Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet unveiled

Need a new drop-top for holiday home trips this summer? AMG has just the car for you

AMG cabrios typically appeal far more than they probably ought to. As chassis technology has continually improved and hardtop cars become heavier and heavier, the difference between coupe and convertible has narrowed. Meanwhile the drop-top retains the appeal of taking mates out with the roof down - with an Aircap and Airscarf, of course - plus a big engine for maximum feel-good fun. Don’t be surprised if this new CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet offers up more of the same.

The fundamentals are as they were for the recently reviewed coupe, with 449hp and an overboosted 442lb ft from the M256M mild-hybrid 3.0-litre turbo straight six with an integrated starter generator. Same nine-speed auto, same all-wheel drive system (that offers drift mode for those that must), same rear axle steering that turns the opposite way to the front up to 2.5 degrees. Performance isn’t likely to be in any doubt, either, with a 4.2-second 0-62mph sprint claimed with Race Start enabled. The 168mph speed limit raise is still available.

With the same track width increases as the coupe (58mm at the front, 75mm at the rear), it’s immediately obvious that the 53 isn’t just another CLE cab meant for going to the golf club. Even if the missing roof does take away from the lean-and-mean styling. Needing the space for an accommodating pair of seats, the roof and a boot that’s 295 litres with the hood down (385 otherwise) means it’s a pretty big behind, but as is so often the price to pay for true four-seat convertibles. The fabric roof itself is familiar from the non-AMG CLE, able to be erected or retracted in 20 seconds at up to 37mph, available in red, black or grey, and offering ‘extensive insulation’ for ‘excellent protection from the elements in all seasons’. Laudably, Mercedes is keen for buyers to use its flagship CLE all year round; the old C63 ragtop was tremendously good fun, though certainly did feel better suited to the sunny days.

Those keen on the full AMG experience will be pleased to hear the full suite of tech is offered; this includes the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package (that brings Race mode, two-wheel drive, and launch control), more rear bias in ESP Sport mode, and standard adaptive damping that offers ‘increased agility, more neutral cornering and improved traction’. Heaven knows what this thing weighs - both 53 Coupe and CLE 450 cabrio are 2,080kg - but steps have been taken to make it drive how a big AMG ought to.

That being said, this is still a Mercedes convertible at the end of the day. And the main job of a car with a three-pointed star on the front and a roof that goes down is to make everyone onboard feel a million bucks, so the CLE benefits from features like specially coated leather that’s up to 12 degrees cooler in direct sun than normal hide, loads of AMG highlights that won’t be seen elsewhere in the range and plentiful high gloss carbon. Options include 64-colour ambient lighting, nappa leather and AMG Performance seats. You get the sense it’s going to be very, very nice in a CLE 53. Those after maximum clout visually will want the 20-inch wheels, a brace of AMG Night Packages, AMG Styling Package and AMG Carbon.

‘Open-air fun meets performance’ is how Mercedes-AMG succinctly pitches the CLE 53 Cabriolet, which sounds like an extremely pleasant combination of attributes. They’ve had plenty of practice now in ripsnorting roadsters of one description or another, so they’ll know exactly what to deliver with the 53. Not one for the purists, sure, but probably a lovely Merc to use come rain or shine. Expect UK specs and prices very soon, then hopefully deliveries for 2024’s fortnight of summer.