AUTOMOTIVE

Dynamic performance in convertible form

The all-new Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet gains AMG styling and performance cues to make it a true driver’s car combined with the added appeal of open-air touring. The CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet’s eye-catching appeal is evident as it combines a number of features – AMG performance and styling, a powerful and responsive engine, a spacious, comfortable interior – to offer a remarkable driving experience and open-top driving fun. Its sleek aesthetic is a taste of what lies beneath the bonnet’s muscular domes – the M256M 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin turbo engine producing an impressive 330 kW of maximum power and up to 560 Nm of torque, thanks to its exhaust turbocharger and additional electric compressor, with over boost up to 600 Nm available for a period of 12 seconds. The 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator can briefly supply an additional output of up to 17 kW and 205 Nm, contributing to powerful and highly responsive acceleration. 

Combined with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G, 9-speed automatic transmission, which delivers short shift times, quick response, the double-declutch function and multiple downshifts, the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.2 seconds. The transmission immediately implements upshifts and downshifts and is especially responsive in the Sport+ drive programme and in manual mode. The choice of driving programme facilitates dynamic acceleration manoeuvres, adapted shift and Mercedes-Benz are registered trademarks of Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart, Germany. times, or a fuel-saving driving style. The galvanised shift paddles located behind the steering wheel on the left and right allow manual shifting of the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. 

Dynamic AMG styling features. The new cabriolet incorporates a number of performance-inspired styling cues from the Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé which clearly distinguish it as an AMG product. These are seen in the AMG-specific A-shaped radiator grille with a large air inlet for high air flow, expressive bonnet domes, side-mounted vents, a noticeably wider track than other CLE models, flared wheel arches, and 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels with red brake callipers. The powerful appearance of the vehicle’s rear is enhanced by two-part LED lights with three-dimensional light bodies. 

A dark-red design element connects the taillights, 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 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is also equipped with both the AMG Exterior Night Packages I and II, adding an array of eye-catching high-gloss black trim elements. 

High-quality interior rich in AMG details. The focus on the driver in this vehicle is reflected in the interior – the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet is rich in premium materials, unique equipment and the latest generation of the MBUX infotainment system and is the perfect place to enjoy AMG driving performance. The driver gets a free-standing 12.3-inch fully digital display, while an 11.9-inch central display in portrait format is oriented toward the driver. The central display can be power tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent distracting light reflections when the top is open. The driver display allows the 

customer to choose between the Classic, Sport and SuperSport display styles. The AMG-exclusive. 

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. The AMG Performance steering wheel, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats with red contrasting topstitching as standard clearly distinguish the interior. Customers who choose the optional AMG Performance Seat Package receive the sporty multi-contour seats with the AMG emblem embossed in the front headrests. The upper section of the CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet’s dashboard, the top edges of the doors and the soft-top cover panel are upholstered in a black nappa leather look. 

Ambient lighting, Burmester® surround sound system and Keyless GO complete the luxurious styling of this vehicle. The Driving Assistance Plus and the GUARD 360 ° Vehicle Protection Plus Packages are also added as standard features over the traditional Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet model. Fully featured and luxuriously appointed To prevent the leather seats from overheating in summer, they have a special coating, which reflects the suns 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. 

The high level of everyday comfort for year-round open-top fun is ensured by the electric wind deflector system AIRCAP® and neck-level heating and ventilation with AIRSCARF®. Both systems have been upgraded and come as standard. They make open-top driving even more comfortable when it’s colder outside. The AIRCAP® wind deflector redirects the airflow over the heads of the occupants, while AIRSCARF® envelops the neck and shoulders of the front passengers with even warmer air than in previous models – even in unfavourable wind conditions. The standard-fit fabric acoustic top also contributes to the car’s full suitability for year-round driving. 

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 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. 

With its volume of 375 litres (285 litres with the roof open), the luggage compartment offers excellent suitability for everyday use. If needed, it can be expanded by folding down the rear seats. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats fold down conveniently from the luggage compartment. HANDS-FREE ACCESS affords no-touch, fully automatic access to the luggage compartment. 

A potent combination of driver-focused features The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet includes an array of performance-enhancing features such as rear axle steering, AMG Dynamic Engine Mounts, AMG DYNAMIC select, AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension and AMG Real Performance Sounds as standard. Five AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes – Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – let the driver influence the car’s characteristics, ranging from efficient and comfortable to highly dynamic, with modifications to important parameters such as engine response, transmission, suspension and steering. 

Independently of the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes, the driver can switch directly to manual mode using the ‘M’ button, allowing them to shift exclusively using the steering wheel paddles. The driver can also select the suspension levels individually. The AMG DYNAMICS handling control system is integrated into the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT driving programmes. In the Basic, Advanced and Pro levels, for example, it influences the control strategies of the ESP® (electronic stability programme) or the all-wheel drive. Based on the driver’s actions and sensor data, the intelligent pre-control system anticipates the desired vehicle behaviour. This ranges from stable to highly dynamic for a more comfort-oriented or especially sporty driving experience. The driver can also use the AMG steering wheel buttons to select the AMG DYNAMICS functions directly. 

The fully variable AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive combines optimal traction for dynamic driving with a high level of driving safety under all conditions – on dry, wet and slippery surfaces. The intelligent all-wheel drive control is integrated into the car’s overall system architecture, enabling continuous transitions in both directions between rear and all-wheel drive. Torque is distributed based on the driving situation. When driving moderately, i.e. when all-wheel drive is not required, the front axle is decoupled to increase efficiency. From the ESP Sport setting and above, the torque distribution is more rear-focused. And in drift mode, the new AMG CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet operates exclusively in rear-wheel drive across the entire speed range. 

The CLE 53 4MATIC+ Cabriolet uses the AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension for increased agility, more neutral cornering and improved traction. With its particularly sporty damper tuning and adaptive adjustable damping, the steel spring suspension combines excellent handling with a high level of ride comfort. The damping on each wheel adapts to the current driving situation and road conditions. This is done quickly and precisely by means of separate valves in the dampers for rebound and compression. In addition, the damping characteristic can be selected in three stages – Comfort, Sport and Sport+ – to provide a noticeable difference between high long-distance comfort and sporty handling.