Mercedes CLE Cabriolet CLE 53 4Matic+ AMG Premium 2dr 9G-Tronic Review
Category: Convertible
Section: Version review
The Mercedes CLE Cabriolet is a brilliant drop-top that’s refined and good to drive, plus its classy interior provides greater practicality than you get with a BMW 4 Series Convertible. True, you have to pay a little bit more for the CLE, but it makes up for it by being better equipped and holding its value well. The CLE 300 AMG Line Premium is our pick of the range.
The trim
See full equipmentThis AMG 53 performance model has a wider stance, flared wheelarches and more aggressively styled bumpers to help mark it out from regular versions of the CLE Cabriolet. Meanwhile, inside you get figure-hugging sports seats to help hold you in place through corners, and AMG-specific digital displays – including the option of a central rev counter. The AMG Night Edition Premium Plus is very similarly equipped to the AMG Premium, but its 20in alloy wheels are black instead of silver, you get black exterior trim highlights in place of chrome items and the interior of the car features genuine carbon fibre.
The engine
See full engine specsThe AMG 53 version's twin-turbo, 3.0-litre engine produces 443bhp and 443lb ft of torque, which is enough for 0-62mph in 4.4sec (or 4.2sec if you specify the AMG Dynamic Plus package, which includes launch control). More importantly, it sounds much sweeter than the CLE 450 and feels more muscular throughout its rev range.
