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. Porsche’s tower in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, is one such structure. Another under the auspices of its corporate cousin Bentley is currently under construction. Aston Martin Residences opened in April 2024, while Pagani is just now jumping into the game.

But it’s Mercedes-Benz’ turn at the moment, as any number of German executives descended on Miami along and their American counterparts last week to help flog their new flats, as the German automaker announced construction would begin on the second of the project’s two towers. Unlike last week, which featured a press conference as well as a South Beach style party with a DJ and small bits of food that would satisfy no one’s appetite, there was no such event when the project commenced around this time last year.

Dubbed Mercedes-Benz Place, it’s the first Mercedes-Benz branded residential project in the U.S., following a similar one in Dubai.

The announcement brought such notables from Germany to America as Gorden Wagener, chief design officer for Mercedes-Benz, whose deft touch has brought a glamorous sheen to the towers wearing the three-pointed star, located in the Brickell section of Miami. It sports a splendid view, one that includes the new Aston Martin Residences a few blocks away.

But why the attention now? The answer has to do with the three words: February in Miami.

Still, I do admire the design touches that Wagener and his crew brought to the project. The inlaid wood pattern seen in Mercedes-Benz design trim is echoed in the building’s porte cochere. The shiny black plastic trim used in car interiors is fitted to this condo’s kitchen cabinets, ensuring that you will always be wiping off fingerprints in your kitchen just as you do in your car, as the cabinets lack handles.

The project commenced last year, a building best described as a symphony in silver, like many a Mercedes-Benz automobile. It’s a residence with the usual slew of amenities you’d expect for a six- to eight-figure apartment, plus those you wouldn’t like Mercedes-Benz house cars, EV charging stations, a Mercedes-Benz race car simulator, podcast recording studio and a Himalayan salt room.

Still, Mercedes-Benz is doing more than throwing up a tower for the eternally pampered. The project will also include 250,000 square feet of office space, health and fitness facilities, and a 174-room hotel, so you don’t have to break out the blow-up mattress when visitors arrive.

Also, the project includes a rehabilitated public park in front of the building. Conveniently, Mercedes-Benz Place is placed next to the elevated rail line that serves downtown Miami, Brickell, Coconut Grove and South Miami. So while you may have a Mercedes-Benz, you won’t have to use it. Still, will someone who pays a minimum of $550,000 for a studio apartment use the train? This seems like a European reality, not an American one.

But not wanting to waste an opportunity, Mercedes-Benz used the real estate event to also promote the latest version of the CLE coupe and convertible, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53, a vehicle that seems to be the perfect Miami lifestyle accessory.

Sized between the old C-Class Coupe and E-Class Coupe, the Mercedes-AMG CLE53 seems every bit as good as its siblings. Having driven the CLE450 in September, I found few surprises in the CLE53. A supercharged, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, 48-volt hybrid system, nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive comes standard. It generates 443 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, so it’s fairly fast. Figure four seconds to go 0-60 mph.

Acceleration is effortless — as it should be — and the turbocharged inline six makes beautiful noise, particularly in Sport driving mode. Being an AMAG, its adaptive suspension displays far more sporting aspirations, with quick steering and sharp reflexes that it the perfect companion for the cut-and thrust of Miami driving. That’s when traffic is moving, of course, which isn’t often. While not as large as an E-Class, it feels like one once underway. But its smaller dimensions make living with one far easier in urban environs.

So does its tech, which includes standard wireless Android Auto and Apple Car Play, an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, a kicking 17-speaker Burmester sound system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The only downside? A software interface that’s far from intuitive.

Its interior has an opulent, indulgent quality that luxury Available as a $74,300 Coupe or $82,600 Convertible, you’ll find the 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53 to be the appropriate Miami vehicle even if you’re living in another automaker’s building.

Just don’t let them know.

2025 Mercedes-AMG CLE53

Base price: $74,300-$82,600

Engine: Supercharged, turbocharged inline-six

Horsepower/Torque: 443/413 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 23 mpg

Fuel required: Premium unleaded

Length/Width/Height: 191/74/57 inches

Ground clearance: 4.4 inches

Payload: Not avallabile

Cargo capacity: 15 cubic feet

Towing capacity: Not rated

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC