When you’re in a hurry to feel the wind in your hair, few cars do it better than the new 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet. Want to cruise stylishly down the boulevard? No problem. Need a car for a quiet and scenic highway drive?

There are few things in this world that bring goosebumps to my skin faster than the stirring sound of six inline cylinders screaming as they hit the redline like waves in the Mediterranean Sea splashing against sandy beaches.

Today, there are only two droptop models left: the AMG-only SL-Class and the CLE Cabriolet, which exists in both standard Mercedes-Benz form and now as a hotted-up Mercedes-AMG version. So if you want luxury performance without a roof,

CAR Magazine UK has a first drive of the new Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Coupe, the new convertible version of AMG's sportiest CLE model to date

The cabrio-bodied CLE 63 has been recently spotted in Stuttgart with little in the way of camouflage. Compared to the 53, this one features two extra cylinders

2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet's AMG-style fascia, vertical-slat grille, and swollen front and rear fenders distinguish it from the lesser CLE450 and CLE300 models.

The Cabriolet shares an engine with the Coupe, but that’s no bad thing as it’s a beast. Essentially an upgraded version of Mercedes’ M256 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder lump, it’s called the M256M and benefits from redesigned intakes and exhaust ports among other bits.

The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet is the new top offering in the CLE convertible range. It sits above the CLE450 and CLE300 convertibles. The 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 Cabriolet starts at $83,750. As in the other CLE models, seating is for four. AMG Performance front seats with aggressive side bolsters are available.

Today, the Mercedes droptop range is pared back to just two: the 2+2-seat SL roadster, which focuses firmly on the top of the market, and the four-passenger CLE Cabriolet, which has just added this range-topping Mercedes-AMG CLE53 trim.