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Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet: Mild drop-top performance
Before the end of 2023, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the CLE 53 as an AMG mid-level model, designed to rival performance variants like the Audi S5 and the BMW M440i.
This time, the CLE 53 Cabriolet has been revealed, and if you ask what it’s all about, it’s everything that the CLE 53 coupe is about, minus the roof. The cabriolet version of the CLE 53 features a standard-fit fabric acoustic top that can be opened and closed within 20 seconds at speeds up to 60km/h.
Like the existing CLE Cabriolet that debuted earlier this year, the roof is available in black, red, or grey colours. To keep the driver and front-seat passengers warm with the roof down, the CLE 53 comes fitted with Airscarf and Aircap systems.
Visually, the CLE 53 Cabriolet looks similar to the coupe variant, with all the bells and whistles that come from the AMG basket. These include AMG-specific fenders, a sporty front fascia that adds a Panamericana grille, and, in AMG fashion, quad oval exhaust pipes.
The interior follows the same recipe and adds special displays for the 12.3-inch driver and 11.9-inch centre screens, as well as special branding for the seatbacks. These are further complemented by optional AMG performance seats with beefed-up bolsters.
Under its bonnet lies the same 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine with 330kW and 560Nm that powers the CLE 53 coupe. This engine is paired with a 9-speed AMG transmission that channels power to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ system.
Mercedes-AMG claims the CLE 53 Cabriolet will sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.4 seconds or 4.2 seconds with the optional Dynamic Plus package, and it will tap out at 250km/h. If you ask politely, Merc will raise the limiter to 270km/h.
In the realm of AMG products, the CLE 53 Cabriolet is the closest we can get to the full-blown AMG variant, poised to take on the likes of the Audi RS5 and BMW M4 performance duo. However, it will be interesting to see what the CLE 53 Cabriolet brings to the competitive stable.
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