The SLK (later SLC), SL roadsters, C-, E-, and S-Class cabrios. Suffice to say, you had plenty of options to get sunburnt in Singapore.

But now, the lineup has been streamlined, with the Mercedes-AMG SL holding its own as a standalone entity, while the C- and E-Class cabriolets merge into a single, sophisticated offering: the Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet.

Think of it as a ‘greatest hits’ collection of its predecessors, wrapped in one elegant package.

High-Tech Open-Top

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is pitched as a “harmonious blend” of the agility found in the C-Class with the luxurious comfort of the E-Class.

Its fabric roof opens or closes electronically in a swift 20 seconds at speeds of up to 59 km/h. Once the roof is stowed, Mercedes’ Airscarf system keeps the chill off your neck with a gentle flow of warm air.

Pair that with Aircap, which uses a deployable spoiler at the windscreen and a windbreak behind the rear seats to keep cabin turbulence to a minimum, and you’ve got yourself a refined open-top experience.

Comfort With A View

There isn’t a direct predecessor the CLE Cabriolet can compare to, but great legroom, shoulder room, and elbow room.

Rear passengers, however, should ideally be petite unless the roof is down.

The boot impresses for a convertible, offering 385 litres of space with the roof up (about the size of a Volkswagen Golf).

Even with the roof down, you’re left with 295 litres, but the clever auto-partition system ensures you won’t need to fiddle with dividers manually.

Tech Is A Mixed Bag

The tech suite is quintessentially modern Mercedes: comprehensive but occasionally overwhelming. An 11.9-inch touchscreen handles most of the car’s functions.

The climate controls live exclusively on the touchscreen, and the touch-sensitive surfaces can be finicky. That said, the ability to tilt the central screen to avoid glare is a thoughtful touch.

On the plus side, the cabin materials are impeccable, and the Burmester sound system is an acoustic delight. Just steer clear of the carbon-fibre-effect trims; this car deserves a classier spec.

Even the leather seats reflect heat, ensuring comfort in sunnier climes. And for those who like their tech indulgent, yes, you can even watch TikTok on the screen. Progress, indeed.

Effortless Elegance If You Take It Easy

If you’re a Mercedes fan, you’ll know the cabriolets have always played the role of laid-back luxury cruisers.

The CLE stays true to its roots. It features sports suspension that sits 15mm lower as standard. At cruising speeds, it glides serenely, with nary a whisper from the wind, whether the roof is up or down.

Light throttle inputs make the 9-speed automatic gearbox behave like a seamless single-speed unit.

But perfection is elusive. Singapore only gets the CLE200 variant, and the throttle response feels sluggish, even in the livelier Sport+ mode. Even if you push it, it doesn’t quite offer the engagement you might hope for too.

Yet, when the roof’s down, you tend to forgive it all. After all, isn’t open-top motoring about basking in the moment rather than chasing outright precision?

So What Happens When You Get Spirited?

Should you wish to still push the CLE into fun territory, it won’t disappoint. The steering, while not brimming with feedback, is precise enough to position the car with confidence.

It corners with surprising composure; flat and sure-footed.

As is often the case with luxury cabrios, a larger engine will do more justice for the CLE.

The 2-litre porker punching 201bhp and 320Nm of torque is adequate for most folks, but a wish-list CLE 450 variant will be the sweet spot for those looking for something more engaging. 

A Convertible for All Seasons

The Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet is a compelling blend of style, comfort, and capability. It’s not a sports car, but it doesn’t pretend to be. Instead, it excels at delivering a refined open-top experience with just enough agility to keep things interesting.

It’s a car that makes every journey feel special, from sunset drives along East Coast to evening jaunts through the city. And isn’t that what a proper convertible should do?

In the CLE Cabriolet, Mercedes has crafted a car that’s as enjoyable to drive as it is to simply sit back and enjoy the view. Roof down, of course.

Technical Specifications

Mercedes-Benz CLE200 Cabriolet

Engine: 1,999cc in-line 4 turbocharged, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 150 kW (201 bhp)
Torque: 320 Nm
Gearbox: 9-speed G-Tronic (A)
0-100km/h: 7.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 236 km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.1km/L (claimed)

Price: S$394,888 (AMG Line) with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Mercedes-Benz Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Think of it as the GranTurismo’s more fun-loving, slightly rebellious sibling, swapping a hardtop for an elegant fabric roof that disappears at the push of a button. Maserati’s latest creation is here to remind us that driving isn’t just about getting from point A to point B, it’s also about looking good while doing it.

