Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet

Equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-6 twin-charger

The soft top is available in black as a base color, with red and gray options available. — The soft top is basically black, with red and gray options available.

My first impression when I started driving was, “This body is pretty strong…” A four-seater convertible with a long wheelbase and a large opening tends to be at a disadvantage when it comes to ensuring body rigidity. So normally, on rough pavement or when crossing a joint on an urban expressway diagonally, the body would twist and cause unpleasant discomfort. However, I hardly felt that.

Now, the recently released “Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet.” The CLE is a new model that debuted by integrating the C-Class and E-Class Coupes, but while the standard version is the “CLE200” with a 2.0-liter inline-four turbo, this is the sports AMG version. The engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six turbocharged with an electric supercharger, with specifications of 449 PS/560 Nm. It also has an elaborate mechanism where a mild hybrid motor (23 PS/205 Nm) provides additional boost.

The M256M unit is an improved version of the engine installed in the previous E 53 Coupe. In addition to optimizing the inlet/outlet channels, piston rings, and fuel injection, the boost pressure has been increased from 0.4 bar to 1.5 bar.

The car’s appearance is quite impressive. The vertical Panamericana grille, the four-pipe exhaust pipes on both sides, and the blister fenders, which were first used on the 53, all add to its indescribable awe-inspiring presence. And best of all, the overall width is 75mm wider than the CLE200.

Motor assist enhances luxury

The instrument panel is designed to resemble the C-Class. The top can be opened and closed using a switch on the center console. Although it is a large top for a four-seater, it can be operated at speeds of up to 60 km/h. It takes about 20 seconds.

So, whether you like it or not, your expectations for the driving experience will rise. As mentioned above, the ride is extremely comfortable when driving around town normally, and it’s so quiet that it’s hard to believe it has a canvas top. If you leave the driving mode in the normal “Comfort” setting, the suspension moves smoothly to keep the body flat, and the ISG motor provides good support when the engine restarts from idle stop, so you’re free from unpleasant vibrations. Incidentally, there’s barely even a whirring noise from the top. In other words, you can fully enjoy the luxury you expect from a Mercedes. This is a traditional strength of the 53 series AMG.

It doesn’t feel heavy at all

The handling when closed is not bad, but when you lower the top, the center of gravity clearly drops and the movement becomes more sure-footed. It's as if the development team was telling us, "If you want to have fun, ride it with the top open!" and it makes us happy. — The handling when closed is not bad, but when you lower the top, the center of gravity clearly drops and the movement becomes more sure-footed. It’s as if the development team was telling us, “If you want to have fun, ride it with the top open!” and it makes us happy.

However, the new model’s true value lies in the “Sport” or “Sport+” modes. The idling speed increases to prepare for the power delivery when the accelerator is applied, and the exhaust sound becomes louder, conveying a sporty aura. This instantly raises the driver’s motivation.

When you step on the accelerator, you can feel the huge torque surge directly in response to the angle of your ankle. The maximum torque of 560Nm is exerted from 2200rpm, but below that the motor powerfully pushes the car forward. It’s as if you’re controlling a 5.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. On the other hand, when you rev it up to the top end, it revs up with the force of a straight-six, producing a pleasant, consistent sound. This contrast is quite interesting.

I didn’t have high expectations for cornering, considering it’s a four-seater convertible with a weight of over two tons and a large opening, but I was truly surprised by how tightly it handled. Braking before a corner, I tapped the left paddle twice, and the car responded instantly with a multi-downshift. As I turned the steering wheel, the rear tires instantly generated cornering force, and the car came into a turning position with an axis right next to the driver. When I stepped on the accelerator to exit the corner, the 4Matic+ distributed a large amount of torque to the front wheels, pulling the car up with overwhelming force. What’s strange is that the car’s movements didn’t feel heavy at all. In fact, it was even light and agile. Its manners were almost like those of a two-seater roadster. This would never have been possible without a solid body.

The "Air Cap" consists of a wind deflector on the windshield and a draft stop behind the rear seats. When activated, it minimizes wind entrainment even at speeds over 100 km/h. — [1]

The trunk capacity is 375 liters under normal conditions, but when it is open, it is reduced to 285 liters due to the space required to store the top. A trunk-through mechanism is also installed. — [1]

However, in hindsight, this is likely due in large part to the excellence of the AMG Ride Control suspension, in addition to the strength of the body. In any case, it keeps the car completely flat, so there is no twisting moment applied to the body in the first place.

Although it does feel a little like being “driven” by an excellent mechanic, anyone would be happy to devour this perfect and sporty setup to the very end. It’s hard to deny the rich flavor of the CLE200 Cabriolet, but personally I prefer this one. If you drive in “Comfort”, you can get a similar level of elegance.

REPORT / Naohide Ichihara

PHOTO / Daijiro Kori

MAGAZINE / GENROQ March 2025 issue

SPECIFICATIONS

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic+ Cabriolet

Body size: Length 4855mm, width 1935mm, height 1435mm

Wheelbase: 2875mm

Vehicle weight: 2090kg

Engine: Inline 6-cylinder DOHC turbo + supercharger

Total displacement: 2996cc

Maximum output: 330kW (449PS) / 5800-6100rpm

Maximum torque: 560Nm (57.1kgm) / 2200-5000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed AT

Drive system: AWD

Suspension type: Front 4-link, rear multi-link

Brakes: Front and rear ventilated discs

Tire size: Front 265/40R19, rear 295/35R19

Top speed: 250km/h

0-100km/h acceleration: 4.4 seconds

Vehicle price: 14 million yen