Mercedes-AMG is well known for making louder, faster, and visually stunning versions of the luxury brand’s cars. On its own, the CLE 53 AMG is a cool car that packs unique features and visual and performance upgrades onto the car intended to replace the two-door versions of the C-Class and the larger E-Class.
However, for the 2026 model year, Mercedes will offer just a few diehard AMG fans the chance to own a limited-edition CLE coupe that adds a taste of the three-pointed star’s finer offerings while also turning the AMG styling dial to 11.
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Enter the Manufaktur
All new for 2026 is the Mercedes-AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition, a special version of the brand’s two-door offering for privileged buyers who think that the CLE 53 AMG does not cater enough to their discerning tastes. The name ‘MANUFAKTUR’ in the MANUFAKTUR Edition refers to the Manufaktur program, the internal program at Mercedes that operates in the same vein as Bentley’s Mulliner or Rolls Royce’s Bespoke programs. Described by Mercedes as “Individuality at its most alluring,” it offers its most privileged customers an extended level of personalization with an expanded and exclusive catalog of materials, finishes, and other design elements on select models like the G-Class SUV and the S-Class sedan.
As a result, the AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition is a package that further enhances the sporty and sophisticated character of the CLE 53 AMG it is based on. Both the coupe and convertible variants of the AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition receive individually bespoke exterior features and accents to further accentuate their unique and complex personas.
Related: 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 First Drive Review: Big-powered coupe tackles volcano
The coupe version of the AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition has a flashier “boy racer” look, complete with a MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno paint (Mercedes-speak for matte finish) accented with bright yellow AMG side stripes and bright yellow wheel accents on its black 20-inch AMG Forged Cross-Spoke wheels. Additionally, two optional appearance packages on the CLE 53 AMG come standard exclusively on the coupe version of the MANUFAKTUR Edition. These include the AMG Night Package Plus, which blacks out some trim elements and adds dark chrome badging, and the AMG Performance Studio Package, which adds enhanced bodywork, such as a new front and rear fascia and a trunk-mounted lip spoiler.
In contrast, Mercedes gave the drop-top version of the limited-edition AMG a “classier” and more subdued look. The cabriolet version features an AMG-exclusive MANUFAKTUR Starling Blue Magno paint job with much less flashy elements, including black and blue AMG side striping, chrome trim, and chrome 20-inch AMG MultiSpoke Y-Design wheels with black accents. The convertible exclusively comes equipped with AMG Carbon Fiber Packages I and II, which add carbon fiber accents throughout the car, a trunk-mounted AMG carbon fiber lip spoiler, and carbon fiber side mirror covers.
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The CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition packs more extras inside
The same themes in the exterior are also picked up in the interior. White is the main color in the cabriolet, as it gets an interior upholstered in a nautical-looking, white AMG Nappa leather with black accents. This is complimented with floor mats featuring white MANUFAKTUR Edition branding and stitching, as well as AMG door sill trims illuminated in white. Meanwhile, the coupe gets business-like, all-black AMG Nappa leather upholstery with yellow contrast stitching, as well as floor mats featuring yellow MANUFAKTUR Edition branding and stitching, as well as AMG door sill trims illuminated in yellow.
Both coupe and cabriolet AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Editions come with additional packages that are usually options on the CLE 53 AMG, including the Pinnacle Trim, the advanced AMG Performance Seat Package, the AMG Carbon Fiber trim, the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package and the AMG Real Performance Sound package. These offer a wide range of additional upgrades, including active engine mounts, adaptive DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, MBUX augmented video for navigation and heads-up display, and adjustable enhanced in-cabin engine sounds. Mercedes also says that the Coupe and Cabriolet MANUFAKTUR Editions also come with an AMG fuel cap in silver chrome with black design elements, as well as an exclusive custom AMG indoor car cover.
Like the regular AMG CLE 53, the AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Edition is powered by an AMG-enhanced turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine equipped with an electric auxiliary compressor and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. This powertrain is mated to AMG’s nine-speed multi-clutch automatic and its 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system, producing 443 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. The unique AMG-tuned powertrain also features an overboost feature, which allows the motor to make 30 additional lb-ft of torque for up to 10 seconds.
Mercedes did not disclose how many AMG CLE MANUFAKTUR Editions will be available at dealerships in the U.S. However, it says that the special car will be available in limited numbers to U.S. customers later in 2025.