All-New 2025 Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet Reviewed

2025 Mercedes AMG CLE53

As I changed the driving mode on the steering wheel, from Comfort to "Sport+, the exhaust put out a menacing growl. I knew then that this wasn't just another drop top. My week with the 2025 Mercedes AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet revealed a machine that is as powerful as it is refined, easily positioning itself as one of the most appealing convertibles in the luxury class.

All-new for 2025, the CLE nameplate consolidates the C-Class and E-Class two-door lineups into a single, focused model. From my perspective, this isn't just a replacement; it's an upgrade. The AMG CLE 53 is slotted between the CLE 450 and the soon-to-be-launched 2026 CLE 63. More importantly, almost everything is new, from the chassis and sophisticated interior technology to the evolution of AMG's formidable M256 inline-six engine under the hood.

Performance/Power: Lifting the hood reveals a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six bolstered by an electric exhaust-gas turbocharger. This technical marvel generates a staggering 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 in just three seconds, with a ferocity that pins you to your seat. The power is channeled to all four wheels from AMG's SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9-speed automatic transmission, AMG Performance 4MATIC, and AMG Ride Control suspension. Together, they produce a ride that is pure and explosive.

But raw power is nothing without control. Transitioning from a straight-line blast into a series of tight corners, my test vehicle maintained a tight grip on the road. Its eagerness to attack sharp corners is due to a suite of options, including AMG Performance Steering Wheel, High-Performance Tires, and the wizardry of the AMG Dynamic Plus Package, which includes rear-axle steering. The stability at high speeds was absolute, giving me the confidence to push harder, knowing the car was more than capable of handling the demands.

The CLE 53 was not only an attention grabber; while driving through New York, it is the perfect convertible to drive on a beautiful sunny day. With its triple-layered fabric top raised, the cabin is a whisper-quiet sanctuary, effectively insulated from wind and road noise. But the real magic happens when you lower it, a process that takes mere seconds and can be done at speeds of up to 37 mph, transforming you from a coupe driver to an open-air cruiser in the blink of an eye.

Stepping inside, my eyes were drawn to the 11.9-inch central touchscreen running the slick MBUX infotainment system, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that displayed all the performance and controls for both the driver and passenger. The standard Burmester 3D surround sound system is spectacular, though I'll admit, it faced stiff competition from the optional AMG Real Performance Sound.

Safety: The 2025 AMD CLE comes with the most advanced safety features on the market, including standard Active Brake Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Pre-Safe. The optional Driver Assistance Package included semi-autonomous driving capabilities on the highway, which managed distance and lane placement.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is available in one trim level, with a base MSRP of $82,600. With the additional options, the total came to $95,810.

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