The first-ever Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet enters the game.
While the previous generation of Mercedes-Benz E-Class and C-Class models each came with their own respective coupé and cabriolet bodystyles, the brand has decided to streamline these two-door alternatives for this generation. Malaysia already gets the basic Benz-tuned CLE Coupé, but globally we now have the car at the other end of the extreme – the AMG-tuned CLE Cabriolet. Specifically, the car shown this week was the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet and it joins the SL Roadster as the 2nd Mercedes-AMG model with an open top.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet rides on the same platform as the CLE Coupé with targeted reinforcements around the body-in-white for better structural safety even without a fixed roof. There’s also a built-in rollover protection system, up to 11 airbags and standard PRE-SAFE systems. In order to protect the leather in the cabin during hot summer months, a special coating has been applied over the upholstery that reflects infra-red waves.
This has the added benefit of reducing heat in the cabin even when the top is closed. The Aircap and Airscarf systems are standard here to keep the car comfortable to drive in with the top down. The soft top is sound insulating and deploys electrically in just 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h. Luggage space goes from 375L to 285L with the roof open, but can be expanded by folding down the rear seats.
AMG Performance
Being an all-out AMG car, there are plenty of performance improvements over the standard CLE model. The 3.0L straight six twin turbo engine, designate the M256M, gets major changes including redesigned intake and exhaust ports, new piston rings, modified injection, a new turbocharger, and an additional electric compressor. The output is 449hp and 560Nm of torque (with a 10 second overboost to 600Nm) and an additional 23hp and 205Nm of torque briefly coming in from the 2nd gen integrated starter generator mounted in the transmission bell housing.
The AMG high-performance brake system features perforated and internally ventilated discs. The fully-variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive system allows torque distribution to go fully to the rear wheels by decoupling from the front axle. The AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet also comes with AMG RIDE Control suspension with sportier dampers with adaptive adjustable damping.
Rear-axle steering is also standard-fit and this turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction of the front wheels below 100km/h and in the same direction at speeds above 100km/h.
Besides that, there are many AMG-specific design features inside out including:
- A-shaped radiator and front skirt
- Flared front and rear wheel arches
- 19″-20″ wheels
- Optional AMG Styling Package with flics, a spoiler lip and high-gloss black appointments
- Optional AMG Night Package and AMG Carbon Package
- AMG graphics, red top stitching on seats
- Optional AMG Performance seats
