Back in March we introduced the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet and very nice it is too. Now though AMG have had their hands on it to deliver a car that offers all that open air enjoyment but with a healthy dose of performance to inspire your drive.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet brings the German brand’s hallmark AMG performance out into the open. Under the bonnet (hood) there’s a powerful six-cylinder engine, augmented by a sophisticated suspension system and variable all-wheel drive. It turns an already fine vehicle into an incredibly dynamic car with a wide spectrum of usability. It's a real dream car that's lots of fun to drive; not just on dream roads but on everyday trips, too.
On The Outside
A whole range of design aspects such as the flared wheel arches and the big air intakes at the front engender a sporty look. Numerous AMG specific features, like the ‘A’ shaped radiator grille make the car’s body design stand out, while the sharp, slender lines of the ‘Digital Light’ headlights create a look that is characteristic of the brand. They feature daytime running light ellipses and blue illumination at the base of the headlights, which further enhances the premium car’s dynamic appearance.
The striking front skirt rises in the centre to form an A-shape ( the ‘A-Wing’) that accommodates a large air intake for increased air flow. The same applies to the outer air intakes with two horizontal fins. Meanwhile, flared front and rear wheel arches, an extra-wide track and 20 inch wheels lend the new AMG Cabriolet a powerful appearance.
At the back the design is characterised by flowing surfaces, smooth transitions and two-part ‘LED’ lights with three-dimensional light bodies. A dark-red design element connects the tail-lights, emphasising the width of the car’s rear. Other notable elements include round double tailpipe trims that are harmoniously integrated into the rear skirt. The spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid comes in body colour but can come in black as part of the optional ‘Pro Performance’ Package. The ‘AMG Styling’ package adds even sportier accents.
The standard-fit fabric acoustic top also contributes to the car’s full suitability for year-round driving. It is available in black, red or grey. The top’s multi-layer design with extensive insulation ensures excellent protection from the elements in all seasons. It also reduces wind and driving noise. The quiet fully-electric top opens and closes within 20 seconds even on the move. The standard-fit all-electric roller-divider separates the folded top from the rest of the luggage compartment.
On The Inside
Eye-catching interior features include the free-standing 12.3 inch fully digital driver display and the 11.9 inch driver-oriented central display in portrait format. The latter features power tilting from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting light reflections when the top is open. The upper section of the dashboard, the top edges of the doors and the soft-top cover panel are upholstered in a black nappa leather look. Secondly, the entire passenger compartment is edged in chrome.
To prevent them from overheating in summer, and this is an interesting development, 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. Anyone who has experienced a bare leg on baking-hot leather will appreciate this.
AMG Performance seats are also available as part of the aforementioned ‘Pro Performance Package’. They stand out with more pronounced bolsters for even more lateral support. Vertical openings add visual accents and improve ventilation. When specified with nappa leather, the seats are also accentuated in a contrasting colour.
The driver display allows the pilot to choose between the’ Classic, Sport and Supersport’ display styles. The particularly striking ‘Supersport’ style features a central round tachometer and driver-focused horizontal displays, which are located to the left and right of the tachometer, creating a sense of spatial depth. The AMG menu lets the driver call up a number of special views such as engine data, gear display, warm-up, set-up, G meter and race timer. The central display also emphasises the car’s dynamic character, with individual AMG displays such as the drive programmes and telemetry data.
With its volume of 385 litres (295 litres with the roof open), the luggage compartment offers excellent suitability for everyday use. If needed, it can be expanded internally by folding down the rear seats.
On The Road
An in-line six-cylinder engine with integrated starter generator and additional electric compressor provides the motive power on this prestige tourer. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ uses an extensively upgraded version of the proven 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged engine. This revised power-plant impresses above all through its optimised combustion chambers with redesigned intake and exhaust ports. It also has new piston rings, modified injection and a new exhaust turbocharger, which offers an increased boost pressure. This results in a higher torque of 560Nm in continuous operation and 600 Nm in over-boost for up to ten seconds.
More crucial than the absolute torque is the improved torque build-up and more harmonious engine response. This is made possible by the additional electric compressor, which has also been enhanced. It can now run almost continuously for a longer period of time, an upgrade that customers will notice particularly in the often used medium rev range. This, in turn, allowed for a larger exhaust turbocharger for higher peak performance.
Customers also benefit from the engine’s increased efficiency, which is significantly improved. The second-generation integrated starter generator, which is now fitted in the transmission bell housing, also contributes to efficiency. As a central component of the 48-volt electrical system, it not only functions as an electric generator but also performs hybrid functions. This includes short boosts of 17 kW of power and the almost imperceptible engine re-start in the start/stop function.
Drive is through a nine-speed transmission featuring short shift times, quick response, the double-declutch function and multiple downshifts. The transmission immediately implements up-shifts and downshifts and is especially responsive in the Sport+ drive programme and in manual mode. The choice of driving programme facilitates everything from dynamic acceleration manoeuvres and adapted shift times to a fuel-saving driving style. The galvanised shift paddles located behind the steering wheel on the left and right allow manual shifting.
Characteristics at your fingertips: The five ‘AMG Dynamic Select’ driving programmes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – let the driver influence the car’s characteristics at the touch of a finger. They range from efficient and comfortable to exciting, with modifications to important parameters such as engine response, transmission, suspension and steering. Independently of the AMG ‘Dynamic Select’, switch directly to manual mode using the ‘M’ button, allowing the driver to shift exclusively using the steering wheel paddles. The driver can also select the suspension levels individually. The whole set-up is further augmented by all-wheel-drive which, even on a big car like this, makes the drive feel like a hatchback.
This is a great car, even if it’s raining. Find out more by contacting us here at MHH International and find out about how we can export your chosen Mercedes-Benz or AMG model (there’s an extensive choice) from the UK to Kenya, New Zealand, Ireland, the Caribbean and other global destinations. Our service is tried and tested and is, of course, VAT-free. Se our testimonials on these pages.
