The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: A Luxurious Open-Top Experience
Mercedes-Benz is set to elevate the luxury convertible market with the launch of its all-new CLE Cabriolet, available in a single CLE 300 model variant. Arriving in Australian showrooms later this month, the 2024 CLE Cabriolet starts at $135,000 plus on-road costs, positioning it $10,100 above its coupe sibling.
A New Era for Mercedes Convertibles
Replacing the previous C-Class and E-Class Cabriolets, the CLE Cabriolet is Mercedes-Benz’s innovative response to the BMW 4 Series Convertible and the soon-to-be-retired Audi A5 Cabriolet. This new-generation soft-top combines the best of both predecessors, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology.
Key Features and Specifications
The CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet is packed with high-end features, ensuring a premium driving experience:
- Interior Luxury: AMG Line leather interior, 17-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, and an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system with Navigation Premium package and augmented reality.
- Comfort and Convenience: Heated front seats with memory function, wireless phone charging, dual-zone climate control, Active Parking Assist, and a 360-degree camera.
- Advanced Lighting and Wheels: Projector LED headlights and 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.
- Enhanced Convertible Features: The infotainment screen can be adjusted to reduce reflections when the roof is down. The seat belt feeder and special leather upholstery treatment help reflect heat in direct sunlight.
The fabric roof can be raised or lowered in about 20 seconds at speeds of up to 60km/h, providing flexibility and convenience for changing weather conditions.
Spacious and Practical
Despite its sporty design, the CLE Cabriolet offers practical storage solutions. The boot has a capacity of 295 litres with the roof down, expanding to 385 litres when the roof is up. Additionally, the 60/40-split folding rear seats provide extra room for larger items.
Performance and Power
Under the hood, the CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance, producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission, combined with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, propels the car from 0-100km/h in a brisk 6.6 seconds.
Future Variants
While the current lineup does not include a CLE 200 entry model for the Cabriolet, which starts at $103,900 for the coupe, there are hints of a future Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 flagship model. This high-performance variant is expected to join the range alongside the forthcoming hard-top version.
Price Overview
- CLE 200 – $103,900
- CLE 300 4MATIC – $124,900
- CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet – $135,000Prices exclude on-road costs
- Prices exclude on-road costs
Conclusion
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet promises to deliver a luxurious and exhilarating open-top driving experience. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, superior comfort, and dynamic performance, the CLE Cabriolet is poised to make a significant impact in the Australian luxury convertible market. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed reviews as this exciting new model arrives in showrooms.