The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is all-new for 2024, replacing the C-Class and E-Class cabriolets in the brand’s lineup.
The CLE and SL Roadster are the remaining open-top models in the Mercedes-Benz range, which has introduced five convertibles in recent years.
I recently reviewed a 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE450 4Matic Cabriolet with an as-test price of $84,140. I was impressed by its strong turbocharged six-cylinder engine, luxurious cabin, immersive tech, and quiet ride even with the top down.
My CLE450 4Matic Convertible six-cylinder test car starts at $73,850, but freight and optional extras like Nappa leather, metallic blue paint, and a driver assistance package added $10,000 to the price.
Here are 14 that show why the CLE450 Cabriolet is a world-class luxury convertible.
The CLE features an aerodynamic “shark nose” front finish shared with the existing Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The front of the CLE features a three-dimensional chrome grille with a galaxy of small three-pointed stars surrounding the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star logo in the center.
The smooth, seamless rear fascia features LED taillights and simulated chrome exhaust tips.
Under the hood of the CLE450 is a 3. 0-liter turbocharged inline-six hybrid engine that produces 375 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque.
The engine is complemented by Mercedes’ 48-volt mild hybrid formula, which uses a built-in starter generator to generate an additional 23 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. The formula is designed to mitigate the effects of turbo lag and speed up the reaction of its automatic start/stop formula.
My CLE450 six-cylinder car posted EPA fuel economy figures of 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
The CLE’s fabric top can open or close in just 20 seconds. The acoustic soft top, which operates at speeds up to 37 mph, features extensive insulation and is designed to reduce wind and road noise.
The CLE comes with a wind deflection formula to prevent wind from entering your hair. The Mercedes AIRCAP air deflector formula directs the air above the vehicle so that occupants can enjoy driving with the roof open without being blown away by the wind at maximum speeds.
The formula consists of a wind deflector that extends a few centimeters above the most sensitive part of the windshield and a deflector mesh in the rear seats.
The headrests of the front seats are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s “airshawl” system, which uses a constant of hot air to create a virtual shawl for CLE passengers.
Perfect for descents in cold weather.
The CLE450 drives like a true grand tourer, effortlessly stylish and rugged. Unlike a natural sports car, it’s athletic but able to compromise on comfort.
Thanks to the AIRCAP system, the cabin remains remarkably quiet and civil. Even with the top down, you can carry on a conversation at a normal volume at highway speeds.
The engine is sleek and offers almost instant acceleration thanks to its slick 9-speed automatic transmission.
The mild hybrid formula performed as expected, filling holes in the engine’s torque and mitigating the classic harshness of an automatic start/stop formula.
According to Mercedes, the 375 horsepower CLE450 4Matic can run from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 4.2 seconds.
The interior of the CLE Cabriolet is elegant, sumptuous and comfortable. Its interior is a stylish mix of modern design and throwbacks to the vintage Mercedes-Benz of yesteryear, such as the giant 11. 9-inch touchscreen beneath the trio of vintage turbine-designed air vents.
The quality of the fabrics and structure is excellent. The warmth and biological feel of the black Nappa leather upholstery and charcoal wood trim offset the bloodless commercial feel of the CLE’s metallic accents.
In front of the driver is a stylish three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display.
The demo is highly configurable, with layouts ranging from a classic dual analog gauge glance to a full-page navigation map.
My test car was also equipped with a handy color head-up display.
The CLE’s 11.9-inch touchscreen is equipped with the third-generation Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, infotainment system. The system is pretty well sorted at this point. It’s responsive and easy to navigate, and the graphics look terrific. The system’s overeager voice assistance is also far less intrusive than in past iterations.
The screen houses the CLE’s 360-degree camera system, driving mode menu and internet browser.
The CLE comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A touch button located below the screen allows occupants to change the tilt of the screen from 15 degrees to 40 degrees to combat glare.
My test car came with 20-inch AMG multispoke wheels. The upgraded wheels were an $850 option. Otherwise, the CLE450 Cabriolet comes with 19-inch wheels.
Standard features on the CLE include Adaptive High Beam Assist, Active Brake Assist, Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, Blind Spot Assist and Presafe.
You’ll want to opt for the $1,950 Driver Assistance Package to get perks like adaptive cruise control, automatic lane replacement assist, and active lane keeping assist.
The CLE’s seats remain surprisingly cool to the touch, even when exposed to the sun. That’s because the leather used in the drop top is treated with a special coating that helps it reflect sunlight and remain up to 53 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than untreated leather, Mercedes says.
My CLE test car was equipped with a Burmester audio system, which has 17 speakers and a power output of 710 watts. It delivers clear, resilient sound even at the lowest speeds at highway speeds.
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