Mercedes has dropped its top and revealed full details about the CLE Cabriolet, following a preview last summer.
The latest in a long line of open-air four-seaters, the model follows in the footsteps of the CLE Coupe and will serve as a replacement for both the C- and E-Class Cabriolet. Given this, it’s not surprising to learn the convertible features an acoustic soft top that is available in black, red or grey.
The roof is electrically powered and can be raised or lowered within 20 seconds at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h). Mercedes also noted the car has a “powered roller divider,” which automatically separates the folded soft top from the remaining luggage compartment. However, the roof eats up a good amount of cargo space as the trunk’s capacity shrinks from 13.6 cubic feet (385 liters) to 10.4 cubic feet (295 liters) when the top is down.
To keep occupants comfortable when the roof is lowered, there’s an Aircap system that deploys a wind deflector from the top of the windshield at the touch of a button. This directs airflow over the occupants’ heads, which makes driving on chilly nights far more enjoyable. Buyers will also find a second wind deflector behind the rear headrests and it helps to reduce turbulence inside the cabin.
In terms of size, the CLE Cabrio measures 191 inches (4,850 mm) long, 73.3 inches (1,861 mm) wide, and 56.1 inches (1,424 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 112.8 inches (2,865 mm). Mercedes noted the extra inch (25 mm) between the wheels makes the rear seat far more comfortable than the C-Class Cabriolet and said the car has an extra 2.8 inches (72 mm) of knee room.
A Classy Cabin With Sun-Reflecting Leather
The interior closely resembles the coupe as drivers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as well as an 11.9-inch infotainment system with a portrait orientation. The latter has TikTok and Zoom capabilities as well as a display with the ability to tilt from 15 to 40 degrees to “prevent distracting glare when the soft top is down.”
On hot, sunny days, your butt will be thankful for sun-reflecting leather and nappa leather seats. They have a special coating that reflects the sun’s near-infrared rays and helps to keep the leather “up to 12 degrees (54° F) cooler in direct sunlight than untreated standard leather.”
The sun-reflecting leather is available in a variety of colors including black, macchiato beige/black, tonka brown/black, power red/black, and white/black. The company also offers black artificial leather as well.
On the topic of comfort, the Airscarf neck-level heating system comes standard. It can be joined by options such as dynamic ambient lighting and a 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, which includes speakers in the headrests.
An Engine For Almost Everyone
On the performance front, there’s an assortment of mild-hybrid powertrains including a 2.0-liter diesel developing 194 hp (145 kW / 197 PS) and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. It enables the model to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in a leisurely 7.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 145 mph (234 km/h).
Customers can also get a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque. This particular variant, which is known as the CLE 200, can be had with rear- or all-wheel drive.
Upgrading to the CLE 300 4MATIC rewards buyers with a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 255 hp (190 kW / 258 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph, the dash to 62 mph (100 km/h) takes 6.6 seconds while the top speed climbs to 155 mph (250 km/h).
Sitting at the top of the range, for now, is the CLE 450 4MATIC. It features a 3.0-liter inline-six with 375 hp (280 kW / 381 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The engine enables the car to run from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds, before topping out at 155 mph (250 km/h).
German retailers are currently accepting orders and pricing starts at €66,402 and climbs to €88,357.50 (including VAT). European deliveries are slated to begin in late April with other markets to follow.
