Mercedes-Benz has long been known for its sprawling convertible lineup, which at one point offered a bewildering array of options.
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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