The GranCabrio arrives in the high-performance Trofeo trim, carrying a price tag of SGD 888,000 (excluding COE). Under the hood is a growling 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine, serving up a hefty 542hp.

That’s the kind of power that makes traffic lights feel more like launchpads, and highways feel like runways. It’s the car for those who like their drives with a side of adrenaline, all while turning heads at every corner.

And let’s talk about that soft top. Gone are the days of fiddling with roof latches or waiting ages to go topless (the car, of course). The GranCabrio’s fabric roof folds away in a cool 14 seconds—yes, even while you’re driving at up to 50 km/h.

Whether you’re taking a solo joyride or filling the four seats with friends, this convertible lets you bask in the sunshine, with the wind in your hair and the Nettuno engine purring like a contented tiger.

Of course, Maserati isn’t new to the open-top game. The GranCabrio pays tribute to the brand’s first road-going sports car, the 3500 GT, whose convertible version debuted back in 1959. Sixty-plus years later, Maserati is still proving that when it comes to luxury convertibles, they know exactly what they’re doing.

The GranCabrio is proudly 100% Italian-made, with every curve and detail oozing that unmistakable “la dolce vita” vibe.

Inside, the GranCabrio is just as suave as you’d expect. It’s not all about looking good, though—Maserati’s thought about comfort too. Need to stay toasty while cruising with the roof down? No problem. There’s a built-in neck warmer with three levels of cosy heat, so you can keep the chill at bay while staying effortlessly cool.

Want to keep turbulence from messing up your hair? There’s an optional wind stopper to keep things calm and collected in the cabin. Maserati has you covered—literally and figuratively.

Now, just because the roof is fabric doesn’t mean you’ll be sacrificing comfort. This soft top comes in five different colours and is engineered for top-tier thermal and acoustic insulation. Translation?

You can still enjoy your Spotify playlist or carry on a conversation without shouting, even when the top’s down.

In a city where luxury cars are a status symbol, the Maserati GranCabrio is sure to stand out in a sea of predictable choices. It’s the car for those who want to make an entrance, but also enjoy the journey.

Whether you’re cruising along the expressway or taking the scenic route to Sentosa, the GranCabrio makes every trip feel like a mini-vacation, complete with an Italian soundtrack courtesy of that glorious Nettuno engine.

Just don’t forget your sunglasses.

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On 1 March 2024 in Modena, Italy, Maserati debuted GranCabrio, Maserati’s latest creation dedicated to driving enthusiasts who demand the greatest
levels of comfort and style. GranCabrio is a brand-new and equally elegant open-top version of its GranTurismo coupe twin.

At launch, the Maserati GranCabrio will be available in the Trofeo trim level, featuring the six-cylinder internal combustion Nettuno engine, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo with 542hp that serves as the unmistakable roaring heart of the highest-performance cars in the Trident range.

On board the GranCabrio, the extraordinary performance of the Nettuno engine, which is the most powerful ever built for the Maserati GranTurismo, is combined with genuine, optimal comfort for long-distance travel, now with more “the sky’s the limit” sensation.

The Trident marque’s new convertible is 100% made in Italy and follows in the footsteps of the GranTurismo.

The roof is made of fabric, perfect to take up as little space as possible when automatically stored in the trunk space, where it is stowed in 14 seconds even when moving at speeds up to 50 km/h.

There’s ample space for four passengers, as GranCabrio is ideal for travelling with company or alone with the wind in your hair, savouring all the emotions of an outstanding drive and breathing in the most authentic Italian style.

Drop the top and experience the heightened sensation of the V6 engine roaring away. The union with the road and landscape is an incomparable experience that can only be offered by the spyder version of a grand touring coupe.

The “open-air experience” is enhanced by remarkable thermal and acoustic comfort, with the soft top available in five colours that can be operated from the central display via a touch button, for complete control and total autonomy.

The GranCabrio also features an innovative neck warmer as standard, to heat the driver and passenger’s necks at three different levels of intensity while the roof is down.

An optional wind stopper, which can be used with two passengers and folded manually, reduces the formation of turbulence inside the passenger
compartment and makes it possible to enjoy the best of the vehicle’s aerodynamics.

Created in parallel with the GranTurismo, the new GranCabrio is the result of the encounter between impeccable efficiency and the natural beauty of a car that over time has remained faithful to its identity: a monarch of style with the classic proportions typical of Maserati’s cars, while remaining cutting edge as the guardian of best-in-class mechanics and the latest technology.

Photo Credits: Maserati

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