2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet First Drive Review: When Softer Is Better

Mercedes as soon as bought six completely different convertible automobiles, however in a market the place patrons solely appear to need crossovers and SUVs, six is means too many drop-tops for a single lineup. That is why the bosses at Mercedes drastically decreased the variety of coupes and convertibles and mixed the two-door, four-seat C-Class and E-Class fashions into one new nameplate dubbed the CLE-Class.

DrivingOnRoad had an early alternative to drive the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, one among two bodystyles that can be provided. Mercedes will initially promote the CLE Cabriolet in two variations: a four-cylinder CLE 300 and a six-cylinder CLE 450. An AMG-powered CLE 53 Cabriolet will go on sale later. This new convertible faces a troublesome job in a diminishing market; it should rival the BMW 4 Collection Convertible whereas additionally changing two established nameplates with an unfamiliar one. Is the CLE Cabriolet compelling sufficient to tug it off? It relies on what you are searching for in a convertible.

What’s New? The Complete Factor

As a totally new nameplate within the Mercedes lineup, the CLE theoretically breaks new floor within the four-seat convertible market. Or does it? The CLE is supposed to mix the C-Class and E-Class Cabriolet fashions into one, and it kind of succeeds in that aim.

Primarily based on the comparability of dimensions above, the CLE leans nearer to the E a part of its title, exceeding the outgoing E-Class in general size whereas being barely shorter in wheelbase, width, and top. That makes it bigger than its closest competitor, the BMW 4 Collection, in each measurement besides width. Patrons who like the thought of a snug cruiser can be pleased with the CLE’s dimension, whereas sports activities automobile lovers might discover the proportions too giant.

Exterior/Inside: Generic Opulence

Mercedes says the CLE’s design is “highly effective and athletic.” We disagree. It options rounded shapes like different current Mercedes merchandise, giving it a non-distinctive look that might simply be mistaken for an additional model. This will likely sound harsh, but when we eliminated the three-pointed stars, the CLE may simply be the newest Toyota Solara.

That is to not say that is an unpleasant automobile, however a two-door convertible is meant to win patrons over with curb attraction. To us, the headlights look very very similar to the entry-level CLA, and the taillights are too much like the GLC Coupe. A brilliant colour helps the CLE pop, however there are solely two choices – Starling Blue metallic ($750) and MANUFAKTUR Patagonia Crimson metallic ($1,750) – that exist exterior the black, white, and gray German rainbow. You do get three no-cost roof colours, together with black, gray, and pink.

That high goes up/down in round 20 seconds at as much as 37 mph and combines effectively with the Aircap characteristic – a pop-up mechanism above the windshield that deflects wind over the cabin. Wheels vary from 18 to twenty inches on the CLE 300, whereas the CLE 450 upgrades to 19-inch wheels as commonplace.

Inside, the CLE’s cabin appears extra elegant than the outside. Snug seats will be wrapped in a number of colours of MB-Tex or actual leather-based with non-compulsory air flow and therapeutic massage capabilities out there. Mercedes even lined the leather-based with a particular coating that retains it cooler on sizzling days. A number of the trim choices look low cost, however the Pure Grain Black wooden w/Aluminum Strains makes the cabin really feel extra upmarket for simply $200 further.

The dashboard will look acquainted to anybody who has sat within the new C-Class, because the CLE is almost an identical from the sprint ahead. There’s an 11.9-inch touchscreen within the center, which options cleaned-up MBUX infotainment software program that is extra visually interesting and simpler to navigate. That display screen may tilt, identical to it does within the SL, to discourage solar glare.

Efficiency: Clean Choices

The CLE Cabriolet arrives in two configurations with a high-powered AMG mannequin coming quickly. Patrons who do not care about fast efficiency can be fantastic with the CLE 300 4MATIC, which delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The CLE 450 will get a 3.0-liter turbo inline-six, delivering a more healthy 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 instances drop from 6.2 seconds within the CLE 300 to 4.2 within the CLE 450, however the high speeds are the identical at 130 mph. A nine-speed automated comes commonplace on each fashions.

Each fashions profit from a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that smooths out the cease/begin system. We had been stunned to see that each engines obtain the identical gas economic system numbers: 23/32/26 metropolis/freeway/mixed MPG, in response to the EPA.

Driving Impressions: The Comfortable Convertible

Mercedes wished to mix the very best of the C-Class and E-Class into one automobile, leading to a snug cruiser that provides a little bit of enjoyable. We examined the CLE 450, which comes commonplace with Sport suspension that includes adaptive dampers. Regardless of being the sporty possibility, the CLE rode comfortably, even over a few of LA’s rougher stretches of freeway. The BMW 4 Collection is agency by comparability, which may deter some buyers. The cabin is supremely quiet with the roof up, and the Aircap system works with a rear wind deflector to maintain the wind from disturbing occupants when the roof is down.

Once we obtained off the freeway and reached the Malibu canyons, the CLE dealt with competently round corners with a noticeable however controllable quantity of physique roll. The steering is not significantly sharp, nevertheless it retains the entrance finish playful sufficient to have enjoyable. We got here away falling in love with Mercedes’ inline-six engine; it is clean, peppy, and fairly gas environment friendly. There’s sufficient energy to simply go slower site visitors with little effort, and it fades into the background when cruising. A bit extra noise from the exhaust can be appreciated, however that is why AMG has the CLE 53 coming.

Pricing & Verdict: Daylight Is not Free

Daylight could also be free whenever you’re strolling, however Mercedes will not allow you to get extra of it with out paying a heavy toll. The CLE 300 Cabriolet begins at $64,350 (excluding $1,150 for vacation spot and supply), making it roughly $8,000 costlier than its fastened roof sibling. That value rises additional to $66,950 for the Pinnacle trim stage, which provides augmented actuality navigation, leisure plus, Guard 360 sprint digicam, and a head-up show. The BMW 4 Collection Convertible is cheaper, even with xDrive, delivering a sportier however much less luxurious expertise.

In case you can afford a hefty $9,500 premium, the $73,850 CLE 450 (with $76,850 for the Pinnacle) is considerably faster than its four-cylinder counterpart with out shedding something in gas economic system. It is also simply 11 hp shy of the M440i xDrive Convertible, which matches for $74,250 earlier than choices and vacation spot. Even at that value, the CLE is considerably cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG SL 43, making it considerably of a steal within the Benz lineup.

It is fairly refreshing to see a convertible that does not compromise consolation for track-ready efficiency that can by no means be utilized. There are few automobiles like this in the marketplace, particularly not at this value. If you need a superior driving expertise, we desire how the BMW 4 Collection feels from behind the wheel. However if you happen to’d reasonably sit again in a therapeutic massage seat and absorb the solar, the CLE Cabriolet is our most popular convertible.