Test drive: Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet: discovering open-air luxury with 258 hp

When Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new CLE generation, many saw it as a bold move: replacing the former C-Class and E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet with a single model that combined the best of both worlds. On paper, the CLE Cabriolet had the challenge of offering the elegance and comfort of a premium saloon, but with the emotional appeal of a modern convertible. After several days behind the wheel of the CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet, the impression is that Mercedes-Benz has achieved a notable balance between design, dynamics and open-air driving sensations.

The tested version features the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. This setup allows it to move with agility and offer sufficient thrust across the entire rev range, with a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration of around 6.4 seconds, also thanks to the integration of 48 V mild-hybrid assistance, which provides electrical support to improve efficiency and responsiveness.

Design and presence

The CLE Cabriolet retains the sober and sophisticated lines that characterise Mercedes-Benz convertibles, with a silhouette that exudes sportiness without flamboyance. Its length, close to 4.85 metres, gives it generous proportions for a four-seat convertible, with an exterior design that announces its elegant character both with the roof up and down.

The fabric roof blends well into the overall line and can operate on the move up to 60 km/h, which encourages spontaneous open-air use. The attention paid to acoustic and thermal comfort — noticeable even with the roof closed — shows that Mercedes-Benz has worked to reconcile the convertible experience with the insulation expected of a premium car.

Dynamics

On the move, the CLE 300 Cabriolet conveys a sense of solidity and refinement. The combination of the turbo engine with the mild-hybrid system and the transmission delivers smooth gear changes and a linear throttle response. On open roads, its 4MATIC all-wheel drive contributes to great stability, allowing the car to feel composed even in somewhat demanding conditions.

The suspension, though geared towards comfort, effectively filters out road irregularities; only when the surface becomes very uneven is some additional firmness perceived, which is common in well-engineered convertibles. The steering, precise and communicative, and the car’s overall balance allow for relaxed or more spirited driving depending on the driving modes available through the DYNAMIC SELECT system.

Interior and technology with well-integrated digitalisation

The interior of the CLE Cabriolet reflects Mercedes-Benz’s latest technological language, with a clearly digital approach that is nonetheless well integrated into the overall design. The star feature is the MBUX infotainment system, which revolves around two main screens.

In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, fully configurable, which can display everything from classic driving information to navigation maps or hybrid system data. Its legibility is clear, with good resolution and multiple visual modes depending on the selected driving programme.

In the centre of the dashboard stands out the 11.9-inch vertical touchscreen, slightly angled towards the driver. This panel concentrates practically all of the vehicle’s functions: navigation, climate control, driving modes, connectivity and car settings. In the case of the Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz has incorporated an electric screen tilt system, which reduces reflections when driving with the roof down, a practical detail that makes a difference in real-world use.

The quality of the materials is up to the brand’s usual standard: padded surfaces, good fit and finish, and a balanced combination of technology and elegance. The seats offer a good compromise between support and comfort, and the driving position is easy to find thanks to well-resolved ergonomics.

The climate control system and comfort assistants are designed for open-top driving, with solutions that keep the cabin temperature pleasant even with the roof open. All of this reinforces the idea that the CLE Cabriolet is not just a good-looking car, but a product designed to be genuinely used.

Driving sensations: balance over artifice

Behind the wheel, the Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 Cabriolet conveys a clear sense from the first kilometres: it is designed to enjoy the journey, not to impress with abrupt gestures. The power delivery of the four-cylinder engine is progressive and well modulated, with enough thrust to move with ease on both motorways and secondary roads, but always from a logic of refinement.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid system is felt more through what it doesn’t do than what it does: it smooths transitions, adds fluidity to manoeuvres and helps the whole car feel lighter than its dimensions would suggest. The 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox accompanies with smooth, well-spaced shifts, prioritising comfort, though it responds quickly when more throttle is demanded.

With the roof down, the CLE Cabriolet maintains good structural rigidity, which is key in this type of body. There are no creaks or spurious vibrations, even over uneven surfaces, and aerodynamic insulation is very well handled so that one can travel at legal speeds without fatigue. The 4MATIC traction adds an extra layer of confidence, especially on fast bends or on slippery asphalt, making the car feel stable and predictable.

It is not a sports convertible in the most radical sense, but it is a car that invites you to drive calmly, to link bends with precision and to enjoy the surroundings. It is at this point that the CLE 300 Cabriolet finds its true personality.