These are the kinds of automobiles that Mercedes has all the time completed nicely: snug convertibles that stylishly expose you to the weather whereas transporting you to Laguna Seashore or a Yorkville valet with sun-kissed pores and skin and a heavy dose of vitamin D. Neglect about these hairy-chested V8 AMGs for a second or these rorty small hatchbacks – four-seater convertibles are peak Mercedes, whether or not they fit your storage or not. From the mushy white leather-based to the vast but supportive seats that therapeutic massage your again and blow scorching air round your neck, there’s no higher method to cruise across the boulevard.
And in case you’re confused in regards to the CLE and why there are such a lot of letters, you’re not alone. Mercedes modifications their nomenclature extra usually than Trump modifications his tariffs. In an effort to consolidate its lineup with extra targeted product growth, the outgoing C-Class Cabriolet and E-Class Cabriolet have merged right into a single mannequin, with dimensions that place it nearer to the smaller C-Class moderately than the bigger E-Class.
The ensuing silhouette is among the extra engaging within the present silver star lineup. A glossy, elongated hood provides it visible size, and its tapered rear finish presents depth and complexity to its general stance. There’s not a lot magnificence or visible drama – the CLE is snug in its personal pores and skin – however we’ve by no means been a fan of that black strip that connects the back lights. One thing about that unibrow Cyclops design doesn’t attraction to us. Spectral Blue paired with a white inside enhances the open-air theme properly, however take into account Opalite White paint over Macchiato Beige leather-based to seize these seaside vibes higher.
The inside is predicated on the present C-Class however with added options, such because the non-compulsory ‘Flowing Traces’ striped dashboard that evokes the texture of a luxurious yacht, and seats outfitted with heating, air flow, therapeutic massage, and the aforementioned Air Scarf that blows scorching air round your neck, extending convertible season nicely into the late-autumn months. It additionally makes for a faster defrost in your winter morning drives, and we suggest the Cabriolet over the Coupe for this characteristic alone.
Behind the steering wheel is similar 12.3-inch show, and within the heart is an 11.9-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen that’s borrowed from the SL Roadster. On the contact of a button, the display screen can tilt to a extra acute angle in the direction of the driving force to scale back the solar glare, however we discovered the display screen brilliant and high-definition sufficient that even direct daylight by no means washed out its graphics. The tilted display screen made it simpler for us to achieve as nicely. Holding the highest fringe of the display screen and utilizing your thumb to enter makes it extra accessible and will assist those that battle to learn small fonts from a distance.
Beneath the middle console are three convertible-specific buttons that management the roof mechanism and two wind deflectors: one electronically raises on the prime of the windscreen, whereas the opposite raises between the 2 rear seats. Whereas they visually detract from the automobile’s glossy, rolling form, they excel at stopping turbulent air from swirling across the cabin. Nevertheless, we discovered the default wind buffeting to be already spectacular, and solely observed the impact of the wind deflectors when reaching speeds of over 80 km/h. Notably, it takes roughly 20 seconds for the roof to open or shut, which might be achieved at speeds beneath 60 km/h. With the roof up, the triple-layer cloth prime gives an efficient layer of insulation, muffling a lot of the undesirable highway and tire noise. Nevertheless, anticipate barely extra ambient noise than you’ll in a C-Class Sedan.
Storage cubbies are minimal, and the middle console has been shrunk to accommodate these three roof buttons. Which means much less cupboard space inside and smaller, inadequately sized cupholders that genuinely can not maintain a lot. There aren’t any bodily dividers or compartments except for the adjustable cupholder partitions, so you find yourself throwing all of your gadgets inside messily, as if it had been a rubbish can. Two fastened cupholders between the rear seats are a fast treatment, however they’re tough to achieve from the driving force’s seat.
The smaller opening and its awkwardly stowed cowl subsequently cover and compromise the wi-fi charging pad, which is deeply recessed inside the pocket and requires the precision of a surgeon to entry and extract your telephone, all whereas scraping your arms previous its sharp plastic edges. Sadly, there aren’t any different significant storage compartments except for the shallow heart glovebox and slender door pockets.
