Mercedes-AMG unveiled the CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet, joining the Coupe version with a topless two-door bodystyle. The most powerful version of the drop-top CLE yet features a mild-hybrid twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight six, producing 443 hp and up to 600 Nm of torque. As expected, the CLE 53 Cabriolet wears the full AMG dress including the aggressive-looking grille, the sportier bumpers, the wider fenders, and the quad round tailpipes. The electrically retractable fabric roof which is available in black, red, or gray shades is what distinguishes it from the CLE 53 Coupe, together with the slightly redesigned rear deck and the chrome trim surrounding the cabin. As standard, the AMG-branded CLE Cabriolet rides on 19-inch wheels but can be fitted with an even cooler set of 20-inch alloys. The optional AMG Styling package adds aerodynamic flics, a lip spoiler and a glossy black diffuser between the tailpipes. Finally, those who want to spend even more money on their CLE can choose the AMG Night and Carbon packages.

Inside, the familiar cockpit comprises a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment system with a power-tilting function helping reduce light reflections when the roof is down. The folding process takes 20 seconds and can be performed while driving up to a speed of 60 km/h. The fabric top snugs into the luggage compartment reducing its capacity from 385 lt to 295 lt. In order to keep all occupants of the convertible comfortable in “unfavourable wind conditions”, Mercedes added the Aircap electric wind deflector, and the Airscarf neck heating and ventilation system. At the same time, the rollover protection system, rigid pillars, additional airbags, and structurally reinforced body enhance their safety. Other cool features is the special coating on the leather seats which prevents them from overheating in hot weather conditions, and the optional dynamic ambient lighting.

 

Predictably, the CLE 53 Cabriolet shares the same powertrain with the equivalent Coupe. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six gasoline engine produces 443 hp and 560 Nm of torque that can grow to 600 Nm using the Overboost function. The 48V starter-generator contributes an extra 22 hp and 205 Nm, improving efficiency. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via the 9G Speedshift gearbox and the fully variable 4Matic+ system. Other goodies from Affalterbach include the adaptive AMG Ride Control suspension, a three-stage AMG Parameter steering, high-performance brakes, and standard rear-axle steering.

The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 4.4 seconds but can drop to 4.2 seconds using the Race Start function of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus Package, matching the acceleration credentials of the Coupe. Likewise, top speed remains electronically limited to 250 km/h and can optionally increase to 270 km/h. Pricing and availability of the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet will be announced at a later date. As with lesser versions of the CLE Cabriolet, the AMG-branded model is expected to be more expensive than the equivalent Coupe. In the future, AMG will likely present an even more powerful CLE 63, coming with the E Performance plug-in hybrid system.