Mercedes-Benz has replaced the C-Class and E-Class Cabriolet models, with this new CLE Cabriolet and it certainly delivers on its promise of sharp performance, innovative technology and next-level comfort. The CLE Cabriolet combines the sporty design elements of the CLE Coupé, such as the powerful front end, including the deep-faced bonnet and expressive powerdomes, with the stylish fabric acoustic soft top.
This Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet is the only model in this convertible range and it’s powered by a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and is all-wheel drive. The engine produces 190kW of power and 400Nm of torque, plus a brief boost of up to 17kW and 205Nm for overtaking via an integrated starter-generator, and the CLE 300 Cabriolet can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds. The official combined fuel use is 7.3L/100km and for my few days with the CLE 300 convertible I used 9.8L/100km. The engine is paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission and you have the option for ‘manual’ gear shifts using the small wheel mounted plastic paddle shifters.
The drive modes available include Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. Under the Individual mode you can customise the Drive, Steering, ESP, and Sound to your personal preferences and you can also turn on/off the driver assistance features like active brake assist, active lane keep assist, and blind spot assist. Sport mode offers a deeper exhaust note and sharper dynamics, but I spent my time in Comfort mode as I felt it suited this Cabriolet the best. The ride was nice on smooth roads, however there was a little bit of scuttle over bumps, even when the roof was up.
The fully automatic fabric acoustic soft top, available only in black, ensures a high level of comfort, insulates outside noises and protects against heat. The roof can be lowered in around 20 seconds when travelling at speeds of up to 60km/h. With the roof down there is very little air turbulence in the cabin and you get the added pleasure of smelling the roses even while you are driving. The front and rear wind the AIRCAP electric wind deflector deflectors help to reduce the turbulence, but the front deflector does make a noise when driving.
The interior is upholstered with Macchiato Beige Nappa-look Artico leather and the instrument panel and beltlines are covered in leather. The seat upholstery has an infrared-resistant coating – keeping the seats up to 12 degrees cooler than traditional leather when exposed to direct sunlight. I’m not a fan of light-coloured upholstery and the seats in this CLE Cabriolet were already showing signs of discolouration even after only 3,500kms on the odometer and there were also some creaks in the dash.
On colder days, the AIRSCARF heater system works like an invisible scarf, wrapping warm air around the throat and neck of the driver and front passenger to keep them cosy. I absolutely love this feature and as someone who prefers to be toasty warm, I think it should be an option even on non-convertible vehicles.
The front seats are also heated and have power adjustment for both seats (using the touch controls located on the doors) for recline, forward/back, seat height/tilt front and rear, front leg extension, and four-way lumber support with three memory positions. The positions of the steering wheel, exterior mirrors and the head-up display are also stored. To help you reach the seatbelts the CLE has a seat belt extender that ‘hands’ the seat belt over your shoulder making it easier for you to grab hold of it.
Naturally the CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet has keyless entry and keyless start and the interior is dominated by the 11.9-inch central touch-screen display that is tilted to the driver and is adjustable to minimise sun reflections when driving with the soft top open. The driver also has a 12.3-inch driver display that allows you to keep an eye on all the information you want in an easy-to-read format.
Both screens can be navigated using the touch pads on the left- and right-hand side of the steering wheel or for the infotainment system using voice control. The CLE 300 Cabriolet has extended MBUX functions and MBUX Navigation Premium and these can be operated by using the ‘Hey Mercedes’ commands. The voice control worked well for me for changing the radio station on the Burmester 3D surround sound system, making phone calls, and setting a destination on the sat nav and the ‘Hey Mercedes’ assistant can even tell you a joke. Being a modern Mercedes-Benz the CLE 300 Cabriolet of course has multiple ambient light colours and options.
Wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are available to connect your phone to the infotainment system and the wireless Android Auto mostly worked well for me, but it did drop out a couple of times. There are two USB-C ports under the split folding arm rest and another USB-C port in front of the flip out cup holders that can be pushed back out of the way to create a larger storage space and there’s a wireless charge pad at the front of this cubby. The vehicle will even remind you to take your mobile phone, if you attempt to get out and have left it in the centre console. I don’t like the gloss black plastic on the centre console as it shows finger marks and dust and the sun glares off it when at the wrong angle.
The CLE 300 Cabriolet is a four-seat vehicle and the rear seats are comfortable enough for two adults, but the headroom is tight when the roof is up. It does have two ISOFix/two rear tether child seat restraint points, but you have to fold the back of the rear seat forward to attach the rear tether and then somehow tighten it and lock the rear seat back into place, I think this would be difficult to do? Rear passengers get two rear air vents with individual direction and on/off controls, two cup holders between the seats and no USB ports.
The boot lid is power assisted and is opened by pressing the rear emblem, the key fob or a button in the cabin and it has manual close. In the boot space there is a handy button that lowers down the top of the boot to indicate where the roof folds to so you don’t overfill the boot. The boot space is tight with only room for a couple of soft luggage bags or a small grocery shop. The rear seats do fold down if more space is needed with the button to release them located in the boot, but the boot opening is narrow so it would make it difficult to fit longer items in anyway. You also get a handy carry basket, tyre repair kit and four substantial tie down points in the boot space.
The Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet does not have an ANCAP safety rating, but is fitted with a sophisticated rollover protection system with highly rigid A-pillars and 10 individual airbags – including centre airbags positioned between the driver and front passenger, and two separate head-protecting airbags for rear occupants.
Advanced driver assistance systems that to support braking, steering, and more, are fitted to the CLE 300 Cabriolet and include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and blind spot assist. The innovative Mercedes-Benz PRE-SAFE system uses a network of sensors to detect potential collisions and reduce the risk of harm to occupants should an accident occur. For convenience you also have a 360-degree camera and multiple other camera views, 3D walk around function and front and rear parking sensors. Along with auto lights with auto high bean and auto rain sensing wipers.
All new Mercedes-Benz vehicles come with a 5 year/unlimited kilometre warranty and this also includes 24/7 roadside and accident assistance. The service interval for the CLE 300 is 1 year/25,000km and service plans can be purchased from $3,355 for the first three scheduled services.
Prices for the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet start at $137,500 excluding dealer delivery and on-road costs. As tested with Patagonia Red Metallic paint ($1,800), Leather Macchiato Beige / Black interior (No Cost Option) and 19-inch AMG multi-spoke light alloy wheels (standard) this CLE 300 Cabriolet was $139,300 excluding dealer delivery and on-roads. Visit you can Build & Price your CLE 300 Cabriolet online and check current stock levels or visit your preferred Mercedes-Benz retailer for more information.
| Pros | Cons |
| The AIRSCARF that warms your neck | The front wind deflector was noisy |
| The joy of roof down driving on a beautiful Autumn day | The beige seats were already showing signs of discoloration |
| The infotainment screen can be tilted to reduce glare | The location of the rear tether points |
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.