Mercedes has revealed its efficiency division’s entry-level drop-top, the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, to tackle the BMW M440i. The convertible packs 449hp, extra aggressive styling and a sequence of performance-focused chassis upgrades.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet design

The Cabriolet has additionally obtained a raft of styling upgrades to match its AMG billing. Its flared front- wheel arches accommodate a entrance monitor that’s 58mm wider than the usual CLE’s. Plus, there’s an AMG-specific entrance grille, refreshed entrance and rear bumpers, enlarged air intakes, quad exhausts and new alloy wheel designs – obtainable in 19-inch or 20-inch sizes.

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet powertrain

Arriving as the newest mannequin from Mercedes’ AMG division to be given a mild-hybrid powertrain – becoming a member of the A forty five, C 43, and GT 53 4-Door Coupé – it makes use of the identical ‘M256’ 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight six because the E 53 saloon, with the addition of a 48V starter-generator. This supplies an output of 449hp and 560Nm, however torque could be elevated to 600Nm for 10-second durations when the motive force selects the car’s Overboost perform.

The car covers 0-100kph in 4.4 seconds – faster than the BMW M440i and Ford Mustang GT – and its prime pace is electronically restricted to 250kph. This could be raised to 270kph as a part of an optionally available AMG efficiency bundle. The engine’s energy is distributed through a torque-vectoring four-wheel-drive system and nine-speed gearbox. 

Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet options 

The driver can configure the car with Mercedes’ Aircap system, which makes use of a wind deflector to direct airflow away from the heads of the motive force and passenger. The cloth roof could be raised or lowered in 20 seconds, and as with the SL, it receives an adjustable (12-32 levels of inclination) 11.9-inch touchscreen.