motor integrated into the nine-speed gearbox's bell housing – can produce an extra 23PS (17kW) and 205Nm (151 lb-ft) of torque for short periods, as well as allowing for improved efficiency through engine stop-start and coasting.

Performance sits at 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds, and you can lift the 155mph limited top speed to 168mph if you specify the optional Drivers Pack. You can expect to get a combined fuel economy of up to 30.4mpg.

You also get a trick 4Matic four-wheel drive system that can completely decouple the front axle when its extra isn't grip is needed. A Drift mode means smoky oversteer should be possible. Rear-wheel steering also comes standard and should make the car more manoeuvrable at low speeds and more agile at high speeds.

Mercedes describes the suspension setup as 'particularly sporty' with steel springs and standard adjustable dampers with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ settings. 

Mercedes's new coupe is conventionally good-looking to the same extent BMW designs challenge, although Merc's use of a shark nose grille seems like cultural appropriation. Along with an AMG-specific grille and body kit, the C53's track increases by 58mm at the front and 75mm at the rear, and you get a set of 19-inch AMG wheels – 20s are optional.

Inside, you get Merc's now-familiar 11.9-inch free-standing portrait-style infotainment screen backed up by a 12.3-inch driver's display with 53-specific features like a G meter and race timers. The 53 comes exclusively with a Nappa leather interior complete with AMG-embossed headrests and AMG's double-spoke steering wheel. 

You can specify the AMG Optics and Dynamic Plus packages in the UK.

The AMG Optics pack adds a more aggressive body kit with additional flics on the front and rear bumper, a larger rear lip spoiler and a more aggressive-looking rear diffuser. Inside, the steering wheel is finished in Alcantara-like microfiber, and you get steering-wheel buttons for quick access to the car's driving modes. AMG Dynamic, meanwhile, buys the Race driving programme with Drift mode and active engine mounts.

You can go for the two packs individually or choose the Pro Performance pack, which bundles the two together. You can expect Mercedes to confirm prices for the CLE 53 soon.