2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Review

Overview

The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 takes the refined CLE-Class and adds serious muscle. Powered by a 443-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, enhanced by a 48-volt hybrid system, the CLE 53 delivers punchy acceleration through a smooth nine-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. Expect around 3.8 seconds from 0–60 mph in the coupe. The adaptive suspension lets you choose between a smooth, comfortable ride or a firmer, sportier drive, depending on what you prefer. Rear-wheel steering makes the car easier to handle, especially on curvy roads. It features a sporty design yet still exudes a classy and high-end appearance. It has state-of-the-art technologies and premium materials inside. After a few uses, the infotainment system becomes straightforward to use and demonstrates a variety of sophisticated tech features. With its stylish interior and exciting performance, the AMG CLE-53 is a step above other cars like the Audi S5 and BMW M440i. It’s no surprise this model made it onto many Editors’ Choice lists for 2025.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, Mercedes‑AMG introduces the CLE 53 Cabriolet, adding a convertible option powered by the same inline-six engine found in the coupe. This soft-top retracts under a neat tonneau cover in about 20 seconds. While the convertible shares adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering with the coupe, its suspension is tuned slightly softer to preserve comfort with the top down. The Cabriolet’s unique features include a power-operated wind deflector, neck warmers for the front seats, and an updated 11.9-inch infotainment screen that tilts forward or backward, which is a considerate move to lessen glare when driving in direct sunshine.

Pricing and Trim Choices

You’ll find two trim levels for both body styles: Exclusive and Pinnacle, with prices starting around:

• CLE 53 Exclusive Coupe: $75,450
• CLE 53 Pinnacle Coupe: $77,500
• CLE 53 Exclusive Cabriolet: $83,750
• CLE 53 Pinnacle Cabriolet: $85,800

We recommend the Pinnacle version. It offers practical features including improved headlamps, augmented reality navigation, a head-up display, and additional app access via the most recent MBUX infotainment system.

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Engine, Transmission & Performance

The CLE 53’s heart is a tuned version of the 3.0-liter inline-six engine, now producing 443 horsepower instead of 375 hp in the regular CLE. The hybrid system boosts responsiveness and efficiency. Power is delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission paired with 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

Every model comes with adaptive suspension featuring soft Comfort mode and sportier Sport and Sport+ presets. Rear-wheel steering sharpens responsiveness, and optional carbon-ceramic brakes help bring the car to a halt with confidence.

The overall driving feel is firm but refined—lean in for sharp handling or back off for relaxed cruising.

0–60-MPH and Performance Figures

Mercedes-AMG rates the CLE 53 coupe as capable of hitting 60 mph in approximately 4.0 seconds, with the Cabriolet right behind at 4.1 seconds. During our first drives, the car felt quicker than expected, with acceleration more aligned with 3.8 seconds in the coupe. In any case, the CLE-53 adds good speed to a well-designed package.

Fuel Economy

Not surprisingly, fuel economy isn’t the focus here. AMG class performance uses more fuel. The coupe delivers 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway, while the Cabriolet drops a mile per gallon in each due to slightly added weight. Compared with the Audi S5 and BMW M440i, the CLE 53 lags slightly in efficiency. We’ll update this section once our real-world highway-testing results are in.

Interior, Comfort & Cargo

Inside, the CLE 53 feels sporty and refined. Its layout is borrowed from the CLE-Class, with upgraded materials for AMG trim. Standard AMG sport seats offer firm and supportive bolstering. You can also opt for Nappa leather or carbon-fiber-trimmed seats and performance-oriented bucket seats for more track focus.

Inside the Cabriolet, a power wind deflector and neck warmers help reduce wind buffeting when driving with the top down.

Passenger space is reasonable up front, but the rear seats are compact—better for short trips or extra cargo. The coupe’s trunk offers about 14.8 cubic feet, while the convertible’s drops to 10 cubic feet when the top is down and stored.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The CLE 53 is equipped with a 12.3-inch digital driver display and an 11.9-inch central touchscreen. Everything, including voice and gesture controls, ambient lighting, integrated navigation, and third-party apps, is powered by Mercedes’ MBUX software. The new infotainment hardware tilts in the Cabriolet to reduce glare in sunshine.

Standard tech includes:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless charging
• Live app support (TikTok, Zoom, music streaming, etc.)
• Voice command via “Hey Mercedes”

While powerful, the touch-sensitive steering buttons may take some getting used to—but voice control and the screen layout guide you thoroughly.

Safety and Driver-Assistance

Key safety features include:

• Automated emergency braking
• Lane-departure warning
• Lane-keeping assist
• Driver-attention monitoring

Blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control are optional features. The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 builds off strong crash test results across the CLE platform, and model-year evaluations will be published on NHTSA and IIHS websites.

Warranty and Maintenance

Mercedes-AMG offers a standard warranty setup:

• Limited (basic) warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty: 4 years or 50,000 miles
• No complimentary scheduled maintenance

Brands like BMW or Jaguar may offer longer free maintenance plans, but the CLE 53’s robust build quality and AMG support help offset that difference.

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Driving Impressions

On twisty roads, the CLE 53 excels. Take it into Sport mode, and the steering sharpens, the throttle sharpens, and the chassis feels alive. Comfort mode softens the ride without sacrificing too much grip for everyday use. The hybrid assist system helps throttle response feel instantaneous.

With a softer ride designed for relaxation in the open air, the convertible retains a lot of that sporty feel. Even when it’s cold outside, the neck warmers and wind deflector help keep things comfortable and working smoothly.