2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet with Electrically Folding Fabric Roof Revealed

Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the convertible version of its CLE Coupe. It fundamentally replaces convertible versions of both the C-Class and E-Class coupes. The CLE Cabriolet, as referred to by the company, largely inherits the design of its coupe sibling and comes with unlimited headroom after removing the fixed roof. In lieu is a 'multi-layered fabric acoustic soft top', available in black, red, or grey colours. The soft top, according to the company, helps with thermal insulation and reduces wind and driving noise. It is electrically powered, and can open and close within 20 seconds at up to 60km/h (37mph). The 'powered roller divider' is a part of standard equipment to separate the folded soft top from the luggage compartment. However, when the top is down, the storage space in the trunk reduces to 295 litres from 385 litres (when the top is raised).  

Also standard with the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet are the 'Aircap' electric wind deflector system and the 'Airscarf' headroom heating system. The former incorporates a wind deflector above the windscreen to direct the airflow over the occupants' heads, along with an automatic wind deflector behind the rear head restraints to reduce turbulence in the cabin. Meanwhile, the latter fixed into the front headrests produces a warm airflow around the neck of the driver and co-driver.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Other Features

Other standard bits include Nappa leather seats, with an option for a special coating on the treated leather to reflect the sun's near-infrared rays and keep the leather up to 12 degrees cooler. Elsewhere, the car gets a free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch central display in user-friendly portrait format. The latter, according to Mercedes-Benz, can be electrically tilted from 15 to 40 degrees to avoid distracting glare when the soft top is down.

Like the Coupe, the Cabriolet offers seating configuration in a 2+2 layout, with the company offering 60:40 Split rear seats for additional space. On offer is also a 17-speaker Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos. 

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Dimensions, Design

Dimensionally, the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet measures 4,850mm in length, 1,861mm in width, and 1,424mm in height. It features a wheelbase of 2,865mm, offering more comfort to rear passengers. In terms of design, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet, like its coupe sibling, features sleek LED headlights and a trapezoidal grille with a pronounced 'shark nose', mirroring the C-Class' design.

Meanwhile, the full-width taillights linked by a dark red trim piece draw inspiration from the E-Class. The new Cabriolet is further characterised by its low silhouette, long bonnet, inclined A-pillar, and larger wheel arches. 

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Powertrain

The engine line-up, with mild-hybrid technology, includes a combination of 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains and either rear- or all-wheel drive. The top-spec CLE 450 4Matic uses a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, turbocharged engine accompanied by an integrated starter generator, cranking out 375bhp (381PS) and 500Nm. This setup incorporates an all-wheel-drive system and a 9-speed automatic transmission. As a result, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 250km/h.  

Meanwhile, the entry-level CLE 220d comes powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, diesel engine with 194bhp and 440Nm of torque. With 194bhp at its disposal, the rear-wheel-drive model goes from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds. The top speed is rated at 234km/h. Between the 220d and the 450 4Matic sit the 200 (RWD), 200 4Matic (AWD), and 300 4Matic (AWD). 

Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: Availability

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is scheduled to be launched in the European market in April 2024, followed by other markets including the U.S. As of now, the model is available for order in Germany.