Exploring the Mercedes CLE 450 Cabriolet: A Balance of Comfort and Speed on the Open Road
Article:
The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet offers an unparalleled experience, combining the joy of open-air motoring with refined elegance and powerful performance. Ntv.de delves into this sumptuous convertible.
Within mere 20 seconds, the CLE's soft top vanishes into the trunk, revealing the vast expanse of the sky above. The essence of luxury, however, lies not just in the car but the journey it allows. Despite a decline in the number of cabriolets in the market, a roofless vehicle remains an exclusive and upscale choice, and the CLE is no exception as its offerings have been reduced to only the CLE and SL models.
Positioned between the E- and C-class, the CLE is more reminiscent of the former in size (4.85 meters long), with its smooth inline-six cylinder engine under the hood, which is unavailable in the C-class. The performance blend of luxury and power significantly enhance the cabriolet experience.
The inline-six engine works best in the higher category, though its exhaust note is not as resonant as before due to direct fuel-air injection into the combustion chamber. Despite this, Mercedes' sound designers have crafted a sporty sound profile for the CLE, noticeable when using the full rev range. Otherwise, the engine remains relatively quiet, contributing to the comfortable and smooth ride provided by the vehicle's suspension.
The CLE is a weekend cruiser suitable for extended getaways, although it is more at home under fair weather conditions. Occupants in the front seats enjoy a level of protection against the elements, while those in the back can experience the force of the wind and the feeling of freedom. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 4.7 seconds, showcasing the vehicle's power and creating a thrilling sensation when combined with the open-air experience.
The CLE can also be driven conservatively, as evidenced by its Airscarf system, which keeps the driver's neck warm on cooler days. This convertible also retains several traditional Mercedes features, such as the extended seat belt's whirring sound due to the absence of a B-pillar, and adjustable central touchscreen tilt to improve readability in bright sunlight.
Criticism of the CLE Cabriolet is limited, with Mercedes addressing issues such as the lack of haptic feedback in the seat adjustment buttons. The vehicle's pricing, however, remains a consideration, with the open six-cylinder still in the five-figure range, nearing the €100,000 threshold.
The 2025 Mercedes Cabriolet lineup includes the new CLE 450 and AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, alongside the traditional SL AMG 43 Convertible. The newer CLE models represent a modern iteration of Mercedes two-door convertibles, incorporating hybrid technology, all-wheel drive, and advanced luxury and tech features. Meanwhile, the SL AMG 43 remains a more classic luxury sports convertible with powerful AMG tuning and a traditional soft-top design. Overall, Mercedes manages to combine the traditional appeal of luxury roadsters with contemporary performance and technology advancements in its convertible lineup.
[1] https://www.ntv.de/auto/mercedes-cle-cabrio-test-blutresumee,9351075.html[2] https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/roadster/2025-sl-class[3] https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicles/coupe/cle-450-4matic[4] https://www.motor1.com/reviews/438602/2025-mercedes-benz-cle-450-coupe/[5] https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes/cle-2025-review
- While the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet offers a unique blend of luxury and performance, other vehicles of heading 8702, such as home-and-garden equipment or electric vehicles, do not share the same lifestyle association with open-air motoring and car-maintenance that this convertible possesses.
- In contrast to the CLE Cabriolet, cars like the home-and-garden equipment or electric vehicles do not typically evoke feelings of freedom or the need for car-maintenance, which are intrinsic parts of the car-lifestyle.
- As Mercedes-Benz expands its convertible lineup with hybrid technology, all-wheel drive, and advanced luxury and tech features in the CLE 450 and AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet, it is a stark contrast to the home-and-garden equipment, electric vehicles, cars, and car-maintenance that do not offer similar luxury and performance capabilities.
