Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Debuts As A 443 HP-Rated Drop-Top

The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet breaks cover as the sexier version of AMG’s new coupe model.

Several months after making its debut, the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is finally getting a souped-up AMG version, cordially known as the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet. This new AMG-badged drop top joins the AMG CLE 53 Coupe as two of the most powerful CLE variants to date.

The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet gets the same 3.0-litre straight-six MHEV powertrain as its coupe twin.

Just like its coupe twin, the new CLE 53 harnesses AMG’s signature 3.0-litre twin-turbo straight-six mill that is now mated to a 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system. Altogether, this new MHEV setup delivers 443 HP and 560 NM, with the latter figure going up to 600 NM with the Overboost function garnered by the MHEV's starter generator.

Said power is then transmitted to a 9-speed 9G Speedshift automatic gearbox and the fully-variable 4Matic+ all-wheel drive (AWD) system, both of which help the cabrio accelerate from 0-100 KM/H in 4.4 seconds or 4.2 seconds with the Race Start function provided by the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package. 

Besides the MHEV powertrain setup, this AMG-badged drop-top also comes with several AMG-specific mechanical bits, including the adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension, AMG high-performance brakes, rear-axle steering, and many more.

On the design front, the AMG CLE Cabriolet looks painstakingly similar to its Coupe twin, with both models dressed in AMG-specific body kit, which includes the AMG’s signature Panamerica front grille and the standard 19-inch AMG light alloy wheels. Should you fancy a snazzier look for your CLE 53 Cabrio, customers can opt for larger 20-inch wheels, as well as the AMG Styling, AMG Night, and AMG Carbon styling packages.

The AMG CLE 53 Cabrio's fabric roof can be folded in just 20 seconds at driving speeds of up to 60 KM/H.

Obviously, the main difference between the two models is the soft-top fabric roof the Cabrio comes in, which is available in three colourways – black, red, or grey. Mercedes claims that the cabrio’s soft-top roof takes only 20 seconds to deploy, which can be done at driving speeds of up to 60 KM/H.

On board, the AMG CLE 53 Cabrio looks pretty familiar, as it gets the same MBUX infotainment suite as any latest Merc models on the market. Key tech highlights include the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a smaller 11.9-inch central infotainment display, the novel Airscarf neck heating and ventilation system, as well as the optional ambient lighting system.

To make driving with a drop-top more bearable, Merc engineers have fitted the CLE 53 Cabrio’s cabin with the Aircap electric wind deflector, while its sporty leather seats are finished in a special coating that prevents them from overheating in hot weather conditions.

The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet is poised to hit the market later in summer this year, which means only by then will we get to know more details regarding its pricing and market availability.

While both the AMG CLE 53 Coupe and Cabriolet currently stand as the peppiest CLE variants to date, we can expect their reign won’t last that long as AMG is reportedly working on a more powerful CLE 63, which will probably get the marque’s signature E Performance plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain setup.