What is it?
Mercedes has a longstanding history when it comes to convertibles. Stretching back decades, this German brand’s prowess in the field of drop-tops has seen it release some of the most striking convertibles ever seen. In more recent times, convertibles have still had a large presence within this firm’s range of cars, too.This car – the new CLE Cabriolet – is the latest drop-top to join the ranks and does so with the benefit of the very latest technology and engine choices that Mercedes has to offer. We’ve been behind the wheel to see how it stacks up.
What’s new?
While a few years back the Mercedes range included several convertibles, the CLE Cabriolet arrives as a way to reduce that number. Think of it as a blend of the older C- and E-Class convertibles and you’re on the right wavelength. As a result, the CLE Cabriolet has been designed to offer a mix of both of those older cars as a way of appealing to a wider audience.It’s kitted out with plenty of new-school tech, too, though the folding fabric roof feels more classic in fashion compared to a retractable metal alternative. It’s no less usable, mind you, and can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds of up to 37mph. The CLE also benefits from clever ‘Airscarf’ vents for the front seats which gently blow warm air through a vent underneath the headrest section. It’s great for those chillier winter days when you still want that roof-down experience.
What’s under the bonnet?
There is a decent spread of engines to accompany the new CLE Cabriolet, ranging from four-cylinder petrol right the way through to performance AMG setups. The one we’re testing – in the CLE 450 we’ve got here – lies somewhere in the middle. It’s a 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder unit developing 375bhp and 500Nm of torque. Blend the two via a nine-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive and you get 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.Mercedes says that you could see up to 35.5mpg combined and, during our time with the car, we saw a smide over that at times. Emissions of 181g/km CO2 are decent given this car’s relatively large power output, too.
What’s it like to drive?
There’s a pleasantly old-school feel to the way the CLE Cabriolet drives. While the six-cylinder engine might have decent power reserves to offer it isn’t the kind of setup that you want to hurry. No, instead the CLE prefers to mooch about at more sedate speeds where its relatively compliant suspension and reassuring steering feel at their best.Of course, it does have loads of acceleration as and when you need it but the CLE Cabriolet feels most at home whisking through long, sweeping corners rather than sharper bends. Roof-up refinement is good, too, and there’s not an awful lot of wind or tyre noise to speak of when you’re travelling at speed. The six-cylinder engine also affords the CLE with a classy engine note – it’s not too distracting or anti-social, yet vocal enough to remind you that you’re driving something a little bit special.
How does it look?
With its long, sweeping lines the CLE Cabriolet has the look of a classic convertible. There are plenty of shiny elements on the exterior to catch your eye and there is a good selection of paint colours to choose from, too. In addition, you can pick from one of three colours for the folding soft-top – black, red and grey – to help match it up with the primary shade used on the rest of the car.Speaking of the roof, it’s equipped with a special fleece material in one of its layers to help boost refinement by blocking out as much noise as possible.
What’s it like inside?
The CLE Cabriolet is a dedicated four-seater, with those rearmost chairs split by a cupholder and small storage area. There’s an adequate amount of space in the rear, too, and the backs of each front seat has been cut out slightly to help boost kneeroom. It’s still not cavernous space-wise, but should prove enough for most passengers. Boot space stands at a very usable 385 litres – the same as you’ll find in the BMW 4 Series Convertible, one of the CLE’s key rivals.Up front, the interior of the CLE Cabriolet resembles those on many other of the latest Mercedes vehicles. It’s all domindated by a large central screen, which can tilt at the press of a button to help avoid too much glare from the sun when the roof is lowered.
What’s the spec like?
Prices for the CLE Cabriolet range kick off at £53,030 for the four-cylinder-powered CLE 200, rising to £82,835 for the tip-top Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 in Night Edition specification. But even at a base level the CLE comes well equipped, chiming in with features such as automatic climate control, heated front seats (a must during winter) and 18-inch alloy wheels.Our test car came in with a smattering of extras which helped to bump the price to £76,940, up from the £74,320 that you’d pay for a standard CLE 450. In most areas it feels appropriately finished whereas in others – such as the hard plastics used for the buttons below the main screen – things are a bit of a letdown.
Verdict
The CLE Cabriolet offers the kind of laid-back driving experience that you’d want from a convertible. Roof-up, it affords all the comfort and refinement that would allow it to be used day-to-day yet with the roof down, it’s got all the benefits of soft-top motoring that you need.
Some interior plastics let the side down and – in certain specifications – it is pricey, but overall the CLE Cabriolet stands tall as one of the more refined and well-rounded convertibles on sale today.
- Model as tested: Mercedes CLE 450 Cabriolet
- Price: £74,320
- Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol
- Power: 375bhp
- Torque: 500Nm
- Max speed: 155mph
- 0-60mph: 4.5 seconds
- MPG: 35.5
- Emissions: 181g/km
