The new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabrio parallels the tale of the Three Bears. The C-Class Cabrio was just a little too small; the E-Class Cabrio was just a little too big. The AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabrio, which replaces both models, is just right. It’s a handsome piece with the multi-layer soft-top up, as it has a clean almost coupe-like finish to its execution. However, it really shines when the soft-top is down. Getting topless requires holding a button for 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60 km/h, and, for the first time, the operation is fully automatic.
This sets the tone for the rest CLE 53’s makeup. For instance, when the top is down, the driver can power up the Aircap. It features an aerofoil that lifts up from the windshield header and a rear wind deflector behind the rear seats. The aerofoil directs the air over the riders; the wind blocker cuts the usual windy backwash. Close the side windows and there’s no need to shout to hold a conversation.
What’s new with the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ for 2025?
The AMG version of the CLE is new and features a lot of AMG engineering under its sculpted body — the fact it’s 58-millimetres wider up front and 75-mm wider at the rear emphasizes its more powerful mandate. It starts with a smooth straight-six that produces plenty of power while managing fuel economy. It has a 48-volt electric supercharger and a mild-hybrid system to give it some serious low-end giddy-up. It also features an adaptive AMG-tuned suspension, rear-wheel steering and a beautifully crafted cabin with M-B’s latest MBUX infotainment system taking pride of place.
What competes with the 2025 AMG CLE 53?
Here in Canada, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabrio really only has one competitor and that’s the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet. There’s also the Audi S5 convertible, but it goes away before the AMG 53 drop-top arrives. The Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro convertibles are outsiders.
What powers the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53?
The powertrain starts with a 3.0L inline turbo-six that works with an electric supercharger and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The electric motor is incorporated into the nine-speed automatic transmission. When the lot is working together the AMG CLE 53 makes 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. The turbo and supercharger build the boost pressure to 21.7 psi at low revs with an overboost function bumping the peak torque by 30 lb-ft to 443 lb-ft for up to 10 seconds. The result is a run to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds. Part of the reason for the pop off the line is the fact the mild-hybrid system not only starts the engine and chargers the battery, it can add 23 hp and 151 lb-ft during initial acceleration.
The mid-range punch is such the AMG CLE 53 manages the 80-120 km/h passing move in a speedy 2.8 seconds. The performance is down to the fact the automatic transmission drops the right number of gears, and it does so in the blink of an eye, which brings the engine and its boosted performance on cam very quickly.
The need for the electric supercharger boils down to the fact the turbocharger itself is larger and so it takes longer to spool up to speed. At engine speeds below 2,500 rpm it’s the electric supercharger that supplies the bulk of the boost pressure. Once through 2,500 rpm the gas-driven turbo takes over and blows a gale. In practice, the blended operation of electric/gas boosting does a very good job of banishing turbo lag.
AMG’s 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system is fully variable and changes the manner in which it splits the power based on the driving conditions and drive mode selected. In Slippery mode it adopts a more even power split to prevent unwanted wheelspin when pulling away; in Sport mode and above it shifts to a more rear-drive bias, but still sends power forward so when you clip that apex it pulls the 53 out of a corner with authority.
The Drive modes
Normally, highlighting the drive modes is a moot point, but in this case the range of choices and level of customization makes the CLE 53 just about whatever the driver wants. There are Slippery, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes along with Individual. The latter allows the driver to pick the setting for the steering, damping and the AMG Dynamic Select driving programs. Here, there are Basic, Advanced and Pro levels, each of which gradually releases the control the traction and stability systems exert — Pro pretty much lets the driver hang it all out!
For the inner driver there’s the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. Among other things it features steering wheel dials for quicker access to the driving programs and handling settings — the left dial allows the driver to adjust the damping and AMG Dynamic settings; the right gives access to the drive modes including the extra Race mode. The package also includes a launch control function and a Drift mode. Yes, a soft-top with a drift mode that fires all of the drive through rear wheels, and across the entire driving range. Sadly, it went untested on public roads!
How does the 2025 AMG CLE 53 drive?
The AMG CLE 53 rides on steel springs with adaptive dampers. The setup works very well. It’s comfortable and compliant, and certainly in keeping with its grand touring mandate. However, it also keeps body roll to a minimum, which gives it balance and helps the initial turn-in response, as does the rear-wheel steering. At speed up to 100 km/h the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels by up to 2.5-degrees. This helps to shorten the turning circle at slow speeds and sharpen the turn-in response as speed rises. Above 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn up to 0.7-degrees in the same direction as the front wheels to improve high-speed stability. How much it affects the handling depends on the mode selected. In Sport+ with the AMG Dynamic set to Advanced my built-in yaw sensor could feel the tail pivoting as it sharpened the turn-in.
As it is with all AMGs, the driver expects above average handling characteristics and throttle response. The AMG CLE 53 Cabrio does not disappoint. It is not as hard-edged as some AMGs, but it handled a very enthusiastic charge up a twisty mountain road beautifully. Part of the reassuring driving feel is the fact there’s absolutely no cowl shake. Removing the roof removes the second strongest panel from the car. If its strength and integrity is not returned the driver feels the steering wheel move laterally as the body flexes. There was none of that nonsense here! The overall driving experience is capped off by the mellifluous notes coming from the quad tailpipes — the tone is deep with a rich bass without being overpowering when the top is down.
How’s the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabrio’s interior?
The cabin is certainly eye-catching and lavishly attired. The Artico (faux-leather) looks the part and the carbon-fibre accents give it a sporty cast. The tech side comes from a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrumentation screen that’s customizable and has different looks — from AMG sporty to classic and it has the option to put the map front and centre. It’s supported by a head-up display. This was the one of the few nits. It is massive and left me having to look over the top to see the road ahead without the visual clutter. I did appreciate the navigation instructions, but the rest was just too busy. Reducing the size would display the information just as well without dominating the view ahead.
To the right is the 11.9-inch portrait format central display. It runs on the latest MBUX operating system and can be tilted from its 15-degree rest position to a more vertical 40 degrees to prevent the screen from washing out when the soft-top is down. It works with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the Burmeister sound system in the test car. The format is very easy to use with a blend of hard buttons and touch points giving fast access to the key functions without the need to delve into sub-menus. For example, the car icon brings up the safety features menu, so the driver can turn off the audible side of the warnings. Before it was muted it beeped endlessly for speed and sometimes for no obvious reason. Two quick touches silenced it!
How’s the space in the CLE 53?
Those who sit up front have lots elbow-room and bucket seats that hug without feeling confining. Move rearward and there is a surprisingly usable back seat. With the front seat for me and my 30-inch legs, I could sit behind with a smidgeon of knee space so adults will fit, but the reality is it will be likely used for additional storage space. The trunk measures 385-litres with the roof up and 295L with the roof folded down. The 60/40-split/folding rear seats extend the trunk’s depth. A special blocker panel powers into position when the roof is lowered, so there’s no risk of crushing anything or damaging the roof mechanism as it powers closed.
How much is the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ in Canada?
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ has a starting MSRP of $93,800. It will begin arriving at dealerships early 2025.
Final thoughts
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ has equal measures of power and panache. In short, it is a true AMG even if it is one that’s had the harder edges softened ever so slightly. What came across loud and clear on the drive route was this car is a proper grand tourer in every sense, especially on a warm sunny day with the top down. Going topless does not get much better!
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