In an attempt to expand their brands beyond vehicles, automakers have been entering the real estate game, licensing their trademarks to developers who attempt to sell seven- and eight-figure luxury condominiums using an automaker’s name.

Despite my test drive being limited to a few hours in town traffic, I really got sold on the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet. The car is all about creating a fantasy-world bubble for its occupants and it understands this assignment perfectly.

AMG takes Mercedes' sleek CLE convertible and gives it an unexpectedly thorough reinvention as a sports car. This is no simple boulevard cruiser.

In Mercedes-AMG speak, the number "53" marks the best of both worlds; cruising comfort and canyon carving capabilities. That's true of the CLE53. Under the hood is a sultry turboc