Mercedes-AMG has announced a new addition to its 2024 lineup — the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet.
Announced Monday, the CLE 53 Cabriolet joins the AMG SL Roadster as the second open-top performance model in the lineup. It will arrive at U.S. dealerships in the second half of 2024.
The CLE 53 Cabriolet will feature an acoustic soft top available in red, black, or grey. The soft top is fully power-operated for the first time, and it takes as little as 20 seconds to open or close at speeds up to 37 mph.
To reduce turbulence in the cab, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet features the Aircap system. There is a deflector on the windshield that pushes the air over the heads of the vehicle’s occupants. The push of a button will extend the deflector to further reduce turbulance.
The Airscarf system provides an extra level of comfort when driving with the top down. The vents in the neck rests blow warm air on the driver and passenger even in windy conditions.
Mercedes-AMG has taken considerations to account for sunlight when the top is down. Occupants can rotate the 11.9-inch central multimedia display from 15 to 40 degrees to account for glare.
The optional leather upholstery includes a “special coating designed to keep seat surfaces cooler in direct sunlight by up to 53 degrees Fahrenheit compared to untreated leather.”
Mercedes-AMG highlights power and driver control
The 2025 AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet will feature an AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. An exhaust gas turbocharger and electric auxiliary compressor provide 443 lb-ft in over-boost for 10 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG says the CLE 53 Cabriolet can go from zero to 60 in 4.3 seconds.
According to Mercedes-AMG, the second-generation integrated starter generator in the transmission bell housing functions as an electric generator and “enables mild hybrid functions.” This system provides support at lower speeds with 23 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
The engine is paired with a nine-speed, AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission that provides short shift times, double-declutch function, and multiple downshifts. The transmission also delivers immediate upshifts and downshifts when the AMG CLE53 Cabriolet is in Sport+ mode.
Sport+ is one of the multiple driving modes available in the CLE 53 Cabriolet. Others are “Slippery,” “Comfort,” “Sport,” and “Individual.” Each mode is specifically tuned regarding engine, transmission, suspension, and steering.
The driver can also shift through the gears with paddle shifters when the car is set to manual mode.
The AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet comes standard with rear-axle steering. This lets the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds up to 60 mph. This virtually shortens the wheelbase and increases maneuverability when parking.
At speeds higher than 60 mph, the rear wheels turn parallel to the front wheels. This virtually extends the wheelbase and aids directional stability.
“The new CLE 53 Cabriolet brings our hallmark AMG performance into the open air,” said Michael Schiebe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH and head of business units Mercedes-Benz G-Class & Mercedes-Maybach, in a statement.
“The powerful six-cylinder, sophisticated suspension, and variable all-wheel drive make it an incredibly dynamic car with a wide spectrum of usability. A whole range of design aspects such as the flared wheel arches and the big air intakes at the front add to its sporty look. It’s a real dream car that’s lots of fun to drive — not just on dream roads but on everyday trips, too.”