By Otsile Kadiege

After recently unveiling the CLE 53 AMG 4Matic+, Mercedes-AMG has lifted the veil off the coupe’s convertible sibling. Like the coupe, the fabric top convertible sports an identical exterior and interior as well as a 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine underneath the sculpted bonnet.

Exterior design and styling

Exterior highlights of the high-performance cabriolet include a long bonnet with power domes, an AMG-specific A-shaped radiator grille flanked by full-LED headlights. Digital Light headlights with and without projection function are available as optional equipment. It also features large air inlets up front, an air curtain on its front fenders, standard 19-inch wheels (20-inches are available as an option), a body coloured boot spoiler and round shaped quad exhaust outlets.

The optional AMG Optics package sets even sportier accents. It includes additional flics on the front and rear apron, a more pronounced spoiler lip on the trunk lid and a diffuser board between the tailpipe trims. For further individualisation, two AMG Night packages and AMG Carbon packages are available.

Interior design and styling

The interior welcomes passengers with unique equipment, exclusive materials and the latest generation MBUX infotainment system. The eye-catchers are the free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital driver display, the 11.9-inch driver-oriented central display and the dynamic ambient lighting with 64 colours.

Other highlights are integral seats in Artico man-made leather/Microcut black microfiber with AMG-specific graphics and red contrasting top-stitching. To prevent them from overheating in summer, the leather seats have a special coating, which reflects the sun’s near infra-red waves. This feature keeps the leather up to 12 degrees cooler in direct sunlight than standard untreated leather. Even when the top is closed, the interior heats up less thanks to the cool seat covers. AMG Performance seats are also available as an option.

The drop top CLE 53 has a volume of 385 litres (295 litres with the roof open). If needed, it can be expanded by folding down the 60:40 split-folding rear seats. Everyday comfort for year-round open-top fun is ensured by Mercedes-Benz’s electric wind deflector system Aircap and neck-level heating and ventilation with Airscarf. Both systems have been upgraded and come as standard.

The standard-fit fabric acoustic top is available in black, red or grey. The top’s multi-layer design with extensive insulation is said to ensure excellent protection from the elements in all seasons. It also reduces wind and driving noise. The top opens and closes within 20 seconds while driving up to a speed of 60 km/h. For the first time, the top is fully electric, making it even quieter than before. The standard-fit all-electric roller-divider separates the folded top from the rest of the luggage compartment.

Performance

Underneath the hood, the new CLE 53 convertible is powered is 3.0-litre straight-six engine. It produces 330 kW and provides a maximum torque of 560 Nm (with overboost 600 Nm for 10 seconds). The integrated starter generator briefly supplies an additional 17 kW of power and 205 Nm of torque. It also feeds the 48-volt on-board electrical system.

The engine is paired with Mercedes-AMG’s Speedshift TCT 9G transmission and the fully variable AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system. The CLE 53 has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h which can be increased to 270 km/h with the optional AMG Driver’s Package.

Stopping power comes in the form of AMG high-performance brake system with perforated and internally ventilated discs measuring 370 x 36 mm with four-piston fixed calipers and AMG lettering are used on the front axle, and internally ventilated discs are used on the rear axle measuring 360 x 26 mm with single-piston floating calipers. Other noteworthy performance features in the new CLE 53 include AMG Dynamic Select with five drive modes, an Independent AMG Ride Control suspension and a three-stage AMG speed-sensitive steering, and a standard rear-axle steering with a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees.

Customers can opt for the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. One of the highlights is the Race driving programme with Drift Mode. The AMG performance steering wheel in Microcut microfiber has steering wheel buttons for quick operation of the driving programmes and other driving dynamic settings. Red-painted brake calipers with AMG lettering on the front and rear axle visually underline the sporty character. The active engine mounts offer the situational spread between comfortable and sporty connection of the engine to the body.

Availability

Mercedes-Benz South Africa is yet to announce local availability.