First Drive: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

First Drive: Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet

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‍The CLE nameplate, which first appeared in Mercedes-Benz's product plans about 18 years ago, has replaced the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class coupes and convertibles.

Back in 2006, Mercedes-Benz intended to launch a CLE variant based on the W204, but that plan didn't materialise. Recognising the value of the nameplate, Mercedes-Benz reintroduced it approximately 18 years later as part of its strategy to streamline its current product lineup.

Initially introduced earlier this year, the CLE coupe, which competes with the likes of the BMW 4 Series and the Audi A5, is now joined by its cabriolet counterpart, which we sampled in and around Cape Town. Arriving at the launch, the brand gave us a brief presentation that outlined where the CLE Cabrio fits into the market and what it brings to the table.

For starters, only two variants are available from launch: the CLE 200 and CLE 300, both kitted with the standard AMG Line trim, with the AMG E53 planned to join the range sometime in 2025. When questioned about the possibility of introducing a diesel option to the local market, the brand stated that it has no plans to do so, as consumers are primarily interested in petrol-powered cabriolets. In terms of market position, the CLE Cabriolet caters to buyers looking for a combination of performance, comfort, and open-top driving thrills in the same segment where the BMW 4 Series and Audi A5 Cabriolet compete for supremacy. 

The CLE Cabriolet retains all the features of the coupe but with the added thrill of open-top driving. In place of the missing roof, the windscreen frame and chassis have been reinforced with additional stiffening and bracing. Unfortunately, this has resulted in an added weight of roughly 140kg.

The soft top can be opened and closed within 20 seconds at speeds up to 60km/h. It’s also available in three colours: black, red, or grey. It doesn’t end there; the CLE cabrio is a car for all seasons, thanks to features such as what Merc calls its "Airscarf," which blows warm air around the necks of front passengers. It works in conjunction with the Aircap electric wind deflector system, which helps keep the cabin cosy by letting in less air. Another brilliant interior feature is the 11.9-inch infotainment system that can be electronically tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to prevent glare when the soft top is opened. 

One of the main drawbacks of convertibles is the reduced boot space, as the retractable roof needs to be stored. That said, there’s a total of 385 litres of boot space, which is reduced to 295 litres with the top down versus the coupe’s 420 litres. In comparison, the BMW 4 Series Cabriolet provides 385 litres of boot space. If you prioritise practicality, this might be a deciding factor.

The launch drive was pretty scenic, with a mixture of highway, city, coastal, and mountain pass routes. This allowed us to experience the cars and what they have to offer in terms of capabilities and features in different settings.

After the driver briefing, we first sampled the CLE 300 4Matic. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 190kW and 400Nm, coupled with a mild-hybrid system, provided impressive acceleration. The 9-speed transmission shifted seamlessly, and the 4Matic all-wheel-drive system instilled confidence through the bends. In comparison, the CLE 200, which also has a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with 150kW and 320Nm delivered to the rear axle, seemed a little sluggish, requiring greater revs, especially on steeper grades or when overtaking trucks, and frequently had to hunt for an optimal gear on mountainous roads. The CLE 300 4Matic, however, felt more responsive.

The CLE 200 and CLE 300 4Matic share the same suspension setup, resulting in a firm ride. Unfortunately, neither variant offers adaptive dampers, so there's no option to soften the ride. On the bright side, the CLE handles bumps well and smooths out rough terrain. The cabin is remarkably quiet, with little wind noise and a low level of engine noise entering the space. 

Which one to buy? To answer the big question, both cars are impressive in their own right, with the CLE 300 showcasing its more dynamic nature while the CLE 200 offers a more relaxed drive. The choice depends on your preference for either a spirited, engaging ride or a more laid-back journey. 

Looking at the pricing, unfortunately, both models come with a substantial price tag. The CLE 200 is priced at R1,515,350, while the CLE 300 4Matic carries a price of R1,573,651—a difference of R58,301. BMW, on the other hand, charges R1,109,570 for its slightly less potent 420i Cabriolet and R1,606,286 for the powerful M440i xDrive, featuring a larger engine with 285kW and 500Nm. The upcoming CLE 53 4Matic+ will likely compete with the M440i xDrive and is expected to carry an even higher price tag.

In essence, the new Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is a commendable vehicle and a welcome addition, especially at a time when cabriolets are declining in popularity as people increasingly move towards SUVs, compact cars, and bakkies. 

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