CAB FORWARD (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Mercedes rationalises its mid-sized convertible offering into this car, the CLE Cabriolet. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 68

This Mercedes' CLE Cabriolet targets open-topped versions of BMW's 4 Series and Audi's A5 more effectively than the Three-Pointed Star has ever managed before. Elegant styling makes it stand out in the showroom, plus you get some sophisticated convertible touches that'll really make you feel special. Will it all be enough to enable this Cabriolet CLE to gain the upper hand in this tightly contested and style-conscious segment?

Backgroundword count: 222

Can one convertible model properly target both the mid-sized and luxury executive market segments? Mercedes certainly thought so back in 1999 when it launched the CLK Cabriolet, which was produced in two generations and sold until 2009. It was replaced by a slightly larger E-Class Cabriolet model in 2010, eventually joined by a slightly smaller C-Class Cabriolet in 2016 and those two models sold in tandem for the next eight years. Fast forward to 2024 though and Mercedes has decided once again that a single convertible design can cover both the mid-sized and luxury executive segments. Which is what has brought us this car, the CLE Cabriolet. Mercedes says that it decided to rationalise two models into one going forward based on research that saw C-Class Cabriolet customers wanting a larger, more prestigious car and E-Class Cabriolet owners wanting something more sporting. Meeting those needs but continuing on the path of having a pair of mid-level convertible contenders would, the brand says, have created two cars very similar to each other. The certainly some truth in that, but the real reason for the product rationalisation here is that Mercedes needs to slim down its sprawling combustion range to make room for more EQ electric models. As its name suggests, this CLE Cabriolet shares almost everything except its roof with the CLE Coupe.

Driving Experienceword count: 258

Expect the CLE Cabriolet driving experience to be a little sportier than previous mid-sized Mercedes convertibles. The stiff MRA platform borrowed from more conventional C and E-Class models helps here. As does track width increased by 40mm at the front and 70mm at the rear. And a ride height dropped by 15mm over a C-Class saloon, which lowers the centre of gravity. Those who also pay extra for the optional adaptive damping and rear wheel steering systems should get sportiness approaching that of a rival BMW 4 Series Convertible. You'll want to know about engines. As with this model's predecessors, the core part of the range is made up of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel turbo units, though in this CLE they gain EQ Power 48V mild hybrid assistance. The 197hp CLE 220d diesel and the 204hp CLE 200 petrol both take around 8s to reach 62mph, the latter model's engine tuned up to 258hp in the C300 4MATIC petrol, which gains AWD and improves the sprint figure to 6.6s. Top of the mainstream range is the CLE 450 4MATIC, which uses a straight six 3.0-litre petrol powerplant with 381hp, which makes 62mph in 4.4s. If that's not fast enough, then you can also talk to your dealer about the Mercedes-AMG 53 4MATIC+ version, which uprates the CLE 450 model's straight six to 449hp. Beyond that is a top Mercedes-AMG CLE 63 4MATIC+ model with a twin turbo 4.0-litre V8 generating 585hp. Aside from that '63', all the engines drive via 9-speed torque converter auto transmission with paddle shifters.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227