Over the past few years, Mercedes-Benz has gradually but surely discontinued several of the roadsters and cabriolets in its lineup. Fortunately, Mercedes-Benz hasn’t given up on them completely, as seen by the upcoming release of the brand-new, first-ever CLE Cabriolet series.
Mercedes-Benz abandoned the AMG GT Roadster, the S-Class Cabriolet, the SLC, and the open-top C-Class and E-Class models in recent years. Looking back, we are sadder than angry. At least the later two have the already-announced CLE Cabriolet series as a spiritual descendant. The manufacturer vows to carry on the long-standing custom of producing open-top vehicles that let four people enjoy the breeze in their hair. Thanks to the acoustic soft top, Aircap, Airscarf, and other cozy gadgets, it’s not fast, though.
Naturally, the CLE Cabriolet draws its complete design from the CLE Coupe series. Mercedes guarantees that, in Europe at least, the drop-top will be prepared for summertime excursions since ordering is currently open and deliveries are planned to begin in late April 2024. Furthermore, part of the pricing information has already been made public. The CLE Cabriolet MSRPs in Germany start at 66,402 euros, or $71,469 using the current conversion rate. What did you anticipate for that much money?
However, Mercedes claims that almost nothing will bother the passengers because of enhanced equipment like the standard Airscarf headroom heating system and the Aircap electric wind deflector system. The acoustic top is made of soft fabric and comes in three different colors: black, red, or grey. It can be opened or closed quickly in 20 seconds, reaching a top speed of 60 kph (37 mph). Mercedes equips the CLE Cabriolet’s interior with a driver-oriented 11.9-inch portrait central display and a 12.3-inch completely digital instrument cluster.
One small but useful feature of the latter is that it may be electronically tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to block sun glare when the soft top is folded away. Mercedes has also added a unique coating to the seats, which reflects near-infrared light from the sun and makes the leather twelve degrees cooler on hot summer days. While the base Avantgarde Line comes with black Artico/Microcut leather, the leather and Nappa leather are available in black, macchiato beige/black, tonka brown/black, power red/black, and white/black.
There are three powerplant options available beneath the CLE Cabriolet’s hood, at least in Europe. All of them are mild hybrids, and the CLE 200 variant boasting 201 horsepower is offered with RWD or AWD (68,782 euros or $74,024). While the CLE 220d with 197 diesel ponies has the same MSRP as the CLE 200 AWD and very identical performance specs with a lower combined fuel consumption, this version accelerates to 100 kph (62 mph) in 7.9 or 8 seconds.
