Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet: The Beauty that's a Beast

Mercedes has unveiled the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet in the international market as their latest AMG entrant to the performance driven market. This will be the second model from Mercedes-AMG that has a drop top option, after the SL Roadster. Is this as fun as that one though? What does it hide under its hood? How does it look? Let's explore these questions:

How are the Looks?

The Cabriolet gets some upgrades to get it up to speed with the AMG badge. This version is wider, with a front track widened by 58mm and a rear track widened by over 75mm compared to the normal version. You can choose between the standard 19-inch wheels, or avail the option to upgrade to 20-inch wheels. The front features a Panamericana grille and a more muscular design to the front bumper.

The back gets a wider range of changes with quad-exhaust tips that stick out of the integrated, and color contrast bumper finisher. The cabin takes inspiration from the S-Class along with some AMG upgrades thrown all around. Interestingly, the CLE 53 AMG also gives you a special coating on the leather seats that protect them from sun’s infrared waves, helping lower the seat temperature by up to 12 degrees. 

Engine 

Under the hood, the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, you get a proven 3-litre straight-six engine, that now bears the name M256M, and produces 450bhp and 600 Nm of torque. This is coupled with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. This engine gets significant enhancements, including new piston rings, redesigned combustion chamber and exhaust ports, and increased boost pressure to 1.5 bar from 1.1 bar. This engine  is assisted by mild hybrid technology with an integrated starter generator (ISG) providing a 23bhp boost and 205 Nm. This helps in recuperation, coasting, and engine start-stop functionality. Power is sent to all four via a fully-variable all-wheel drive 4MATIC+ system and the CLE Cabriolet also gets rear axle steering as standard.

Performance and Braking

When it comes to performance, Mercedes claims a 0-100kmph time of 4.2 seconds with the highest speed of the CLE 53 Cabriolet being capped at 250kmph. If you have the knack for speed then the top speed can be increased to 270kmph by going for the optional AMG Driver’s package. For the braking duties, it comes with a 370x36mm perforated and ventilated four-piston disc brakes at the front along with 360x26mm ventilated discs with single-piston floating calipers at the back.