The CLE-Class coupe from Mercedes-Benz Introduced for the 2024 model year as a replacement for the previous-generation C-Class and E-Class coupe versions, the model has spawned a convertible option.
The attractive convertible was unveiled late Monday as the CLE-Class Cabriolet and is scheduled to go on sale in Europe in April. US availability has not yet been announced, but a launch later this year is likely. We should see it as a 2024 or possibly 2025 model.
The CLE-Class is mechanically related to both the latest C-Class and E-Class, but is closer to the E-Class’s positioning in terms of size and technology. The strategy is similar to that of Mercedes two decades ago with the CLK-Class. The CLK-Class was mechanically similar to the C-Class offered at the time, but was positioned higher.
Mercedes had no surprises when it came to the design of the CLE-Class Cabriolet. Most of the lines are identical to the coupe, but the fixed roof has been replaced here by a retractable soft-top roof. The roof’s multi-layered fabric protects against sound and the elements, and depending on the market, buyers can choose between black, gray or red. Opening and closing the roof takes approximately 20 seconds and can work at speeds of up to 60 km/h.
New Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet
The CLE-Class Cabriolet comes standard with an electronic wind deflector system that deploys small wind deflectors from the windshield and behind the rear headrests at the push of a button to reduce interior turbulence. For further comfort, Mercedes also bundles its Airscarf heating system as standard. As the name suggests, this feature provides warm air around the neck and throat of the front seat occupants.
Trunk storage space is 13.6 cubic feet, reducing to 10.4 cubic feet with the roof folded. For additional space, the rear seats can be folded down thanks to a 60:40 split.
The interior design of the CLE-Class corresponds to that of the current C-Class. There’s a 12.3-inch floating display for the instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch portrait floating display for the infotainment system.
New Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet
New Mercedes-Benz CLE-Class Cabriolet
The CLE Class also adopts Mercedes’ latest in-car technology. This includes a new electrical architecture that controls a variety of functions and supports future over-the-air updates and third-party app installation. Mercedes cited TikTok, Angry Birds, Zync video streaming and the web browser Vivaldi as examples. Thanks to a dashboard-mounted camera aimed at the driver and front passenger, apps like Zoom can also be used, although not while driving.
The CLE-Class convertible was launched in Europe with three 2.0-liter turbo-4 engines, all with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. For the US market, Mercedes is expected to offer the car in the CLE 300 and CLE 450 classes, matching the coupe. The CLE 300 grade gets a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine rated at 255 horsepower, while the CLE 450 gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine rated at 375 horsepower. A 9-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. Expect the same for the convertible too.
Buyers looking for more performance can look forward to two AMG grades called CLE 53 and CLE 63 SE Performance. A CLE 53 coupe has already arrived with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and mild-hybrid combination making 443 horsepower, and the same setup should be used in the CLE 53 Cabriolet. The CLE 63 SE Performance Cabriolet should have the same drivetrain setup as that by now C 63 SE performanceThat means plug-in hybrid technology paired with a turbo-4 for a peak output of 671 horsepower.
