2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet First Drive Review: I'm Convinced

      Although my test drive was limited to just a few hours in urban traffic, I was thoroughly impressed with the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet. This car is designed to create an immersive fantasy experience for its passengers, and it excels in this role. You could find yourself at a stoplight in Omaha during October, lower the top, switch to Sport+, and suddenly feel an exhilarating rush, akin to the thrill of hearing the opening guitar riff from the Miami Vice theme.

      The interior ambiance of the Mercedes is vibrant, saturated with chrome and leather, highlighted by striking decorative lighting. Complementing this are the curved wood or carbon accents with silver trim, an enhanced exhaust sound, and the refreshing breeze flowing in with the roof down, making the CLE 53 feel like racing through a blue ocean in a high-speed boat. In terms of comfort, the car does a commendable job managing weather conditions with its deployable “aircap” wind deflector and neck-warming “airscarf,” alongside standard heated and cooled seats. With comfortable sporty seating for four adults, it allows for shared experiences with friends and family in a way that many two-door performance cars do not.

      While it might not be a pure sports car, the CLE 53 offers a uniquely enjoyable experience that evokes nostalgia without falling into retro territory. Even with a bit of weight to carry, it proves to be quite fast when you press the accelerator.

      Mercedes-Benz has long been a leader in the convertible market; I recall the brand once offering around six different drop-tops at the same time. The CLE Cabriolet streamlines this lineup by combining the smaller C-Class and mid-sized E-Class Cabriolets into a single, practically sized model.

      To me, it resembles an Infiniti Q60, but the CLE 53 is attractive from any angle. Ultimately, it serves as a status symbol, combining exceptional engineering with sleek design. Regardless of your feelings towards the brand or flashy items, this sport-luxury vehicle effectively finds a balance between comfort and performance.

      Starting at around $70,000, the entry-level CLE Cabriolet, the CLE 300, features a moderate four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The CLE 450 starts at approximately $76,000 and upgrades to an inline-six with significantly more power. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet I tested boasts additional horsepower thanks to AMG tuning and hybrid support, along with significantly improved suspension, braking options, a more advanced driver interface, and stylish exterior embellishments at a starting price of around $83,000. All available models can also be purchased as hardtop Coupes.

      There are rumors of an upcoming CLE 63 featuring a V8, but for now, the 53’s turbocharged M256M inline-six delivers 443 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a new turbo and improved electric auxiliary compressor. For context, the CLE 450 produces 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The AMG variant makes its sporty intentions known even before the engine starts—with quad-exit exhaust, eye-catching wheel options, bulging fenders, and a hood with heat dissipation vents that serve a functional purpose in aerodynamics and engine cooling.

      In addition, Mercedes-AMG's Dynamic computer-controlled engine mounts exemplify innovative engineering. Filled with magnetorheological fluid that can be progressively stiffened via electrical current, it’s a fascinating advancement in automotive technology. The $2,000 AMG Dynamic Plus package also offers features like progressively stiffening engine mounts for enhanced responsiveness, larger six-piston brake calipers, a “Race” mode for rapid launches, and a “Drift” mode that enables rear-wheel-drive for sliding fun. Typically, the car distributes power to the front wheels as needed for traction—essentially, it's advisable to keep this feature activated, as it may help if you misjudge a corner. Additionally, there's a $550 AMG Real Performance Sound exhaust option worth mentioning.

      Our road test of the CLE 53 in Dade County's slow-moving traffic didn’t allow for a full evaluation of its capabilities, but as my colleagues pointed out, “that’s how most people will drive these cars anyway.” Nonetheless, the few bursts of acceleration I managed from stoplights and around roundabouts suggested that it would thrive on a proper driving road.

      What stood out to me the most was the ride quality and interior design. I was impressed by how comfortable the car felt without any of the excessive softness that may be expected from a larger vehicle. Drivers can switch between comfort and multiple sport modes while also adjusting the "AMG Dynamics" levels for overall aggressiveness, or customize the settings for the suspension, engine response, and steering. Even in Sport+, it didn’t feel excessively rigid compared to older cars with coilovers, yet offered noticeable responsiveness.

      The infotainment screen is adjustable to prevent glare, and even in bright sunlight, visibility is good. The AMG Dynamic Plus brakes perform exceptionally well even