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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Each model expands the Mercedes-Benz CLE range in its own way.

Performance buffs will be interested in the Mercedes-AMG CLE53. This one turns up the heat, without losing the refined design we’ve come to appreciate in the CLE Coupe. 

From its AMG-specific grille and bumpers to the flared fenders and widened track widths, the CLE53 exudes power.

Under the bonnet lies a turbocharged straight-six engine that churns out 442bhp and 560Nm of torque. With a temporary boost to 600Nm in ‘Overboost’ mode, the CLE53 rocks the century sprint in just 4.2 seconds. And with the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, power is sent to all four wheels for maximum traction.

The engine also benefits from double charging; one from the exhaust system and another from an electrical auxiliary compressor. This virtually eliminates turbo lag.

Agility is also ensured with rear-axle steering, sports suspension, and a high-performance brake system. And for those who crave even more, the optional AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package includes a RACE driving mode and a ‘Drift Mode’.

Inside, the CLE53 is all AMG. From the flat-bottomed AMG Performance steering wheel to the Nappa leather sports seats with AMG embossing, this car feels as aggressive as it looks. Twin displays with AMG-specific graphics complete the sporty cabin.

For the folks who like the open air, the topless Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet offers a change of scenery to the coupe. 

But unlike the Coupe, the CLE200 Cabriolet arrives solely in the AMG Line trim. That means you’re getting a racier exterior and an impressive list of standard features.

You’ll want to drop the top as often as possible, especially with the Cabriolet Comfort Package in tow. This package includes Aircap (additional wind deflectors) and Airscarf, which creates an “invisible scarf” of warm air from the headrests, keeping you cosy even when the breeze kicks in.

The Nappa leather seats are unique too, specially coated to keep them cooler under the relentless Singapore sun. Mercedes claims the coating can reduce the temperature of the seats by up to 12 degrees, saving you from the dreaded seat burn after parking outdoors. 

The tilting 11.9-inch central infotainment display is also a nifty addition, borrowed from the SL. Despite being a soft top, the CLE Cabriolet features acoustic damping for superior cabin insulation, keeping things quiet and peaceful inside.

Like the CLE200, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine delivers 201bhp and 320Nm of torque, promising a smooth yet responsive drive.

Rear passengers get an extra 14mm of legroom, along with increases in shoulder and elbow room, so everyone can ride in comfort.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore, mentioned, “At Mercedes-Benz, we are staying true to our goal of developing the most desirable cars in the world, and these two new cars are on the cutting edge of what we seek to bring to market.”

In a bittersweet moment, Claudius also announced that these would be the last models unveiled under his leadership in Singapore.

He will be moving on to a new role in South Africa, where he’ll serve as Executive Director and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz for the region. His successor is expected to take over in September 2024.

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