Better weather is coming. Time for AMG Alfresco with a quick 4-seat convertible. Mercedes-AMG’s CLE 53 has a dual personality: a luxurious pleasure craft that can also serve as a practical everyday business suit. AMG CLE 53 arrives mid-summer.
The troublemakers of Affalterbach have massaged the Mercedes mild-hybrid 3.0-liter 6-cylinder to fulfill AMG performance standards. The engine has two forms of pressure-charging: a turbocharger, and a tiny electric compressor (in essence an electric supercharger that can push a lot of air into the engine). The compressor is driven off a 48-Volt system, and delivers boost not only at low engine speeds, like when pulling away from a stop sign, but also well into the engine’s midrange to ensure the CLE 53 is never caught flat-footed. The engine produces 443 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque.
When shooting up a curvy onramp and merging into traffic or trying to get the drop on another car in traffic, the turbocharger’s computer scripting can meet the challenge by allowing ten seconds of “overboost,” meaning slightly higher air pressure heading into the engine, lifting torque to 443 lb.-ft.
Adding an extra bit of oomph at low speeds, the starter-generator of this mild-hybrid powertrain kicks in 23 horsepower at low revs. Of far greater importance, the starter-generator spools up a significant 151 lb.-ft. of electric torque at lower revs. Benefit? With a little forethought, you can smoke other cars pulling away from a stop light, creating the airspace needed to change lanes easily, or to drive clear of the Super Duty pickup that’s crowding. In the foreseeable decades, these types of mild-hybrid powertrains are the best way forward for most vehicles. They work remarkably well, and also deliver excellent efficiency.
Power feeds through the AMG-calibrated 4MATIC+ fully variable all-wheel drive system that can transition between rear- and all-wheel drive continuously. Engine power is distributed between the four wheels based on the driving situation.
When cruising easy, times when all-wheel drive is not needed, power is not sent to the front axle, boosting fuel efficiency. But if the car skips over a sheet of black ice in winter, all four wheels will bite at the pavement to their utmost.
For those of us who spend 11 months out of the year with fine weather, “Sport” setting will send most power to the rear wheels. If one opts for the AMG Dynamic Plus package, Drift mode can be engaged, allowing AMG CLE 53 to operate exclusively in rear-wheel drive and with the loosest possible settings for traction and stability control, for those moments when the soul’s Inner Hooligan calls out for a little taste of sideways action entering an onramp. If I had to guess, Drift mode will be rarely used—this really isn’t a Hooligan car—but it’s nice to know it’s there, just in case the mood is strong.
Performance aside, CLE 53 is truly a pleasure craft. To create a happy bubble of air in the cockpit when driving top-down, CLE 53 has the latest and greatest evolution of the Mercedes AIRCAP system. A wind deflector at the top edge of the windshield deploys, kicking airflow up and over the passenger cabin. A clever bit of aerodynamics.
To prevent that wave of air from curling backwards and spilling into the cabin, CLE 53 has a wind deflector behind the rear headrests that deploys automatically, a device that has proven itself over several decades. The result is relatively calm air in the cockpit, just enough to flutter the hair while allowing conversation with no need for shouting. It works best if the side glass is also up.
If the fall air is crisp and clear on a drive to dinner, the Mercedes AIRSCARF system can help keep driver and front passenger warm and cozy. AIRSCARF swirls air out of adjustable vents built into the front seats, spilling warmth across neck and shoulders. The vents can be adjusted to accurately aim the flow to suit drivers and passengers of varying heights. This well proven system has been enhanced for 2025 to flow greater volumes of air, and more accurately guide it.
Mercedes-AMG’s CLE 53 is the second soft top from Affalterbach, a true-4-place cabrio to stand as companion piece beside the mighty 2+2 SL.