Sadly, most of the criticisms and disadvantages we talked about in our E-Class assessment additionally apply right here. The steering wheel is agreeable to have a look at and work together with, that includes haptic contact pads for all of the buttons. Though they work nicely, they don’t really feel as intuitive as bodily buttons, and we frequently set off them unintentionally when driving rapidly and rotating the wheel. Additional, the dearth of grooves on the door panel for the reminiscence seat controls makes them tough to press precisely, so we don’t know what we have now pushed till it has been activated.
We closely favoured the outgoing E-Class Cabriolet as a result of it had spacious and usable rear lodging. The CLE has adopted that area, which means you may comfortably match six adults inside, every not less than six ft tall, with out worrying about consolation. Headroom is first rate with the roof up, and shouldn’t be a difficulty with the roof down, giving it a bonus over the smaller and comparatively cramped BMW 4 Sequence Cabriolet. Trunk area isn’t something to put in writing house about, however it ought to be sufficient for a pair of weekend baggage.
The CLE presents three powertrains: CLE 300 with a 255-hp four-cylinder, CLE 53 AMG with a 443-hp inline-six, and the CLE 450 with its 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six paired with a light hybrid unit. It generates a wholesome 375 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque by way of its 9-speed computerized transmission, sufficient to dash from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds.
With the CLE 450 weighing in at 2,080 kg, it’s heavier than the E-Class Sedan, but acceleration continues to be fast sufficient to really feel alive and reasonably partaking. In the event you get pleasure from a little bit of spritz and pleasure to your drive, and the -450 is inside your funds, it’s totally well worth the improve over the weaker -300. Be that as it could, Mercedes has tuned the ability supply to be easy moderately than abrupt, and it could really feel overly calm and relaxed if you’re accustomed to the rapid-fire bursts of an AMG warfare drum. The light focus of the CLE 450 powertrain is additional demonstrated in its wonderful gas economic system, with our combined metropolis and freeway driving yielding 10.5 L/100km, making it appropriate for long-distance highway journeys.
The CLE 450 does with none fancy adaptive air suspension, however it doesn’t want it. There’s a delicate waftability to the way in which it grooves on the highway. Its motions are heavy, gradual, and considerably nautical, however managed inside the confines of its gentle steering and assured powertrain. The trip isn’t as cloud-like or as easy because the E-Class Sedan, however it successfully mutes out many of the harshness from divots and sharp bumps on the highway.
These Continental EcoContact 6Q tires complement the CLE nicely with their quietness and low rolling resistance, however they lack the wet-weather grip that provides us confidence in inclement climate. Not like its AMG counterparts, this 9-speed transmission is unobtrusive and operates discreetly, with out even drawing consideration to itself. Notably, there isn’t a devoted exhaust button, however diving into the settings menu reveals a selectable characteristic known as Progressive Sport Sound. Activating it provides a deep-thrumming backdrop that accompanies each inch of throttle motion. A hearty noise that oddly mimics a V8 engine, it doesn’t swimsuit the CLE very nicely, and we most well-liked to maintain it off for a extra suitably genuine, quiet, and relaxed vibe.
Convertibles have all the time been low-volume, slow-selling, esoteric machines, and it’s a disgrace, as these open-tops are the place the silver star badge actually belongs. Even Audi has stopped promoting its A5 Cabriolet, leaving the BMW 4 Sequence as the one competitor. Whereas the SLK and S-Class Cabriolet have paid the value, the CLE is a worthy non secular successor, bringing the effortlessness and polish of the C- and E-Class, together with beneficiant rear lodging and the sleek driving behaviour anticipated from a Mercedes. It will not be probably the most thrilling method to cross the nation, however it’s undoubtedly probably the most stress-free.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet
Paint Sort: Spectral Blue
Base Value: $85,150
Value as Examined: $97,500
Wheelbase(mm): 2,865
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,850 / 1,861 / 1,424
Curb Weight: 2,080 kg
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, built-in starter-generator, 48-volt lithium-ion battery
Horsepower: 375 hp @ 5,500-6,100 rpm
Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1,600-4,500 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gasoline Consumption (L/100km): 10.5
Tires: Continental EcoContact 6Q; 275/30R20
