Mercedes has taken the wraps off its latest convertible offering, the CLE Cabriolet, after offering a glimpse last summer. This new addition to the lineup joins the ranks of open-air four-seaters, inheriting features from the CLE Coupe and poised to replace both the C- and E-Class Cabriolet models. Notably, the convertible sports an acoustic soft top available in three color options: black, red, or gray.
The electrically operated roof can be raised or lowered in just 20 seconds, even while cruising at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Mercedes has implemented a "powered roller divider" feature, automatically segregating the folded soft top from the remaining luggage compartment. However, the convertible design does encroach on cargo space, reducing trunk capacity from 385 liters to 295 liters when the top is down.
To ensure comfort with the roof retracted, Mercedes introduces the Aircap system, deploying a wind deflector from the top of the windshield at the push of a button. This innovation redirects airflow over occupants' heads, enhancing the driving experience, particularly on cool evenings. Additionally, a secondary wind deflector behind the rear headrests helps minimize turbulence inside the cabin.
In terms of dimensions, the CLE Cabrio measures 4,850 mm in length, 1,861 mm in width, and stands at 424 mm tall, with a wheelbase spanning 2,865 mm. Mercedes emphasizes the 25 mm increase in wheelbase, enhancing rear-seat comfort compared to the C-Class Cabriolet, with an additional 72 mm of knee room.
Inside, the cabin closely mirrors that of the coupe variant, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch infotainment screen with portrait orientation. Notably, the infotainment system supports TikTok and Zoom functionalities and boasts a tilting display ranging from 15 to 40 degrees, minimizing glare when the soft top is down.
On scorching days, the seats offer relief with sun-reflecting leather and Nappa leather options. These seats are treated with a special coating that reflects near-infrared rays, keeping them up to 12 degrees cooler in direct sunlight compared to untreated standard leather. The sun-reflecting leather comes in various colors, including black, macchiato beige/black, tonka brown/black, power red/black, and white/black, with black artificial leather also available.
In terms of comfort features, the Airscarf neck-level heating system comes standard, complemented by options such as dynamic ambient lighting and a 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, which includes speakers integrated into the headrests.
Performance-wise, the CLE Cabrio offers a range of mild-hybrid powertrains. The lineup includes a 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 194 hp and 440 Nm of torque, enabling a leisurely 0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 234 km/h. Alternatively, customers can opt for a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine generating 201 hp and 320 Nm of torque in the CLE 200 variant, available with rear- or all-wheel drive configurations.
For those seeking more power, the CLE 300 4MATIC boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. With this upgrade, acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.
At the top of the range, the CLE 450 4MATIC features a potent 3.0-liter inline-six engine churning out 375 hp and 500 Nm of torque. This engine propels the car from 0-100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h.
Orders are currently being accepted by German retailers, with pricing starting at €66,402 and reaching €88,357.50. European deliveries are slated to commence in late April, with availability in other markets to follow suit.