It’s usually assured that shortly after Mercedes-Benz launches a new coupe, the convertible will follow. And so it is with the new CLE. We were driving the sleek-looking four-seater coupe a few months ago and now we have the cabriolet. And just in time to harvest some Vitamin D too, the sun out during our time with the drop top.
This CLE cabriolet is a head turner, (certain) people taking a second glance at the elegant shape driving by. And it looks good, top up or down, being well proportioned while the roof disappears completely, neatly stowing away in the boot. The multilayer, acoustic soft top retracts at the press of the button (no remote lowering function however), whipping itself away in under 15 seconds. Not that this is exactly crucial as removal and reinstatement can be done on the move (up to 60km/h).
Roof down, the wind buffeting is minimal at urban speeds. Mercedes has a wind jammer set up that deploys at the touch of a button. However, it’s an unsightly contraption, an air dam rising from the top of the windscreen and another deployed from behind the seats. Raising the side glass is almost as effective at reducing air flow into the cabin at motorway speeds.
The suspension is well configured on this convertible so the ride is accommodating. There is some minor body wobble when the roof is off, but it feels fairly robust otherwise, tighter still when the roof is in place. Old convertible traits like scuttle shake and excess rack rattle are things of the distant past. With the roof in place, it’s well insulated from outside noises, offering a coupe-like cosiness.
While we found the coupe to be rather accommodating of full size bods in the rear seats, this is not quite so obliging. The backrests are more upright, so are not as comfortable and leg room is tighter too. Not that the kids minded. They loved the CLE cab, requesting multiple rides, top down of course.
The boot is smaller than the coupe’s (385 vs 420L), the opening meaner and when the top is down, there’s even less space on offer (295L) as the roof lives tucked away at the top of the load cavity. There is a moveable divider that must be in place for the roof to fold, safeguarding any luggage that might be stowed there. The rear seats fold too should you have (slightly) larger things to tote. Overall, not quite as practical, but that’s not something high on the usual convertible buyer’s list anyway.
Where the CLE 300 coupe is $126,700, the cabriolet commands the usual roofless premium, being $137,700 (which includes ORCs). It has the same mechanical package with a 190kW/400Nm four pot up front working via a nine-speed auto and utilising AWD to make it all stick effectively. Benz reckons on fuel consumption of 7.7L/100km (8.6L/100km WLTP). We spent most of our time in stop/start urban traffic, where usage registered closer to 11L/100km. The engine has mild electrification, meaning quick smart restarts from the idle-stop system and a small boost of initial torque to get moving again. With enough Newton metres made at sub 3000rpm engine speeds, it’s an easy machine to tool along in.
Let’s call the CLE cab’s dynamic range competent rather than sporty. It’s easy on the bumps and minds the roll but the steering is a bit aloof, and it tends toward understeer more readily than the coupe.
This is a few pounds heavier than the hardtop, so not quite as quick (a claimed 6.6sec to 100km/h versus 6.2) but the four pot serves up enough torque for what the typical buyer will expect. The powertrain is more motivated in the Sport drive mode, the transmission particularly. Its engine spins okay for a 2.0-litre turbo, stretching to just past 6000rpm when you really need it to, though it’s more about the midrange steam, which is decent enough for quick cruising. The sound is flat but that’s par for the four-cylinder course.
Inside, it’s the same as the coupe, an expansive touchscreen running the show. It’s not overly vexing to use but impossible to view when the top is down and the sun is behind you. Apparently it can be electrically tilted to prevent glare, but I never quite figured that out. And those touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel can be frustrating to use. The seats are okay (could be more lavish in the padding) but lend plenty of adjustment and are both heated and ventilated.
With the roof in place, rearward vision is not great but cameras are on duty all round. Merc’s safety features are top notch, working as intended without constant alerts.
The CLE Cabriolet’s appeal is its uniqueness; there are so few convertibles available now, fewer still with four seats. While not exactly cheap, it looks suitably expensive and you’re sure to get noticed, if that’s your thing.
Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet
$137,000 / 8.6L/100km / 195g/km
0-100 km/h 6.6s
Engine 1999cc IL4 / T/ DI
Max power 190kW@5000rpm
Max torque 400Nm@2000-3200rpm
Transmission 9-speed auto/ AWD
Weight (claimed) 1939kg
