Mercedes’ rationalized coupe and convertible lineup still delivers a premium experience.

We can’t have all the nice things, but we can have some of them. Until 2023, Mercedes-Benz offered both the midsize E-Class and the compact C-Class as coupes and convertibles alongside the meat-and-potatoes sedans. But lagging sales prompted the manufacturer to consolidate those lines into a single model called CLE. The new cars are the size of the E-Class but essentially use the ever-so-slightly less premium C-Class interior.

Every CLE performs well, but the AMG 53 model turns up the wick on power and handling. It tops the lineup until a CLE 63 arrives, and wears the duds of the AMG lineup without becoming a hardcore track car. Basically, it’s a finely tuned grand tourer that works for a weekend away in the mountains or as an everyday driver. We drove the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet and found it a treat to still have at least some nice things.

Verdict: The CLE 53 is a stylish convertible that’s great to drive, but the experience doesn’t come cheap.