Michael SatterfieldThe 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet takes everything great about the CLE 53 Coupe and amplifies the open-air driving experience with unrivaled luxury, cutting-edge technology, and signature AMG performance. Designed to seamlessly replace both the C-Class and E-Class Convertibles, the CLE 53 Cabriolet offers a perfect balance of power and sophistication, making it an ideal grand tourer for those who demand both exhilaration and elegance in their drop-top.
AMG CLE 53 Performance & Powertrain
Under the hood, the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet boasts a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing an impressive 443 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Enhancing its performance is AMG’s 48-volt mild-hybrid system, adding an additional 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This electrified assist eliminates turbo lag, ensuring a seamless surge of power while improving efficiency.
Despite the added weight of the convertible mechanism, the CLE 53 Cabriolet accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, barely a tick slower than the coupe’s 4.0-second sprint. The nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission delivers rapid, smooth shifts, while the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system ensures optimal traction in various driving conditions.
For a high-performance convertible, the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet delivers commendable fuel efficiency, with an estimated 19 mpg city / 26 mpg highway—a slight dip from the coupe due to the added weight, but still competitive for its class.
Driving Dynamics
AMG engineers have carefully crafted the CLE 53 Cabriolet’s driving dynamics to deliver both comfort and thrilling performance. The adaptive suspension system and multiple drive modes allow drivers to fine-tune the experience:
- Comfort Mode: Offers a refined and smooth ride, perfect for long-distance cruising.
- Sport+ Mode: Tightens up the steering, sharpens throttle response, and firms up the suspension for a more aggressive, responsive drive.
A major highlight is the rear-axle steering system, which significantly improves agility and maneuverability. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels, making tight corners and parking effortless. At high speeds, they turn in unison for improved stability, ensuring the CLE 53 feels nimble and planted, whether you’re navigating city streets or carving through canyon roads.
Exterior Design: A Convertible With Presence
The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is every bit as striking as its coupe counterpart, with an aggressive yet elegant presence that turns heads whether the soft top is up or down. Key design elements include:
- AMG’s signature vertical-slat Panamericana grille is flanked by sleek, high-performance LED headlights.
- Its muscular stance and wider front (+2.3 inches) and rear (+3 inches) tracks reinforce its performance pedigree.
- Functional aerodynamics, including active air intakes and a sculpted hood that aid cooling and enhance downforce.
The soft-top roof is beautifully integrated, retracting in just 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph. Available in multiple colors, the fabric roof complements the CLE 53 Cabriolet’s sophisticated aesthetic while maintaining a luxuriously quiet cabin when raised.
Interior & Build Quality: Open-Air Luxury, AMG Precision
Step inside the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, and you’re greeted with an interior that exemplifies Mercedes’ commitment to craftsmanship. Expect a combination of:
- Premium Nappa leather upholstery, available in two-tone and AMG-exclusive colors.
- Brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, and metal weave trim, enhancing the sporty yet refined atmosphere.
- Heated and ventilated seats
At the center of the cabin are the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, running Mercedes’ latest MBUX software. The system is intuitive, fast, and customizable, allowing drivers to access navigation, vehicle settings, and entertainment with ease.
AIRSCARF: Comfort Beyond the Seasons
A standout feature in the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is AIRSCARF, Mercedes’ neck-level heating system that channels warm air through vents in the headrests. This game-changing technology ensures that top-down driving isn’t limited to just warm summer days—you can enjoy the open-air freedom even in cooler temperatures without sacrificing comfort.
Technology & Infotainment: Seamlessly Connected
As expected from Mercedes-Benz, the CLE 53 Cabriolet is loaded with advanced technology, enhancing both convenience and safety.
Key Features:
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
- Voice-activated controls for hands-free operation.
- Optional head-up display, projecting essential driving information onto the windshield.
- Available Burmester surround sound system, offering an immersive audio experience that makes top-down cruising even better.
Safety & Driver Assistance
Mercedes-Benz leaves nothing to chance when it comes to safety and driver assistance. The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is packed with standard and optional features that enhance both convenience and security.
Standard Safety Features:
- Automated emergency braking
- Lane-keeping assist
- Driver attention monitoring
Optional Driver Assistance Package Adds:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Active lane-change assist
Should You Buy It?: An AMG Convertible With No Compromises
The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet isn’t just a convertible—it’s a statement. It’s a grand tourer that delivers AMG performance without sacrificing luxury, a drop-top that doesn’t shy away from aggressive driving, and a technological marvel wrapped in a beautifully sculpted package.
With its silky-smooth inline-six, cutting-edge tech, and handcrafted interior, the CLE 53 Cabriolet is the ideal companion for drivers who want it all—power, prestige, and the freedom of open-air driving.
If you want a convertible that’s as thrilling as it is sophisticated, the CLE 53 Cabriolet belongs in your garage.
2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 with 48V Mild Hybrid |
| Horsepower | 443 hp (plus 23 hp from hybrid assist) |
| Torque | 443 lb-ft (plus 151 lb-ft from hybrid assist) |
| Transmission | 9-Speed AMG Speedshift Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4MATIC+ All-Wheel Drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.1 sec |
| Top Speed | Electronically limited to 155 mph |
| Fuel Economy | 19 MPG city / 26 MPG highway |
| Suspension | AMG Adaptive Suspension with Multi-Link Setup |
| Rear-Axle Steering | Yes (up to 2.5 degrees) |
| Infotainment | 12.3” Digital Gauge Cluster + 11.9” MBUX Touchscreen |
| Sound System | Optional Burmester Surround Sound |
| Convertible Feature | AIRSCARF Neck-Level Heating |
| Soft-Top Operation | Retracts in 20 sec at speeds up to 37 mph |
| Seating | 4-Passenger Layout |
| Price (Est.) | ~$90,000+ (Starting MSRP) |
